CBD Fourth National Report - Azerbaijan (English version)

Country Study on Biodiversity and Fourth National Report
The Republic of Azerbaijan
The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan outlines the core principles of environmental
protection, and the legislative basis for this has been put in place, along with an improved
environmental management structure has been developed. The Constitution, which was
adopted after a national referendum in 1995, sets out the principles of environmental
protection, ownership of natural resources and the regulation of this sector. Since then the
Milli Mejlis (Parliament) has further developed the legislative basis for regulating
environmental protection, and around 20 laws have been adopted to bring the country in line
with international standards on environmental protection.
The Government of Azerbaijan Republic pays great attention to solution of ecological
problems, including protection and management of biological diversity. In this regard, lines of
priority importance have been defined.
According to Convention of Biological Diversity of the United Nations, there established
State Commission in order to fulfill obligations and commitments undertaken by Azerbaijan
Republic and to ensure implementation of integrated measures for prevention of extinction
danger of genetic resources of plants, animals and microorganisms.
“National Programme on Ecologically Sustainable Social-Economic Development” which
aimed at protection of current ecological systems and economic potential and efficient use of
natural resources to provide needs of the existing and future generations of Azerbaijan
Republic and “National Programme on forest renewal and enhancement in Azerbaijan
Republic” aimed at renewal of forests through regionalized species and increasing of quality
and productivity and, enhancement of countrywide vegetation by planting new forests and
greeneries through addtional land plots which approved by Decree №1152 dated February 18,
2003 of the President of Azerbaijan, create wide opportunities for protection and conservation
of biological diversity.
“National Strategy on protection and sustainable use of biological diversity in Azerbaijan
Republic and Action Plan” approved by Decree №1368 dated March 24, 2006 of the
President of Azerbaijan Republic seriously stimulated and promoted definition and execution
of priority commitments.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources established under Decree dated May 23, 2001
and organized its countrywide activity efficiently. As evident from one fact, only total area of
protected areas reached to 10.1% by increasing from 4.5% in relation to the country territory
in the course of the Ministry activity.
About 60 NGOs from more than 400 ones established in the republic work for ecology sector.
(See: Annexes 9.1 and 9.2)
1.2.7. Further phases
This document was prepared based on the requrements of Convention of Biological Diversity
and involves current status of biological diversity in the territory of Azerbaijan Republic and
factors impacted upon it.
The report has been drafted in the presence of all concerned parties in view of their opinions
and proposals.
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2009