In order to cope with the fast and increasing habitat fragmentation in the Danube region. ConnectGREEN aims at improving the ecological connectivity between natural habitats, especially between Natura 2000 sites and other protected area categories in the Carpathian ecoregion of transnational relevance. As a first step, the project will develop a Carpathian-wide methodology and based on this it will identify core areas and ecological corridors used by large carnivores as umbrella species. Existing tools, instruments and frameworks will be explored and assessed to find ways together with spatial planners to legally and/ or effectively foster the connectivity approach in practice. At the level of 4 transnationally relevant pilot sites, the ecological corridors will be identified in more detail by using the above mentioned methodology. Physical barriers and other threats will be identified in these areas and integrated together with other spatial data categories into the Carpathian Countries Integrated Biodiversity Information System (CCIBIS). Specific management and restoration measures will be developed in a participative way with key stakeholders (conservationists, spatial planners, authorities, hunters, foresters, etc.) for safeguarding the ecological connectivity in each pilot site. The Decision Support Tool (DST), created by the spatial planners (and included in CCIBIS) will support this process by overlapping and analysing a broad range of spatial data and various individual scenarios. A Strategy will be developed based on the methodology and the project’s findings on identifying, preserving, and managing ecological corridors focusing on large carnivores movement needs in the region. It will be enforced by the parties to the Carpathian Convention with the support of relevant ASPs. A capacity building programme will be set up for conservationists and spatial planners to contribute to this endeavour and ensure durable outcomes.