The National Strategy and Action Plan on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Republic of Azerbaijan

ORDER OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN On Approval of the National Strategy and Plan of Action on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the Republic of Azerbaijan In accordance with the Paragraph 6 of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity I declare: 1. National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the Republic of Azerbaijan be approved (enclosed). 2. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is commissioned to solve the tasks related to this Order. 3. This Order comes into force from the day it is published. Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan The city of Baku, March 24, 2006 N 1368 Has been approved by the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on March 24, 2006, N1368 National Strategy and Action Plan on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Azerbaijan The past history and cultural development of Azerbaijan people has relied on its rich natural resources. Biodiversity as one of the most important component of the natural resources incorporates all living organisms including those on land, in sea and other aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem complexes. Starting from the middle of the 20 th century the number of factors threatening biodiversity and ecosystems has increased, ecosystems have been subjected to degradation as a result of anthropological activities, a number of species representing different fauna and flora have disappeared or their number began to decrease. Growing biodiversity loss requires taking serious measures towards their conservation and sustainable use. Recently with biodiversity problems receiving more attention, substantial work has been done undertaken to improve the situation. The National Action Plan on Conservation of Biodiversity, National Program on Environmentally Sustainable Social-Economic Development and other state programmes were approved and are being successfully implemented. Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is a problem of global significance and therefore it can only be solved through joint efforts of the world community of which Azerbaijan is part. To enhance international collaboration on conservation of biodiversity, the Republic of Azerbaijan joined the UN Convention on Biodiversity in 2000. The State Commission on genetic resources of biodiversity was established by the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of December 21 st , 2001, # 848 to eliminate the risk of extinction of genetic resources of plants, animals and microorganisms and ensure fulfillment of the country’s commitments to the Convention. The National Strategy and Action Plan on conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Republic of Azerbaijan (hereinafter referred to as the National Strategy and Action Plan) envisions implementation of efficient measures aiming to ensure conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and achieve concrete positive results. 2. Purpose of the National Strategy and Action Plan The main purpose of the National Strategy and Action Plan is to eradicate poverty, ensure regulation of environmental balance, achieve sustainable development and secure access of future generation to genetic resources through conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 3. Key directions of the National Strategy and Action Plan Key directions of the National Strategy and Action Plan are as follows: •Conservation of genetic resources of plants, animals and micro organisms, their valuable species, varieties, and breeds: •Development and implementation of short-term and long-term programmes on sustainable use of biodiversity; • Conservation of rare and endangered plant and animal species as a priority considering importance of the ecosystem approach, paying attention to local traditions and cultural values; •Development of database on biodiversity gene pool available in the country following the international standards; •Introduction and wide-scale application of modern technologies by using financial resources and environmental experiences of international and regional organizations; •Creating opportunities for active participation of communities in the evaluation of the impact of anthropological activities on the environment; •Ensuring wide dissemination of ecological knowledge and consistent and continued environmental education by identifying legal, economic and organizational bases related to the environmental awareness of the population; •Equitable benefit sharing generated from biodiversity 4. Financing of the National Strategy and Action plan Activities envisioned in the National Strategy and Action Plan will be funded from the following sources: • funds considered for solution of environmental problems, within cost estimates of relevant state entities in the centralized costs of the State Budget; • State fund for environmental protection; • Micro-credits; • Small grants; • Donations from International donors and financial entities. 5. Action Plan for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Republic of Azerbaijan N Activity Priority Implementing agencies Timeframe 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 1.1.1 Update the list of globally threatened plant and animal species with new information on species found in the Republic of Azerbaijan and define their national status I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 ongoing 1.1.2 Define protection status of plant and animal species in accordance with international standards and re-assess them II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 1.1.3 Publication of the 2 nd Edition of the Red Book of Azerbaijan on Plants and Animals II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2009 1.2. Identify and assess the ecosystems with rich biodiversity 1.2.1 Conduct assessment of ecosystems with rich biodiversity by regions with the purpose of their conservation and identification II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, State Land and Mapping Committee 2006-2009 1.3. Undertake activities to conserve rare and threatened species 1.3.1 Develop and implement Action Plan for the protection I Ministry of