Azerbaijan’s policy and legislative environment for biodiversity is reasonably comprehensive.
The main elements, along with their associated regulations, include:
•
The Law on Environmental Protection (1999);
•
The Law on Specially Protected Nature Areas and Objects (2000);
•
The Law on Fauna (1999);
•
The Law on Phyto-sanitary Control (2006);
•
The Forest Code (1997)
•
The Law on Hunting (2004); and
•
The Law on Fishing (1998)
Azerbaijan has also ratified the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine
Environment of the Caspian Sea (the ‘Tehran Convention’) which entered into force in 2006.
The institutional environment for managing and conserving biodiversity in Azerbaijan has not
changed substantially in the last four years. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources
(MENR) remains the primary government agency responsible for biodiversity conservation and
the sustainable use of natural resources (i.e. forestry, wildlife, and fish). The key
responsibilities of MENR cover six broad areas: (i) environmental policy; (ii) environmental
protection; (iii) water management and monitoring; (iv) protection of coastal and marine
natural resources; (v) forest management; and (vi) protected areas.
The International Commission on Aquatic Resources of the Caspian Sea (ICARCS) regulates
fisheries in the Caspian Sea region by defining the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and
distributing the catch quota regarding major commercial fish species (sturgeon, sprat, seals)
between Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
Progress and achievements in the implementation of national biodiversity
policies and strategies, including mainstreaming
Azerbaijan has recently – with the technical and financial support of GEF, UNDP and GIZ -
initiated the process of reviewing, revising and updating its NBSAP. As part of this process, it
will develop measurable targets and indicators that will enable the country to more effectively
report on its contribution to meeting the Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
It is anticipated that the
updated NBSAP (2015-2020) will be formally approved and adopted by Presidential Decree in
2015.
The table below briefly summarises the extent to which the National Strategy and Plan of
Action on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the Republic of Azerbaijan
(2006-2010) has been implemented. It provides an indication of the state of progress (complete;
partially implemented; ongoing; or limited progress). It also describes a few headline indicators
of recent activities undertaken during the period of review. It does not however describe the
routine, ongoing activities that have taken place over the last four years.
1. Strengthening measures in conservation of biodiversity and genetic resources
1.1. Review and revise the list of rare and endangered plant and animal species that have national and
international status
COMPLETE
The 2
nd
Edition of the Red Data Book was completed and published in 2013
1.2. Identify and assess the ecosystems with rich biodiversity
COMPLETE
The Ecoregion Conservation Plan for the Caucasus (2012) identifies the Priority
Conservation Areas to focus conservation actions in the Caucasus ecoregion of
Azerbaijan.
The National Caspian Action Plan (NCAP) identifies the Priority Conservation Areas to
focus conservation actions in Azerbaijan’s territorial waters of the Caspian Sea.
1.3. Undertake activities to conserve rare and threatened species
ONGOING
More than 130 goitered gazelles have been reintroduced to their historical ranges – as part
of a phased reintroduction programme - in Aqgol National Park, the Gobustan-Jangichay
valley and the Acinohur –Sarija plain. In October 2013, a further 10 goitered gazelles were
sent to the Republic of Georgia for reintroduction to their historical range in Georgia.
It is also planned to reintroduce European bison to Azerbaijan in phased stages, starting in
2014.
A wildlife rehabilitation centre was constructed in the territory of Altiaqaj National Park.
Rare and threatened animals and birds are being released back into the wild after
rehabilitation in the centre.
The population status of the endangered Asian leopard is currently being monitored using
photo-traps.
Eleven fish breeding plants (primarily for sturgeon, carp and salmon) are being
maintained, with about 4000 sturgeon (of various species and age groups) bred for
rehabilitation purposes.
1.4. Conserve and rehabilitate migration corridors
PARTIALLY
IMPLEMENTED
Recurrent activities underway
1.5
Assess status of agricultural crops and animal species, and ensure their conservation
PARTIALLY
IMPLEMENTED
Recurrent activities underway
1.6. Create and enhance biodiversity in urban and industrial landscapes
ONGOING
Eight large-scale greening projects are underway in Baku city and Absheron peninsula,
currently covering an area of 1,556 ha.
The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed an Order on the establishment of a
Zoological Park on 26 December 2008. The main objectives of the park includes:
education; awareness-raising; and the restoration and reintroduction of rare and
endangered fauna species. The process of establishing the zoological park has now started.
1.7. Undertake research in the field of biodiversity conservation
ONGOING
The monitoring of mammal and bird populations are conducted annually (birds in January
and mammals in October) in the specially protected natural areas.
1.8. Improve, efficiently use and conserve soils for biodiversity enhancement
ONGOING
Recurrent activities underway
2. Expansion of protected areas
2.1. Expand protected area network
ONGOING
2008: Goygol National Park established; Korchay State Nature Reserve established;
Zaqatala State Nature Reserve expanded; Zaqatala State Natural Prohibited Area
established; Hirkan National Park expanded
2009: Arpachayi State Natural Prohibited Area established; Rvarud State Natural
Prohibited Area established; Ordubad National Park expanded; Shahbuz State Nature
Reserve expanded and renamed Zangazur National Park
2012-2013: Samur-Yalama National Park established; funding for establishment of
Qizilagaj marine National Park secured
3. Conservation and efficient use of forest biodiversity
3.1. Support sustainable use of forests
ONGOING
Recurrent activities underway
3.2. Enhance community involvement in sustainable use of forests
ONGOING
Recurrent activities underway
3.3. Develop ecotourism to ensure sustainable livelihoods
PARTIALLY
IMPLEMENTED
Administrative and tourism infrastructure of Shahdag, Shirvan, Hirkan, Altiaqaj National
Parks improved
Funding secured for Qizilagaj marine National Park
4. Conservation of biodiversity in trans-boundary areas
4.1. Study and conserve biodiversity resources shared with bordering countries
ONGOING
The territory of Zaqatala State Nature Reserve was expanded to the border of the Republic
of Georgia.
4.2. Improve cooperation and information exchange mechanism with bordering countries
ONGOING
A number of seminars, training courses and workshops were organized with biodiversity-
related organizations in trans-boundary countries.
5. Ex-situ conservation and regeneration of rare and threatened plant and animal species
5.1. Ensure sustainable conservation of rare and threatened plant and animal species ex-situ
ONGOING
Recurrent activities underway
5.2. Conserve genetic resources