WWF-Azerbaijan implements projects on the scale of ecosystems, especially in the restoration of forest ecosystems to increase their resilience to climate change and support their ecosystem services. Two large projects supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety and the European Union have been implemented in this field. About 600 hectares of forests on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus have been restored by fencing the area, planting local tree species, and supporting natural regeneration. Transformation measures have been taken in 150 hectares of monocultural forests in order to bring them “closer to nature” conditions and prevent damage caused by climate change.
From the very beginning WWF has tried to use economic instruments to mitigate the anthropogenic pressure on natural ecosystems. Several projects to offer local communities alternative livelihoods have been supported by WWF.
Public awareness and education are an important component of our projects. Almost every project includes work with communities, schools, border guards etc.
WWF's focal species for Azerbaijan
- Caucasian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor)
- Striped hyena (Hyena hyena)
- Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
- Lynx (Lynx lynx)
- East Caucasian Tur (Capra cylindricornis)
- Caucasian Red Deer (Cervus elaphus maral)
- Bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus)
- Gmelin's mouflon (Ovis ammon gmelini)
- Caucasian chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra caucasica)
- Goitred Gazella (Gazella subgutturosa)
- Caucasian black grouse (Tetra mlokosiewiczi)
- Imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca)
- Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus)
- Marbled duck (Marmaronetta angustirostris)
- White-headed duck (Oxyura leucephala)