Strasbourg, 14 February 2006                                                                                               T-PVS/Emerald (2006) 2

[T-PVS/Emerald02. e_06 ]                                                                                                                                  English only

CONVENTION ON THE conservation of EUROPEAN wildlife

and natural habitats

Group of Experts for the setting up

of the Emerald Network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest

---ooOoo---

Emerald Network Pilot Project in Azerbaijan

- Report-

Document established by

the Malta Environment & Planning Authority


1. Introduction

    The Republic of Azerbaijan covers almost 86,600 km2 in the South Caucasus on western coast of Caspian Sea among the mountain rangers of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus and the Tallish mountains ( latitudes 38*25” and 41* 55” North and longitudes 44*50” and 50*23” East).

     Azerbaijan borders with Russian Federation (Dagestan Republic) in the North (approximately 340 km), with Georgia in the northwest (approximately 340 km), with Armenia in the southwest (approximately 760 km), while Armenia separates Azerbaijan from the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan which borders Turkey (11 km), and Iran in the south (more than 600 km). Eastern border lies through the Caspian Sea between Russia, Turkmenistan and Iran, the coastline being more than 825 km.

       The territory of the country includes the south-east part of the Greater Caucasus and a part of the Lesser Caucasus, Tallish Mountains, and the Kour-Araz Lowlands situated between them. The Republic also includes some islands located along western coast of Caspian Sea. The average height of the Republic is 348 m. above sea level, varying from a maximum 4 466 m. (Bazar-Duzi Mountain), and a minimum of 27 m. below sea level on the Caspian Sea coast. 18 percent of the territory is below the world sea level. Valleys and lowlands occupy over 39 percent, low and average height hills (up to 2 500 m.) 39.5 percent, high mountains (above 2 500 m.) 3.5 percent of the territory.

      The climate of Azerbaijan is determined by its geographical position, topography, and the Caspian Sea. There are several marked climatic zones, depending on  altitude and distance from the Caspian Sea: dry subtropical, wet subtropical, temperate, and alpine climates. Dry subtropical climate is typical for the Kour-Araz lowlands and Absheron Peninsula. A wet subtropical climate is found only in the south Tallish mountains, and is typical in the foothills and the Lenkaran Lowland. The temperate climate dominates the mountain slopes of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus covered by forests and is divided into dry, warm dry, warm wet and cool zones. The average annual temperature varies from 14C in the lowlands and 0C and below in highlands. The average temperature for July in the lowlands is 25-27C and in the highlands 5C.

       The orography of the republic creates favorable conditions for the discharge of all local waters into the Caspian Sea, and in only a few cases water remains in small enclosed lake. The orographic conditions, i.e. the existence of the vast Kour-Araz Lowland and the grouping of mountain range in the outlying districts of the republic has resulted in a weak division of the territory into independent river basins and has given rise to the dominance of the Kour River. Except for the rivers of northeast Azerbaijan and the slopes of the Tallish Mountains, all the other rivers are in the Kour River basin.

The river network of republic accounts for more than 8350 rivers of different size with an overall length of  33 665 km.

         The Kour River is the biggest water way not only of Azerbaijan, but also of the whole Caucasus. Within the republic’s territory its length is about 900 km, with a total length more than 1500 km. The second big water way of the republic is the Araz River, the right tributary of the Kour River.

           There are more than 400 lakes in republic. The surface area of most lakes is not large: in fact no more than 0,1 km2.

       There are 4 big, more than 50 small and medium-sized water reservoirs, and about 80 fresh-water irrigation lakes in the Republic.

     The region is internationally recognized as one of the 25 most important global hot spots due to its high biological diversity (especially endemic, rare and relict species) and very endangered ecosystems. The geographical position of Azerbaijan, at the boundary of Europe and Asia, caused the development of very diversified terrestrial ecosystems in which species of both continents can be found (southern species such as gazelle, leopard, striped hyena, and typically North European species such as wolf, brown bear, chamois, lynx and wild boar). It also provides habitats to some endangered bird species of Southern Europe, such as the white-headed duck, ferruginous duck, and to some globally endangered ones (lesser white-fronted goose). This, in particular, increases the importance of its wetlands, which serve as wintering and nesting areas. Endemic sea species, sturgeon and other fish species, as well as seal, characterize the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea.

     Over 4500 species of higher vascular plants, 730 species of mushrooms, 893 species of lichens, and 46 species of bryophytes are  registered on the territory of  Republic. Nowadays the animal kingdom of Azerbaijan includes about 18 000 species pertaining to different types of unicellular and multicellular. There are is a great variety of types of worms, both, parasites and free-living. There is a great variety of insects – over 14 000 species, arachnids – over 11 000 species, 620 vertebrate species inhabit the territory of Republic, which may be subdivided into 97species of mammals,  348 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles, 10 amphibian species, 101 fish species and 1 species of cyclostomata.   

      Protected nature areas in Azerbaijan cover a surface of 593.190 ha that is 8 % of the country’s area. Currently, there are 38 protected areas, of which 6 are national parks, 13 are strict nature reserves, 19 are sanctuaries:

 List of specially protected natural territories of Azerbaijan

Name of  SPNT

IUCN  category

Area (ha)

Year of creation

National Parks

Shirvan

1a

54373

2003

Ordubad

1a

12131

2003

Aggol

1a

17924

2003

Hirkan

1a

21435

2004

Altiagac

1a

11035

2004

Absheron

1a

783

2005

State nature reserves

Gey-Gel

1a

7 331

1925

Zakatala

1a

25 218

1929

Gyzyl-Agach

1a

88 400

1929

Turianchay

1a

12 630

1958

Pirguli

1a

1 512

1968

Shirvan

1a

25 800

1969

Basitchay

1a

107

1974

Ag-Gel

1a

4 400

1978

Garayazy

1a

4 900

1978

Ismailly

1a

5 778

1979

Ilisu

1a

17381

1987

Gara-Gel

1a

300

1987

Eldar Shami

1a

1686

2004

State Nature Sanctuaries

Gara-Yazy-Akstafa

4

12 000

1923

Sheki

4

9 100

1954

Lachin

4

20 000

1961

Glinany Island

4

 150

1961

Byandovan

4

30 000

1961

Gorchay

4

15 000

1961

Gusar

4

15 000

1964

Shamkhor

4

10 000

1964

Barda

4

7 600

1966

Ismailly

4

40 000

1969

Zuvand

4

15 000

1969

Ordubad

4

40 000

1969

Gubadly

4

20 000

1969

Gizil –Agach

4

10 700

1978

Gizilja

4

5 100

1984

Dashalty

4

450

1988

Gabala

4

39 700

1993

Arazboyu

4

2 200

1993

Qax

4

36836

2004

      Azerbaijan acceded the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, 1979) in March 2000. Azerbaijan Parliament approved in 2000 the law “On Specially protected natural areas and objects”, which provides the legal base for the development of the ecological network in the country.

