CBD Fourth National Report - Azerbaijan (English version)

Country Study on Biodiversity and Fourth National Report
The Republic of Azerbaijan
prequalification procedure was conducted according to Order dated February 2, 2009
of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources for the purpose of selection of
experienced and highly qualified consulting companies and specialists in view of the
project implementation.
• Establishment of Zagatala Biosphere Reserve. According to item 1 of Clause 1 of
Final Protocol of Intergovernmental negotiations conducted between Germany Federal
Republic and Azerbaijan Republic, it is planned to allocated fund to the extent of
4000000 Euro for the project “Ecoregional programme on nature conservation in
South Caucasus, III phase, Zagatala biosphere reserve”. In this regard, preevaluation
works were carried out and completed in the area and signing of Memorandum of
Understanding is intended for commencement of the project.
2.3. Summary of existing measures, capacity and
experience for biodiversity management
Environmental protection is strongly engrained in State policy, and ongoing economic
reforms, socio-economic development and infrastructure rehabilitation can be managed so as
to ensure that development is sustainable and does not compromise ecological protection, in
line with international standards. Through the development of institutions responsible for
biodiversity conservation (such as the State Commission of Genetic Resources on
Biodiversity and the Ministry for Ecology and Natural Resources) the government has already
taken important steps to ensure effective environmental protection. In particular, the Ministry
for Ecology and Natural Resources is tasked to implement State policy on the study, use,
protection and restoration of natural resources, on the provision of ecological security, and on
ensuring the conservation of biodiversity.
Other recent achievements within the Republic of Azerbaijan include the approval of a
National Environment Programme (dealing with issues of both sustainable development and
forest rehabilitation), and the expansion of the protected areas system in 2003, including the
creation of the Ordubad National Park.
The Republic of Azerbaijan also has a number of successful international projects relating to
protection of biological resources and protected areas, in co-operation with UNDP, UNEP,
World Bank, WWF, and the European Environmental Fund. In addition, a number of local
NGOs operate in the field of biodiversity protection.
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2009