The project focused on habitat conservation measures in nine areas: Mosoni-síkság, Kiskunsági szikes puszták, Solti-síkság, Dévaványai-sík, Kis-Sárrét, Bihari-síkság, Hortobágy, Borsodi-Mezőség, and Hevesi-sík. All of these were to be classified as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive. Within the framework of the project, management plans were drawn up for these SPAs.

Land was purchased at key locations, such as display and wintering grounds, to complement earlier efforts by Hungarian nature conservation organisations. The land acquired became strict preservation zones and was managed to create favourable habitats with year-round feeding opportunities and limited disturbance during the most critical periods of the bustards’ life cycle.

The project undertook actions to reduce key factors of mortality. A national network of regional field officers was established to locate and safeguard nests threatened by agricultural work. Egg and chick mortality was reduced through the formulation and implementation of a national Predator Management Plan. Adult mortality was addressed by removing dangerous sections of power lines crossing traditional display or wintering grounds. Winter mortality was mitigated by growing oilseed rape and alfalfa and by clearing snow from foraging areas in emergency situations when the population would otherwise have faced starvation.

A comprehensive monitoring programme recorded changes in population parameters, habitats, and numbers of key predator species.

An intensive communication programme targeted farmers, game managers, and political decision-makers at local and national levels. It increased awareness among these groups and helped generate support for conservation measures for the Great Bustard, including the designation of Natura 2000 sites important for the species.