2. Framework of the pilot project

The framework of the Pilot Project is defined by the Contract No. 134/2004 as follows:

1. Set up a National Team of experts related to the development of the Emerald Network which should comprise technical, administrative and scientific persons;

2. Organize a workshop, during which the above mentioned team will be initiated to the Emerald principles and technicalities by the staff and the expert of the Council of Europe. In this work the Emerald Network software will be installed and explained together with instructions concerning the scientific background of the data collection;

3. Evaluate the results on presence of species and habitats within each biogeographical region in the country;

4. Construct a pilot database on real sites, which will eventually become Emerald sites using the Emerald software.

3. Legal basis for developing the network

Bern Convention, Articles No. 1,2, 3, 4, 6b, 9

Resolutions No 1 (1989), 3 and 4 (1996,) 5 and 6 (1998)

Recommendations No14 and 16 (1989), No. 25 (1991)

4. Main reference documents

The main reference documents that lay down the framework of Emerald Network are:

1.    Document T-PVS/Emerald (2000) 1 rev – Building up the Emerald network: a guide for Emerald network country team leaders

2.    Document T-PVS/Emerald (2001) 51 – The Emerald network – a network of Areas of Special Conservation Interest for Europe

3.    Document T-PVS/Emerald (99) 2 – Emerald software version 1.1. User Manual (1999)

5. Establishing National Team

       The National Emerald Network Team in Azerbaijan was established in April 2005.

The core group of  national team consists of 8 people representing technical, scientific and administrative experts and institutions with various backgrounds. The project co-ordinator and administrator are representatives of the Ministry of the Ecology and Natural Resources, which is responsible for project implementation.

The structure of the team is as follows :

– Faiq Sadigov - team leader – Ministry of  Ecology and Natural Resources;

– Sadagat Mamedova - fauna expert – Ministry of  Ecology and Natural Resources;

– Emin Mustafayev - technical expert - Ministry of  Ecology and Natural Resources;

– Elshad Askerov - fauna expert – WWF, Azerbaijan;

– Elena Tagieva - plant expert - Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences;

– Ilyas Babayev - fauna expert – Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences;

- Tavakkul Iskenderov - fauna expert – Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences;

 - Xalid Aliyev - fauna expert – Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences.

6. The Emerald Network pilot project workshop

        The technical workshop was organized in Baku, at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, on 26-27 July 2005.

       The workshop was opened by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mr. Hussein Bagirov. After the welcome words Minister noted importance of relations of Azerbaijan with the international organizations, especially with such as Council of Europe and European Union. In the opening speech Mr.Bagirov also gave a detailed overview about actions carried out by the country in sphere of conservation of the environment, about creation for short term of 6 national parks and other especially protected natural territories and also expansion 5 existing reserves.

      During the workshop Ms. Helene Bouguessa from the Council of Europe explained the legal framework of the Emerald Network, criteria for selection of ASCI-s and presented relevant Emerald documentation.

       Mr. Roekaerts, consultant for the Council of Europe explained the main features of the Emerald Network database and the Standard Data Entry form and demonstrated the final version of the Emerald network software and provided detailed explanation step-by-step on the introduction of the data into the software.

     The workshop itself was working in three plenary sessions and at workshop there were representatives of  Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, National Academy of Sciences and relevant NGO.

                         List of participants

                                                                  

1.      Prof. Gussein Bagirov                              Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources

2.      Mrs Helene Bouguessa                           Principal administrative assitant, Natural

                                                                     Heritage and Biological Diversity  

                                                                     Division, Couincil of  Europe        

3.  Mr Marc Roekaerts                                    Consultant of Couincil of  Europe

4   Ilqar Ibrahimli                                            Executive Director of Information  

                                                                         Office of Couincil of Europe in the 

                                                                         Republic of Azerbaijan                                                                        

      

5. Issa Aliyev                                                        Head of International Cooperation  

                                                                         Division (MENR)

                                                                                

6. Faig Sadigov                                                Lead advisor, International Cooperation 

                                                                          Division (MENR)

7. Emin Garabaghli                                      Lead advisor, International Cooperation 

                                                                          Division (MENR)

                                                                             

8. Emin Mustafayev                                    Lead advisor, Division of International 

                                                                          Cooperation  (MENR)

9. Sadagat Mammadova                              Director of department for bioresources  

                                                                          and Specially protected areas (MENR)

                                                                                

10 Hikmat Alizade                                           Deputy director of department for  

                                                                          bioresources and specially protected  

                                                                          areas (MENR)

                                                                              

11. Eldar Sariyev                                             Deputy head of department for  

                                                                          bioresources and specially protected  

                                                                          areas (MENR)

12.Arzu Mustafayev          -                          Director of Shirvan National Park

                                                                          (MENR)

13.  Gulnaz Amrahova                               Senior advisor, department of bioresources

                                                                  and specially  protected areas (MENR)

14.  Elshan Majidov                               lead advisor, department of bioresources and 

                                                                   specially  protected areas (MENR)

                                                                                                 

15.  Nigar Abdurahmanova                         advisor, department of bioresources and 

                                                                  specially  protected areas (MENR)

16.  Elshad Asgarov                                WWF, Azerbaijan 

  

17.  Ilyas Babayev                                        Research worker of Zoology institute, 

                                                                  National Academy of Sciences

18.  Tavakkul Iskenderov                          Research worker of Zoology institute, 

                                                                  National Academy of Sciences

19.  Elena Tagiyeva                                   Research worker of botany institute,

                                                                   National Academy of Sciences

                                                                            

20. Xalid Aliyev                                         Research worker of zoology institute,        

                                                                    National Academy of Sciences

21.Azer Garayev                                    Head of society for protection of                 

                                                                    domestic animals, NGO

7. National legislative framework for biodiversity conservation

Improvement of the nature conservation legislation determines the effectiveness of the biodiversity management system.  During the years of independence of the Azerbaijan Republic the following legislative acts regulating environmental issue relating to a certain extent to the problem of conservation and rational utilization of biodiversity:

- The Law of the Azerbaijan Republic “ On Protection of Environment”

- The Forestry Code of the Azerbaijan Republic

- The Land Code of the Azerbaijan Republic

- The Law of the Azerbaijan Republic  “On Fisheries”

- The Law “On Animal World”

- The Law “On Specially protected natural areas and objects”,

The Law “ On Protection of Environment”, determines the legal, economical and social basis of environmental conservation in the interests of the present and future generations and is directed to the prevention of harmful impacts of economic activities on biological diversity.

