Background Intensive rice cultivation dominates land use in the western Po river plain regions of Piedmont and Lombardy (Italy). Mechanised agriculture in these regions has threatened lowland habitats, leaving only artificial springs, small wetlands, scrubland and irrigation channels as semi-natural habitat features. Forest areas are also fragmented and connectivity between riparian woodlands is limited. The hydromorphology of riparian zones has been further altered by the introduction of intensive poplar plantations, removal of willows and restrictions on natural fluvial dynamics. This combination of impacts on habitats has changed the distribution of some species and severely inhibited the presence of others. Despite such issues, the Po river plain’s fluvial habitats continue to provide important breeding and feeding grounds for European birds, including bee-eater (Merops apiaster), terns (Sterna hirundo and Sterna albifrons), sand martin (Riparia riparia), herons, gull and duck species. However, habitat management in the area is made more challenging by a mosaic of landownership, which makes it difficult to apply territorial approaches. Objectives The main objectives of the ECO-RICE project were to safeguard and improve key forest sites and riverine ecological corridors in the Po river plain; to identify rice fields for the development of an ecological network; to implement forest management models aimed at improving nesting conditions for heron; to pilot an integrated territorial land management approach (at provincial scale) that brings together all relevant public and private sector stakeholders; to raise awareness about the aims, actions and benefits associated with the ecological network; and to monitor the socio-economic and environment impacts of the newly-established ecological network. Results The ECO-RICE project strengthened core forest areas in the Po river plain area, through the purchase of about 27 ha of land plots, mainly ex-rice fields and other cultivated areas. The project restored three forest habitat types on these land plots: riparian mixed forests (91F0), European oak or oak-hornbeam forest (9160), and alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (91E0). These actions were conducted in three SPA and three SCI sites, including the Po river park, the islet of Ritano, the Trino woodlands, the marshes of San Genuario, and the Vercelli rice paddies. Restoration actions included the cutting of invasive plant species and the planting of native species. Quercus rubra was eradicated, for instance, over about 2.5 ha. The project planted 2.48 ha to restore habitat 9160, 16 ha to restore habitat 91F0 and 0.45 ha to restore habitat 91E0. Innovative silvicultural techniques were tested and applied to create habitat conditions for target bird species. In particular, the project elaborated specific forest management guidelines for the conservation of heronries. A programme of monitoring activities was conducted, involving experts, to assess the effectiveness of project actions. The project established habitat stepping stones in the rice-field environment through the direct involvement of rice farmers. This restoration work included planting shrubs, hedges, small woods and transforming ex-cultivated rice fields into wetlands. In the Risaie vercellesi SPA, farmers helped restore artificial springs and ditches, planted shrubs and plants, and restored a former rice field into a wetland of total area 1.61 ha. Moreover, five artificial springs and two wetlands (4 000 m2 and 700 m2) were restored in the Trino woodland SCI/SPA; while about 5 ha of marsh habitat was restored in the San Genuario and San Silvestro marshes SCI/SPA, completing the restoration that was started in the SAN GENUARIO (LIFE00 NAT/IT/007209) LIFE project. The direct involvement of local farmers to establish stepping stones was a key project success. This led to the replication of project interventions in other sites in Vercelli province. Nine farms obtained funds from the Rural Development Plan funds to replicate the project’s actions. For example, thanks to these funds, one landowner is planting 1 500 m of hedges, along with plants and shrubs inside the farm; while another landowner turned 2 ha of rice field into wetland, and planted further shrubs and plants. Moreover, the project farmers started to produce macrobiotic rice. Two of the project farmers, who sell rice directly to the public, intend to offer guided visits to the restored sites on their land. One of them has produced new rice packaging, showing a bird with an explanation of the relevance of the site and the LIFE project. Moreover, the Vercelli province is creating a route among the rice fields for tourists, including the restored sites. This will bring direct economic benefits for farmers. The project disseminated its findings widely. It opened a public office to provide information and assistance for farmers; produced tools to raise awareness among farmers and the general public; and organised three local workshops, a national workshop, two international workshops and a final conference. Awareness among the farmers about the importance of nature restoration in the rice ecosystem has greatly increased thanks to the project. The project also contributed to a more general change in attitude to rice agriculture, seeing it not just as a productive activity but also as a sustainable activity that can improve nature conservation and create new eco-tourism opportunities. Some collaborations between farms and nature tourism operators starting during the project. The project enabled the provincial Ecological Network to put into place ecological connections between relevant sites, such the woodland of Trino and the San Genuario marsh. It also contributed to the establishment of the Sponde fluviali di Palazzolo Vercellese SCI, and to the enlargement of the Risaie vercellesi SPA. Overall, the project helped implement the Habitats and Birds Directives. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).