The Caucasus is one of 34 global biodiversity hotspots. The impressive diversity of plants and animals that can only be found in this region makes it a globally important place for biodiversity conservation. But climate change and unsustainable use of natural resources, such as poaching, illegal logging or overfishing are growing threats to this unique mosaic of life. IUCN’s Southern Caucasus office, together with active participation of national governments, its eight member organizations and communities, has taken up the challenge to protect it.
The Caucasus is one of 34 global biodiversity hotspots. The impressive diversity of plants and animals that can only be found in this region makes it a globally important place for biodiversity conservation. But climate change and unsustainable use of natural resources, such as poaching, illegal logging or overfishing are growing threats to this unique mosaic of life. IUCN’s Southern Caucasus office, together with active participation of national governments, its eight member organizations and communities, has taken up the challenge to protect it.
IUCN is coordinating a growing number of activities in the Southern Caucasus – the area covering Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – to address challenges to sustainable development in the region and preserve its unique biodiversity.
IUCN’s work focuses on the development of the protected area system and suitable governance types for existing and newly created protected areas. Other IUCN projects focus on forest governance, environmental legislation and sustainable use of natural resources.
Stretching between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus region is located at a biological crossroads.
“Here is the meeting point of species from Central and Northern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and species found nowhere else in the world”, says Anja Wittich, Programme Coordinator from IUCN’s Southern Caucasus office.
This impressive diversity of species is the result of the region’s unique topography with three major mountain chains separated by valleys and plains. This allows the development of a variety of microclimates, soils and vegetation. More....