The Law “On Animal World”, “On Fisheries”, The law “On Specially Protected Nature Areas” and “The Forestry Code of the Azerbaijan Republic» are directly related to the objectives on conservation and balanced utilization of biological diversity.

The law on Specially Protected Nature Areas defines the following categories of protected area at the national level:

·         Strict Nature reserve;

·         National Park;

·         Nature Park

·         Ecological park

·         State Natural Sanctuary

·         Nature Monument;

·         Zoological park

·         Botanical garden

·         Medical - improving places and resorts

·         Hunting management

8. Conventions and international agreements ratified by Azerbaijan

*Convention on World Cultural and Natural Heritage;

*Convention on Biological Diversity;

*Washington Convention On International Trade in Endangered Species of wild animal and plants” (CITES);

*CONVENTION ON THE conservation of EUROPEAN wildlife and natural habitats

*Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Significance.

9.  Activities within National Team

After technical workshop was held in 26-27 July some meetings of National Emerald Team have been carried out. At the first meeting experts have been familiarized with three base documents of Emerald Network. At the second meeting expert team discussed potential territories for inclusion in "Emerald Network" and after consultation it was accepted each expert should include his relevant part to separate map (according species, listed in Resolution No. 6 and habitats listed in Resolution No 4).

In the subsequent meeting each expert has presented the list of relevant sites in maps and after discussion expert group created separate map. Following this map in the territory of Azerbaijan has been allocated 5 sites, which correspond to requirements of Emerald Network.

  Selected ASCIs

code

Name

Biogeographical region

AZ000001

Zangezur- Daridag

Alpine

AZ000002

Mingecaur-Turyanchay

Stepic

AZ000003

Zagatala-Ilisy

Alpine

AZ000004

Shahdag

Alpine

AZ000005

  Hirkan

Alpine

Site location is shown on the “Map of proposed Emerald Sites in Azerbaijan”(Appendix 1)

1. Zangezur – Daridag (total area  49000 hectares)

Zangezur – Daridag region combines the physical-geographical districts of the Middle Araz subregion of the front Asia plateau.

Territory occupies the left side of the Araz River and covers  the mountainous territory of Nakhchivan. Its relief increases to 600-3900 m. The main forms of relief are:  cones of drift, river terraces and alluvial plains.

The climate of the district is represented by the climate of cold semi-deserts and dry steppes with a dry summer. The precipitation amount is no more than 300-1200 mm. Its relief increases out to 1300-3900 . The major part of the territory is formed of volcanogenic and volcanogenic-sedimentary deposits.

The district is characterized by two types of climate : cold with a dry summer and cold climate of the high mountains.

The first type covers the whole mountainous territory and latter – narrow line of the near peak area of the Zangezur Range (3200-3900 m).

The development of  topsoil is in strict accordance with the vertical distribution of zone. The mountain-chestnut soil with plateau –xerophite-phrygoide vegetation and post-timber meadows and meadows steppes are spread in the low-mountain areas and in the low part of the middle-mountain areas; mountain-timber brown typical and alcali soil with high mountain – Sub alpine meadows and meadow steppes are spread in the middle mountain areas. In the high-mountain area mountain-meadow turf soil with high-mountain alpine meadow are developed. In some places separate forest blades dominated with Araz beeches  have been preserved.

      The area is rich in rare plants and fauna species.

There are 3 specially protected nature areas – Shahbuz Strict Nature Reserve (3 139 hа),   Ordubad National Park (12 131 hа) and  Ordubad Sanctuary (27 869 hа) in this proposed site.

1.1 Ordubad National Park stretches from the Girlardag mountain (3175,7 m) to the Soyugdag mountain (3100 m) along Zangezur mountain ridge.

The area refers to the fold system of the southern part of Small Caucasus and is characterized by long history of its geological development from Devomian to Anthropogenic. Geological formations consist of sedimentary (marine and continental) and intrusive rocks heavily dislocated and often covered by pebbles , conglomerates and travertine. The main highland (100-3900 m) is of volcanic origin.

Climate is remarkable for its vast variety explained by intense ruggedness of mountain relief characterizing by high amplitudes of true altitudes, abrupt changes of air temperature and quantity of precipitations,  which depend on altitude of the area. Precipitation quantity increases with the altitude up  to 600-700 m,  but  in the highland zone it decreases again.

Flora of the Ordubad National Park it presented by 110 rare and endangered species of plants.

Many species of trees and shrubs are inscribed in Red Book of Azerbaijan :

Daphne Transcaucasica Pobed, Roza Nizami, Arerbaijan Roza, Punica Granatum, Rheum Ribes, Calligonum Polygonides, Platanus Orientalis, Tulipa Julia, Tulipa Florecskyi, Tulipa Karabachensis, Skila Atropatana, Iris Lycotis, Iris Elegantissima, Iris Grossheimi, Globularia Trichosantha, Astragalus Prilipkoana,  Astragalus Paradoxus. Juniperus, Anabasis Eugeniae, Pyrethrum Kotschyi, Pyrethrum Komarwii, Gundelia Tournefortii, Aristolochia Bottae.

Ordubad National Parkpossesses rich fauna.  Ordubad State Reserve on which base National Park was founded is intended for the protection of such kind of animals as leopard, mouflon, brown bear, striped hyena and many others.

On the area of the Ordubad National Park there are such unique samples of nature as Gamygaya mountain, Ilandag mountain which are included in the list of nature monuments of Azerbaijan Republic.

Gamigaya mountain is located in nival –tundra zone of Zangezur range characterizing by its steep and sloughing slopes. Here wide and deep spurs. Sometimes on severe partitioned upper mountainsides the incline is 80-90 degrees.

