Fundamental improvements of habitat quality were possible by implementing the ReCo pilot actions on habitats. Degraded pearl mussel creeks could be brought to a much better near-natural state in Germany, the Czech Republic saw the improvement of wet meadow management pushing biodiversity and in Slovenia an already important base for breeding and migrating birds could be upgraded with further mudflats and islands. Also in Slovenia, a pilot concentrated on saving the extensive daffodil meadows, a striking and exceptional sight during bloom, for future generations - successfully, as it turned out, as management measures could be established. The revitalization of overgrown dry karstic grasslands in Italy with various species new to the area discovered during implementation complements the set of ambitious habitat restoration activities in the ReCo pilot areas.

The European bison is one of the most charismatic animals inhabiting Europe, with wild stocks being extremely rare and local today. One ReCo pilot action gathered nouveau knowledge on the animals in Poland by collaring them and collecting extensive telemetry data that is now making targeted optimization and conservation measures possible. The other pilot action on species focused on the European wildcat, an animal brought to extinction over much of its former range. Two European wildcats were released in Thayatal National Park in Austria to allow recolonization, also of neighboring Podyji National Park in Czechia, where wetland creation improved and diversified wildcat habitats.

The ReCo Transnational Restoration and Connectivity Strategy for the European Green Belt in Central Europe defines concrete activities and key areas for future actions and investments to further restoration and connectivity functions in the European Green Belt. Besides defining concrete strategical actions for managing and developing the European Green Belt during the coming decade, it contains a set of carefully selected existing example activities that have already been realized. These can serve as an easy to use toolbox for future activities.

Two Joint Practicioners' Guides on restoration activities targeted on habitats and species sum up strategical recommendations from the implementation of ReCo's pilot actions. The guides give both general and concrete recommendations on ecological restoration. They are available for download in the Media section of this web site.

These jointly developed regional restoration & connectivity plans identify suitable activities and areas for future restoration measures promoting connectivity of valuable habitats in the six selected sections of the Central Europe Green Belt, including adjacent valuable areas. This contributes to an improved biodiversity and ecological status of the whole area. The regional plans were endorsed by various regional stakeholders in the ReCo regions where restoration activities have been undertaken.