The lack of communication among Romanian bat researchers indirectly, but seriously threatens one of most diverse and largest bat faunas of Europe. Approaches to bat conservation differ, with no working national bat monitoring. Guidelines for ethical bat research are missing. The only national bat research conference was ten years ago. With no clear example to follow, the attitude of the public and the media is still unpredictable.

My project will give a critical mass to Romanian bat conservation, by enhancing the communication inside the local bat research community, and by securing public support for bats and bat conservation. To reach this, I will (1) activate a complex online portal at www.lilieci.ro, (2) organize the 2nd National Bat Research Conference, (3) create ethical bat research guidelines and protocols for sustainable communication, and (4) offer the public clear and engaging information about bats.

The project requires funds of around 3.700 GBP. Out of this amount, the Sachsen-Anhalt Bat Group (Germany) generously donated 800 GBP, which will be used to create the bat portal at www.lilieci.ro. The amount obtained on JustGiving will be used for the following:

- publicizing the portal www.lilieci.ro, by distributing stickers (500 copies), informative brochures (500 copies), and displaying attractive roll-ups. Budget required: ~650 GBP.

- securing the longevity of the bat portal, by long-term web hosting and by regular software updates. Budget required: ~550 GBP.

- organizing the 2nd National Bat Research Conference (Autumn 2016), with approx. 30-40 participants, and a duration of max. 4 days. Budget required: 1.600 GBP.

- communication costs during the project (phone, internet, distributing informative materials). Budget required: 100 GBP.

The project will finish in January 2017, and will have an overall positive impact on the Romanian bat fauna. All contributions will be acknowledged on the bat portal and during the bat conference.