There is a legend of ancient times about Gamygaya. According to the legend, during the so-called Flood, the boat of prophet Noah (known as “Noah”s Ark) was thrown ashore to the top of the mountains that encircle Middle-Araz lowland Agridahi, Kemkidaghi, Gamygaya and Ilandag.

They landed and spread all over the world as the water derelict. The drawings are made on the volcanic rocks. After volcano eruption lava gets cold on the surface or directly in the earth”s crust thus effusive and intrusive rocks form. While cooling volcanic gas bubbles come off the lava and leave traces in the form of hollows. As lava flows, sediments mix lava but don”t dissolve in it (conglomerates). Then being under the effect of water and other factors of weathering they remove from  the rocks and leave various traces. At times marine sediments and weathering materials under  the effect of glacial drift form abrasions on the underlying cliffs. Discovered rock paintings demonstrate that ancient people were mainly engaged in cattle-breeding, hunting and a number of pictures show the moving of sky objects including the Sun. Among representations , figures of archers are especially attractive. They are mostly represented while hunting. The most of rock paintings of Gamygaya have composite item ans shapes. With the representations of hunting scenes, figures of animals,  dances of community or members of family there are also representations of sky objects such as the Moon, stars, the Sun.

Ilandag.

The altitude is 2412 m. It is of volcanic origin. It|”s formed from clinker in the shape of egg. It is very difficult of access and resembles monolithic rock. The top of the mountain is split by a crack separating the western top from the eastern one. This shape gives it some resemblance with an open snake mouth and that is where the name Ilandag is derived from. (Ilan translated as snake).

1.2 Shahbuz State Nature Reserve’s main area is that of Batabat Lake and Bichanak pass   

located in a mountainous part at a height of 2200-2400 meters which is characterized by relatively high level of precipitation. The area of reserve is predominantly represented by mountain grassland landscape. This is a famous place due to its plains full of flowers, artificial lakes, pure and fresh mountain air, natural forests, drinking waters of the Zorbulag and Sudlubulag rivers. The diversity of relief, plants and soil cover in the reserve makes it possible to identify a number of natural landscape zones. It is made up  of oak (85%), black and red junipers and Araz oak (5 %), hawthorn (7%), and remaining 3% comprise apple, sour plum, oriental oak, pear, bitter almond trees and various shrubs. Here one can find more than 2000 species of higher plants. Of 366 bird species occurring in Azerbaijan 190 bird species are found in reserve.

List of species occurred in Zangezur – Daridagregion (according Resolution 6)

plants

insects

Fish

Amphibiants and reptilies

birds

mammals

1

Viola rupestris

Parnassius apollo

Aspicus aspicus taentatus

Testudo graeca

Accipiter brevipes

Rhinolophus mehelyi

2

Saga pedo

Barbus capito

Vipera ursinii

Aegypius monachus

Rh. euryale

3

Chalcalburnus chalcoldes

Aquila adalberti

Rh. blasii

4

Silurus glanis

Aquila chrysaetos

Rh. ferrumequinum

5

Aquila clanga

Rh. hipposideros

6

Aquila heliaca

Myotis blythii

7

Buteo rufinus

Miniopterus schrebersi

8

Circaetus gallicus

Canis lupus

9

Circus aeruginosus

Ursus arctos

10

Circus cyaneus

Lynx lynx

11

Circus macrourus

Panthera pardus

12

Circus pygargus

Capra aegagrus

13

Gypaetus barbatus

Ovis gmelini

14

Gyps fulvus

15

Haliaeetus albicilla

16

Neophron percnopterus

17

Pernis apirovus

18

Pandion haliaetus

19

Falco biarmicus

20

Falco columbarius

21

Falco naumanni

22

Falco peregrinus

23

Falco vespertinus

24

Burhinus oedienemus

25

Pterocles orientalis

26

Bubo bubo

27

Caprimulgus europaeus

28

Coracias garrulous

29

Dendrocopos leucotos

30

Dendrocopos medius

31

Dendrocopos syriacus

32

Dryocopus martius

33

Picus canus

34

Lullula arborea

35

Melanocorypha calandra

36

Lanius collurio

37

Lanius minor

38

Sylvia nisoria

39

Emberiza hortulana

40

Bucanetes githagineus (Rhodopechys githaginea)

41

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocolax

2. Mingecaur-Turyanchay (total area 105000 hectares)

Territory covers low mountainous areas on the right and left side of Mingecaur water basin, Bozdag, Palantokan, Axar-Baxar mountain ranges and  Acinour and Sarija lowlands.

Natural landscape zones of the territory is characterized by wormwood – salt mar shed semi-deserts, semi-desert, coast plant complexes, arid forests and etc.

The topsoil is mainly represented by differently saline chestnut and light chestnut, and partly alluvial-meadow terrains (soils).

Plant cover comprises plant complexes of arid forests and river basins and wormwood-salt mar shed, salt-wormwooded plant groups.

There are 3 specially protected areas – Eldar Shami (1686 hа), Turyanchay State Nature Reserve (22 488 hа), Korchay (15 000 ha) State Nature Sanctuaries in the territory.

2.1 Eldar Shami (pine) State Nature Reserve  was established in 2004 and  occupies a land from the north hang of the Elleroyugu Mountains, the high of which is 300-600 m, to the west-east part of the Gabirri river. Before 2004 this territory was a branch of Gey-Gel reserve. It is a unique natural grove of  Eldar pine trees has been protected since the end of the 19th century and this area can be referred to as the oldest specially protected area on the territory of Caucasus. This is the only place where Eldar Pine-trees have been preserved in its natural form. The main part of reserve has a rich flora. Such types of bush - corneal, barber, dog-rose, meddler, blackberry are spread here. The fauna of reserve is rich with different bird and animal species. Various species of animals and birds like common hedgehog, mole, rabbit, fox, badger, wildcat, lynx, etc. are the main inhabitants of the reserve. 

2.2 Turyanchay State Nature Reserve was established in 1958 on an area of 12 630 ha.   By the Decision of Cabinet Ministers № 1S of 03.01. 2003 it is area was increased to the 22488 ha for the protection and restoration of arid-arch light forests and other natural resources; and for the localization of centers of erosion at the foothills. The reserve is situated on the spurt of the Boz-Dag Ridge, in the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus, on the the right bank of the Turianchay River in the Agdash area of the Republic. Its territory lies at a height of 400-650 m and extends for the 35 km from east to west and for 5 km from north to south.

