In 2004 Poland joined European Union as a new Member State. In terms of nature conservation it meant following the guidelines of Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) and implementing them into national law. Main subjects of new regulations was designation of the network of protected areas known as NATURA 2000 and preparation of management plans for habitats and species listed in Annex II of Habitat Directive. One of the pilot species chosen for management plan preparation, among others was Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus). This amphibian is widespread in Europe but has suffered severe declines in most of the 37 known range countries. It is listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List.
I want to present the approach, work and result we obtained during management plan preparation. The core part of a plan is holistic approach to the conservation measures. We followed the scheme: threat-aim-activities. After presenting outcome of our work I want to show also how the guidelines of the plan are meeting the reality.