Background The Colli Euganei regional park is visited by thousands of tourists attracted by the beautiful green hills, thermal baths, medieval villages (home to the famous poet Petrarch) and local wines. However, expansion of the area of vineyards has lead to a serious reduction in the area of grassland of high natural value. These areas are also threatened by the invasion of alien trees, such as false acacia and tree of heaven. The latter also represent a problem for oak woods, together with coppicing and forest fires. Objectives The goal of the project - the conservation of the habitats of EU interest within the park – is one of the objectives of the Rural Development Plan for Veneto region. The Colli Euganei park will guarantee the long-term sustainable management of grasslands and hydrophilous vegetation of EU importance through preparation and implementation of management plans for these habitats. Grasslands will also be cleaned of invasive alien species, and periodically mowed, while hedge planting will reduce pollution of wetlands by agriculture. Reconversion of oak coppice to tall forest stands and reintroduction of traditional management of chestnut woods will be achieved through agreements with landowners. Finally, tourist flows will be regulated through construction of fences and paths and placing of information panels in the most sensitive areas. Results The project managed to achieve the major part of its planned objectives, although, in some cases, with a significant delay (more than one year). One such instance was the management plan for the SCI. Once written, this was approved by the Regione Veneto. Conservation of priority habitats was secured, primarily 100 ha of valuable semi-arid grassland (called ‘Vegri’ locally), as well as the purchase/long-term leasing of two relevant sites for nature protection. A total of 7.5 km of fencing was erected along critical areas to control access. The LIFE project restored Quercus pubescens and chestnut woodlands, demonstrating that such areas can be recovered and protected from degradation. Five small wetland areas belonging to private owners and home to interesting amphibian fauna were also restored. Actions to protect the Peregrine falcon have led to one couple regularly nesting at Rocca Pendice, with positive breeding results. Awareness-raising and dissemination activities involved the production of leaflets, an expanded version of the Layman's report and a website in Italian and English. Two workshops were also organized.