The reserve is situated in an area of semidesert and arid light forests, which mainly consist of pistachio, juniper, oak, having an important soil protecting, water protecting and climatic significance. On the territory of the reserve 60 species of trees and bushes grow. The main types of sparsely growing trees are: pistacia, indian juniper, prickly juniper, guercus iberica, ash-tree, celtis caucasicus and pomegranate. Moreover, guercus iberica, populus, willow, alder, elaeagnus and other tree also grow in this area. Two species  -juniperus and pomegranate are included in the Red Data Book of Azerbaijan.There are 24 species of mammals and 112 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 3 species of amphibianss in the reserve. Among mammals there are wild boar. Brown bear, badger, stone marten, lynx, jackal, wild cat, hare and others. Among the birds there are partridge, columbiformes, cercheneis tinnunculus, griffon, black vulture and others.

List of species occurred in Mingecaur-Turyanchay region (according Resolution 6)

plants

insects

fish

Amphibiants and reptilies

birds

mammals

1

  Artemisia campestris

Cordulegaster mzymtae

Rutilus rutillus caspicus ratio

Testudo graeca

Podiceps auritus

Rhinolophus mehelyi

2

Onychogomphus assimilis

Aspirus aspicus taentatus

Mauremys caspica

Phalacrocorax pygmaes

Rh. hipposideros

3

Epimyrma tamarae

Barbus capito

Emys orbicularis

Pelecanus crispus

Rh. ferrumequinum

4

Dytiscus latissimus

Chalalburnus chalcoldes

Elaphe quatuorlineata

Pelecanus onocrotalus

Myotis emarginatus

5

Rhodeus sericeus amorus

Ardea purpurea

M. blythii

6

Cobitis taenia satcenino

 Ardeola ralloides

Eptesicus bottae

7

Silurus glanis

Botaurus stellaris

Lutra lutra

8

Casmerodius albus (Egretta alba)

Canis lupus

9

 Egretta garzetta

Ursus arctos

10

 Ixobrychus minutus

Lynx lynx

11

Nycticorax nycticorax

Panthera pardus

12

Ciconia nigra

Gazella subgutturosa

13

Ciconia ciconia

14

 Plegadis falcinellus

15

 Platalea leucorodia

16

Phoenicopterus rubber

17

Cygnus Cygnus

18

Ancer erythropus

19

Tadorna ferruginea

20

 Aegypius monachus

21

Aquila chrysaetos

22

Aquila clanga

23

Aquila heliaca

24

Aquila pomarina

25

Buteo rufinus

26

Circaetus gallicus

27

Circus aeruginosus

28

Circus cyaneus

29

Circus macrourus

30

Circus pygargus

31

Gypaetus barbatus

32

 Gyps fulvus

33

Haliaeetus albicilla

34

Hieraaetus pennatus

35

Milvus migrans

36

Neophron percnopterus

37

Pernis apirovus

38

Pandion haliaetus

39

Falco columbarius

40

Falco naumanni

41

Falco peregrinus

42

Falco vespertinus

43

Porhyrio porhyrio

44

Porzana parva

45

Porzana porzana

46

Grus grus

47

Tetrax tetrax

48

 Chettusia gregaria

49

Himantopus himantopus

50

Recurvirostra avosetta

51

Burhinus oedinemus

52

Glareola pratincola

53

Chlidonias hybridus

54

Chlidonias leucopterus

55

Chlidonias niger

56

Sterna albifrons

57

Sterna hirundo

58

Sterna sandvicensis

59

Caprimulgus europaeus

60

Asio flammeus

61

Bubo bubo

62

Pretocles orientalis

63

Coracias garrulous

64

Alsedo atthis

65

Dendrocopos leucotos

66

Dendrocopos medius

67

Dendrocopos syriacus

68

Dryocopus martius

69

Picus canus

70

Lullula arborea

71

Melanocorypha calandra

72

Melanocorypha yeltoniensis

73

Lanius collurio

74

Lanius minor

75

Anthus campestris

76

Sylvia nisoria

77

Emberiza hortulana

78

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocolax

3. Zagatala-Ilisy (total area 82000 hectares)

Zakatala-Ilisy site borders with the watershed line  of the Major Caucasus Ridge (from the north) and Alazan-Agrichay depression (from the south). It relief varies within 600-4400 m. Middle- mountain areas dominate in the relief.

Mountain parts are characterized by  a moderate warm climate with an almost even distribution of  precipitation, and the high mountain areas – by the climate of mountainous tundra. According to the annual average precipitation (1 400 mm) this district is in second place in the republic after Tallish.

The topsoil is mainly represented by mountainous -timber  brown, mountainous-timber  brown  typical as well as mountainous- meadow turf soil. The whole district is covered with forests and mountainous meadows with rich flora and fauna.

There are 3 specially protected areas – Zakataly State Nature Reserve (23844 hа) and Ilisy State Nature Reserve (4867 ha) and Qax State Nature Sanctuary (36836 ha) in the territory.

3.1 Zakataly State Nature Reserve was established in 1929 with a view to protect and study plants and animals of the south slopes of the Great Caucasus. The reserve is situated in the southern slopes of the Great Caucasian mountain range 650-3646 m above the sea-level. Forest part of the area constitutes 15800 hectare, but water part of area - 48 hectare. The complex relief of reserve forms tributaries of the Great Caucasus mountain range which is parted from each other by deep valleys in the south and south-east. The Katekh and Balakan rivers are the main hydrographical network of the area and the sources of their tributaries are snow-topped mountains, mysterious falls, unbridgeable picturesque canyons near these rivers endows the nature with a special beauty. The flora of the reserve includes more than thousand species. Different zones like mountain forest, mountain-forest-meadow, sub-alpine and alpine zones replace each other in upward direction.

The reserve is also a birthplace of the rare, evergreen ornamental plant -Caucasian endemic gododendrome. Tree species forming the forests of the area are: beech-tree, hornbeam-tree, oak tree, maple tree, birch tree, alder tree, linden tree, ash tree, pine tree, yew tree. Bushes like hawthorn, meddler, corneal, cherry-plum enrich the forests. There are rare plants like cherry, apple, pear can be found here. The fauna of the reserve is also rich. Different animal species such as south Caucasian goats, Caucasian deer, European deer, field pig, Caucasian brown bear, wolf, badger, fox, lynx, Grey squirrel etc. enrich this reserve. The most protected area of reserve is nature complex of middle and low zones of alpine and sub-alpine meadows of the macro slopes of the Great Caucasus. It should be noted that this complex have maintained its natural form. Rare birds like griffin, golden eagle, Caucasus falcon, Caucasus plants like gododendrone, shepherd bindweed, round rose laqodex are already in the list of Red Book.

3.2 Ilisu State Nature  Reserve was established in order to preserve and restore fauna and flora natural complex being in danger of extermination and to put a limit to the flood and erosion sources there. The reserve is situated in the Gakh region at a height of 700-2100 m above sea-level. The surface structure characteristic for the areas broken to pieces by river valleys and by the sheer slopes of the Great Caucasus mountains, cold climate with arid winter and mild hot climate winter and mild-hot climate with equal distribution of rainy days is characteristic feature of the area where the reserve is situated. There are more than 300 species of plants with vein-tube system. 90 of them belong to tree like shrubs. 93% of area is covered by broad-leaved forests. Depending on the height forests form semi-zones such as sub-alpine forests-meadow, upper mountain-forest, middle mountain-forest and low mountain-forest. The most spread trees are east beech, Caucasus hornbeam, candy tuft, east oak trees. Besides, a great number of trees and shrubs have been largely spread in the area. For instance:  walnut-trees, chestnut-trees, plane-trees, birch trees, ash-trees, bird-pear, cornel, wild cherry, cherry plum, dog rose, blackberry, etc. About 50 kinds of rare endemic plants of medical importance are also included in the flora of the reserve. Fauna of the reserve is very rich. Different kinds of animals such as deer, roe, chamois, mountain buffalo, bear, wolf, fox, boar, squirrel, hedgehog, hare, grey squirrel, etc. live here. Rivers are rich in salmon. It is possible to find 90 kinds of birds here. Among them there are birds such as black hawk, kite, owl, hawk raven, golden eagle, black griffon, falcon, hoopoe.

Caucasus and tortoise snakes, golden eagle, falcon and Caucasus tetra are already in the lists of the “Red Book”.

List of species occurred in Zakataly – Ilisu region (according Resolution 6)

plants

insecta

fish

Amphibiants and reptilies

birds

mammals

1

Viola rupestris

Parnassius apollo

Triturus karelinii

Accipier brevipes

Rhinolophus hipposideros

2

Vaccinium arctostaphylos

Rosalia alpina

Testudo graeca

Aegypius monachus

Rh. ferrumequinum

3

Morimus funereus

Mauremys caspica

Aquila pomarina

Myotis emarginatus

4

Emys orbicularis

Aquila chrysaetos

M. blythii

5

Aquila clanga

Lutra lutra

6

 Aquila heliaca

Canis lupus

7

Buteo rufinus

Ursus arctos

8

Circaetus gallicus

Lynx lynx

9

Circus aeruginosus

Panthera pardus

10

Circus cyaneus

Rupicapra rupicapra

11

Circus macrourus

12

Circus pygargus

13

Gypaetus barbatus

14

Gyps fulvus

15

Haliaeetus albicilla

16

Neophron percnopterus

17

Pernis apirovus

18

Pandion haliaetus

19

Falco columbarius

20

Hieraaetus pennatus

21

Falco biarmicus

22

Falco naumanni

23

Falco peregrinus

24

Falco vespertinus

25

Bubo bubo

26

Caprimulgus europaeus

27

Coracias garrulous

28

Dendrocopos leucotos

29

Dendrocopos medius

30

Dendrocopos syriacus

31

Dryocopus martius

32

Picus canus

33

Lullula arborea

34

Melanocorypha calandra

35

Anthus campestris

36

Lanius collurio

37

Lanius minor

38

Sylvia nisoria

39

Emberiza hortulana

40

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocolax

4. Shahdag (total area 71000 hectares).

Proposed Shahdag site occupies the mountainous part of the northern slope of the south-eastern Caucasus, the relief of which is from 200 to 4500 m above sea level. There are lots of ravines, canyons, and valleys on the territory. The followings types of climate are characteristic for this district: moderate with an almost even distribution of precipitation (low- mountain relief); cold  with a dry winter (middle-, partially high-mountain relief), the climate of high mountain. The annual precipitation constitutes 400mm for low-mountain relief and 1200 mm for high-mountain relief.

The mountainous-timber brown typical and carbonate-mountainous-timber brown soil are developed in the low-  and middle-mountain areas. The mountainous-meadow-sod soil are spread in Subalpine and Alpine zones.

Shahdag region is represented by quite vast forests, which make up more than 48,8% of all the forest areas of the Republic. Practically more than 40% of all the physical-geographic districts of the region are covered by forests.

The  forest flora of the Greater Caucasus is unique for the  Caucasus region. The vertical distribution of  forest belts is clearly observed. In the interval 500-1000 m above sea level oak-groves of guercus (georgian oak) mixed with hornbeam, Caucasian lime-trees, chestnut, maple, taxus baccata, ash-tree and others, are distributed. In some river forests the representatives of Girkan-Kolkhidian dendroflora - caucasian persimmon, salsola, zelkova carpinfolia, walnut, ironwood, guercus castaneivolia and others, are found. Here fradments of natural groves with Platanus orientalis are preserved which is not typical for the flora of this region. In the area from 1,000 to 2,000m, the dominating formation is beech forests mixed with hornbeam, maple, ash-trees and others. At the height of 1,500m in the hard-to-reach areas Carylus colurna, pine, and in bushes layer-cornel, hawthorn, yew, medlar and others have been preserved. At the altitude of 200 to 2 500 m there are Subalpine sparse growths of guercus orientalis, betula, sorbus caucasicus and high-mountain maples.      

There are 4 specially protected nature areas – Ismailly Nature Reserve (16 840 ha), Pirguly Nature Reserve (4 279 ha), Altiagac National Park (11035 ha) and  Ismailly Sanctuary (23 382 ha) in this proposed site.

 4.1 Pirgulu State Nature Reserve was established in 1968  for the protection of the typical natural complexes and landscapea of the Shamakha Plateau, which is one of the most district of the south-eastern part of the Major Caucasian Ridge. The area of the reserve is 1 521 ha, 1 362 ha of which are forest tracts, where 45 rare and endemic species occur. The reserve consists of  3 parts: Arakchi – situated on the slope of the Gart and Girkh-bulag mountains in the upper area of the forest tract ( 1600 – 2000 m); Pirgulu – which covers the forest part of the Pirgulu mountain (1500 m) and is represented by a landscape of middle area forest tract, and Djangi - which is a low mountainous plot covering the whole nortern slope of the  Djangi mountain (800 - 1100 m). The main protected object are forest ecosystems preserved near the eastern border of the modern forest area on the southern (south-eastern) mcroslopes of the Greater Caucasus; also some species of flora and fauna, such as Taxus baccata which are included in the Red Data Book. The flora od the reserve accounts for 60 species, of which Caucasian hornbeam, oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), Guercus iberica are the main forest forming types of trees.

4.2 Ismailli State Nature Reserve was established in 1981 on an area of 5 778 ha for the protection of the natural complexes of the central part of the southern slope of the Major Caucasus Range. It consists of two parts. The Topchi area is situated at a heght of 800-2250 m. Its length is 18 km, its width is 6 km and area is 5 589 ha. The Galigchi area is situated in the eastern part of the Alazan-Agricay valley, at a heght of 600-650 m and this part protected mainly the natural forest of Guercus castanifolia (112 ha). In the Galigchi area, forests of oak-tree and hornbeam-trees are developed. The forest species are mainly represented by beech, hornbeam and oak; also there are forest of mapl and ash. The rare forests of the tertiary period, which consist of Taxus baccata and Guercus castanifolia are of particular value. During the last century forests of this area were intensively felled. This resulted in the replacement of beech-oak forests by hornbeam and oak- hornbeam forests with underbrush of shrubbery and buses of hawthorn, cornel, dog-rose, meddler, cherry-plum and others. There are approximately 170 species of vertebrates in the reserve. There are 17 species of reptiles in the reserve. Amphibians are represented by 6 species. The mammal fauna has been studied insufficiently. There are brown bear, wolf, jackal, marten, badger, red deer, roe, wild boar, chamois, Dagestan aurochs and others. According to preliminary data there are 104 species of birds belonging to 13 orders. Such rare birds as Aquila chrysaetus, Gypaetus barbatus and others are nesting here.

4.3 The main objective in the creation of Altiagach National Park was the protection and restoration of the natural complex of the south-eastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, the preservation of erosion processes, the implementation of ecological monitoring as well as public environmental education along with tourism and recreation. 90,5% of the teritory of the reserve is covered with broad-leaved forests, where oak, beech and hornbeam dominate, which constitute 99% of the forests.

The National Park is inhabited by roe deer, brown bear, wild boar, lynx, raccoon, fox, marten, wolf and others of mammals and pheasant, partridge, eagle, thrush, goatsucker, ringdove of birds.

List of species occurred in Shahdag region (according Resolution 6)

plants

insecta

fish

Amphibiants and reptilies

birds

mammals

1

Artemisia campestris

Parnassius Apollo

Cobitus taeniya

Triturus karelinii

Accipier brevipes

Rhinolophus hipposideros

2

Ligularia sibirica

Callimorphae quadripunctatia

Barbus capito

Testudo graeca

Aegypius monachus

Rh. ferrumequinum

3

Saxifraga hirculus

Rosalia alpina

Mauremys caspica

 Aquila pomarina

Rh. blasii

4

Viola rupestris

Lucanus cervus

Emys orbicularis

Aquila chrysaetos

Rh.mehelyi

5

Vaccinium arctostaphylos

Cerambyx cerdo

Elaphe quatuorlineata.

Aquila clanga

Myotis blythii

6

Ophioglossum polyphyllum

Morimus funereus

Vipera ursinii

Aquila heliaca

M. bechsteinii

7

 Buteo rufinus

Lutra lutra

8

Circaetus gallicus

Canis lupus

9

Circus aeruginosus

Ursus arctos

10

 Circus cyaneus

Lynx lynx

11

Circus macrourus

Rupicapra rupicapra

12

Circus pygargus

13

Gypaetus barbatus

14

Gyps fulvus

15

Hieraaetus pennatus

16

Hieraaetus fasciatus

17

Neophron percnopterus

18

Pernis apirovus

19

Haliaeetus albicilla

20

Pandion haliaetus

21

Falco columbarius

22

Falco biarmicus

23

Falco columbarius

24

Falco naumanni

25

Falco peregrinus

26

Falco vespertinus

27

Bubo bubo

28

Caprimulgus europaeus

29

Coracias garrulous

30

Dendrocopos leucotos

31

Dendrocopos medius

32

Dendrocopos syriacus

33

Dryocopus martius

34

Picus canus

35

Melanocorypha calandra

36

Melanocorypha yeltoniensis

37

Anthus campestris

38

Lanius collurio

39

Lanius minor

40

Sylvia nisoria

41

Emberiza hortulana

42

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocolax

5. Hirkan (total area 37000 hectares)

Proposed Hirkan  region covers the Lenkoran and Tallish districts.

The Lenkoran district occupies a low-lying area which extends along the western coast of the Caspian. The relief of the lowland rises up to 100 m in the western part. The climate of the lowland is moderate/warm with an arid summer. The annual precipitation amount is more than 1600 mm in the  south-east and 900 mm in the north-west.

Close to the foot of the mountains there deciduous forests with dominance of Hirkan relict types, and in the north-west of the Lenkoran district there are steppe like post-timber meadows.

The Tallish district borders with Iran in the west and the Lenkoran lowland in the east. The  district is adjacent to the low- mountain relief in the east and to the middle-mountain relief  in the south-west.

On the relatively small territory of the Tallish mountain five climate types have developed. The   eastern area is characterized by a moderate/warm with an almost even distribution of precipitation. The central is characterized by a moderate/warm and dry summer, which turns into the climate of moderate/warm semi-deserts and dry steppes with a dry summer.

Soil, and its watershed line is under mountainous-meadow turf soils. Between Yardimli and Leric deciduous forests have been preserved, which consist of guercus castaneifolia, breeches, box-trees, and others. The remaining parts of the mountains are under hushes. The upland xerophytes occur on the lower area of the Tallish Ridge and subalpine meadows and meadow-steppes occur mostly in the protuberant parts of the watershed.

Forest of the Tallish mountains are represented by Hirkan type relict forests, which occurred about 70 million years ago. The endemic species of the Caucasus such as: Zelkova, Caucasian persimmon, box-tree, Hirkan fig and others, all grow in these forests. A peculiar subtropical climate with prolonged summer draughts and heavy precipitation in other seasons of the year is typical for the Tallish mountains. The relief zones of topsoil and vegetation are presented in a vertical order here. From the coastal area of the Caspian (-23,-24m) to 600-700m a subtropical timber vegetation is observed with a dominance of iron trees, Quercus castaneifolia, hornbeam, Zelkova, Caucasian persimmon, Hirkan poplar, which often form mixed forests. In the river valleys rare relic types are preserved such as alder, Salsola, maple, and others. The dry sunny slopes of the foothill area are under silk acacia. Small areas of evergreen ruscus hyrcana, box-tree, ilex hyrcana have been preserved separately. In the middle mountainous area, from 600 to 1300m on the slopes, guercus castaneifolia, guercus hyrcanus and hornbeam dominate. The upper forests (1200-2000m) mainly consist of guercus orientalis mixed with sorbus caucasicus, hawthorn, sweetbrier, partially zelkova, guercus castaneifolia, etc. Structural-phenological features are quite evident in the Tallish mountains. These features are typical of the forests of the damp-subtropical regions of the South-East Asia.  First of all it is this expresses the richness of the species and the multi-layer nature of plantations. Due to the richness of flora (more than 30 species per 1000 ha) Tallish region is in first place in the Caucasus.

Hirkan National Park is in this proposed site

Hirkan Natonal Park was established in 2004. Flora of the National Park consists of 1 900 species including 162 endemic, 95 rare and 38 endangered species. There are iron tree, tree-horned acacia, zelcova, guercus castanifolia, ficus hyrcanys, etc. There are many endemic and rare animals, particularly, among the representatives of ground mollusks and non-flying insects. The birds endemism is well represented, up to subspecies level, while the species level has a relatively representation. The main protected object are the natural complexes of lowland and low mountainous forest areas of the Tallish region, including the unique well preserved plot of lower forest, the ecosystem of rare forests of the Hirkan type. Hirkan beech tree and others are being kept are plants which cover tree trunk and which give them specificity. They are: creeper, different grasses, also fig tree and shumshad which have the height of 60-80 sm. In each 100 hectares of Hirkan forests there are 32 kinds of trees.  Its fauna has the species of endemic and relict animals, especially wingless insect and mollusks. The great interest among these

species attracts badger, leopard, stone squirrel, striped hyena. Out of more than 25 species of sedentary birds the most remarkable ones are: Tallish pheasant, Hirkan tomtit, black stark, raven, marble teal, curly-feathered pelican, partridge and etc.

List of species occurred in Hirkan (according Resolution 6)

plants

insecta

fish

Amphibiants and reptilies

birds

mammals

1

Marsilea quadrifolia

Lindenia tetraphylla

Barbus capito

Triturus karelinii

Accipier brevipes

Rhinolophus hipposideros

2

Marsilea strigosa

Dytiscus latissimus

Chalcalburnus chalcoides

Testudo graeca

Aegypius monachus

Rh. ferrumequinum

3

Steveniella satyrioides

Morimus funereus

Rhodeus sericeus amarus

Mauremys caspica

Aquila pomarina

Myotis emarginatus

4

Ophyoglossum polyphyllum

Pomatoschistus caucasius

Emys orbicularis

Aquila chrysaetos

M. blythii

5

Vaccinium arctostaphylos

Cabitus tosniya satunini

Aquila clanga

Barbastella barbastellus

6

Aquila heliaca

Lutra lutra

7

Buteo rufinus

Canis lupus

8

Circaetus gallicus

Ursus arctos

9

Circus aeruginosus

Lynx lynx

10

Circus cyaneus

Panthera pardus

11

Circus macrourus

12

Circus pygargus

13

Gypaetus barbatus

14

Gyps fulvus

15

Hieraaetus pennatus

16

Hieraaetus fasciatus

17

Neophron percnopterus

18

Haliaeetus albicilla

19

Milvus migrans

20

Milvus milvus

21

Neophron percnopterus

22

Pandion haliaetus

23

Pernis apirovus

24

Falco columbarius

25

Falco naumanni

26

Falco peregrinus

27

Falco vespertinus

28

Bubo bubo

29

Caprimulgus europaeus

30

Alcedo atthis

31

Coracias garrulous

32

Dendrocopos syriacus

33

Dryocopus martius

34

Picus canus

35

Melanocorypha calandra

36

Melanocorypha yeltoniensis

37

Anthus campestris

38

Lanius collurio

39

Lanius minor

40

Sylvia nisoria

41

Emberiza hortulana

42

Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocolax

43

Luscinia svecica

10. List of Emerald habitats in Azerbaijan

The team identified habitats listed in Resolution No. 4 (1996) occurring within Azerbaijan. In total 21 types of endangered natural habitats were identified.

15. 115 Continental glasswort swards

15.A Continental salt steppes and saltmarshes

22.3233 Wet ground dwarf herb communities

34.11 Middle European rock debris swards

34.9 Continental steppes

35.11 Mat-grass swards

37.13 Continental tall herb communities

41.1 Beech forests

41.2 Oak-hornbeam forests

41.4 Mixed ravine and slope forests

41.5 Acidophilous oak forests

41.8 Mixed thermophilous forests

41.H Euxino-Hyrcanian mixed deciduous forests

44.3 Middle European stream ash-alder woods

44.43 South –east European ash-oak-alder forests

44.6 Mediterraneo-Turanian riverine forests

44.69 Irano-Anatolian mixed riverine forests

44.B Euxino-Hyrcanian wet ground forests

61. Screes

91. Parklanrs

93. Wooded steppe

11. Biogeographical zones in Azerbaijan

According to the map of biogeographical regions adopted by the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention in December 1997 two regions were identified in Azerbaijan (Alpine, Stepic).

12. Suggestions and future plans (Follow-up)

The Republic of Azerbaijan intends to continue the works on the Emerald Networks building up within the implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan for Biological and Landscape Diversity. These works will be carried out together with the development of the National Ecological Network.

As a result, The Republic of Azerbaijan is going to request additional funds from the Council of Europe to continue the works of building up the Emerald Network as a component/part of the National Ecological Network.