Ecology and Natural 2006-2009 of rare and endangered plant and animal species Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, State Land and Mapping Committee, local executive authorities 1.3.2 Develop and implement projects on reintroduction of rare and threatened species II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2007 1.4. Conserve and rehabilitate migration corridors 1.4.1 Develop and implement projects on the protection of migration corridors for species with global and national status I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 1.4.2 Develop and implement Action Plan for wetlands included in the Ramsar Convention, to promote conservation of migratory birds III Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 1.5. Assess status of agricultural crops and animal species, and ensure their conservation 1.5.1 To identify and conserve local plant varieties at risk of becoming wild (degenerating) and threatened animal breeds II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture 2006-2009 1.5.2 Conservation and reproduction of local plant varieties and animal breeds through pilot projects on private farms II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, local executive authorities 2006-2009 1.6. Create and enhance biodiversity in urban and industrial landscapes 1.6.1 Create branches of Botanical Gardens in large industrial cities of Ganja, Mingechevir, Sumgait, Ali Bayramli, Shaki, Nakhchivan; protect and expand existing and create new parks and green areas to enrich biodiversity II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, local executive authorities 2006-2009 1.6.2 Develop and implement action plan to protect the biodiversity of lakes around large settlements IV Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, local executive authorities 2006-2008 1.7. Undertake research in the field of biodiversity conservation 1.7.1 Conduct researches for the natural rehabilitation of wild threatened plants and animal species II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 1.7.2 Conduct researches on ringing of migratory animal species II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 1.7.3 Conduct research on pathogenic plant and animal species that disrupt the ecosystem balance and threaten agro-biodiversity IV Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture 2006 on going 1.7.4 Develop and implement Inventory Program on plant and animal species III Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry 2006 of Agriculture 1.7.5 Conduct researches into indicatory species to develop biodiversity monitoring system and asses environmental and anthropological impact on plant and animal species IV Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 1.8. Improve, efficiently use and conserve soils for biodiversity enhancement 1.8.1 To study and assess factors that have positive impact on sustainable development of biodiversity of soils I State Land and Mapping Committee, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 1.8.2 Develop and implement Action Plan to study factors that have impact on sustainable development of biodiversity of soils by soil and climatic zones II State Land and Mapping Committee, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2008 1.8.3 To develop and implement pilot projects on rehabilitation of degraded soils (subjected to various degree of salinization, bogging, desertification) intensively used in areas with irrigated agriculture (in Mil-Garabagh, Shirvan, Mugan-Salyan and Araz river-side plains in Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic) I State Land and Mapping Committee, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Local Bodies of Executing Power 2006-2009 2. Expansion of protected areas 2.1. Expand protected area network 2.1.1 Conduct an inventory of protected areas, review their current status, and prepare recommendations on changing their status as necessary II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2008 2.1.2 Identify priority ecosystems not included in the existing system of protected areas II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 2.1.3 Create coastal protection zones around small river banks and water reservoirs II Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, State Land and Mapping Committee 2006-2009 2.1.4 Develop state cadastre of the protected areas II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 2.1.5 Develop proposals on creation of new protected areas (National Parks of Samur-Yalama, Shahdag, Goygol, Kurdil State Reserve) I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 3. Conservation and efficient use of forest biodiversity 3.1. Support sustainable use of forests 3.1.1 Develop proposals and implement pilot projects on leaching soils subjected to salinization and secondary salinization, and afforestation of these areas using tree and bush species adapted to these areas III Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, State Land and Mapping Committee 2006 3.1.2 Develop and implement urgent measures to provide for natural regeneration, protection and sustainable use of forests, rare shrubs, sparse xerophytes forests in border areas III Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 3.2. Enhance community involvement in sustainable use of forests 3.2.1 Strengthen the role of local communities in forest management to ensure sustainable use of forest resources II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources 2006-2009 3.3. Develop ecotourism to ensure sustainable livelihoods 3.3.1 Ensure sustainable livelihoods of the population residing near National Parks through promotion of local traditions, handicrafts and other folklore arts. II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Culture and Tourism 2006-2009 3.3.2 Develop proposals on promotion of ecotourism, and on conservation and rational use of biodiversity I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Education 2006-2008 4. Conservation of biodiversity in trans-boundary areas 4.1. Study and conserve biodiversity resources shared with bordering countries 4.1.1 Conduct monitoring of the water quality to identify sources of pollution of the Araz river and ensure supply of clean water to the population in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture 2006-2009 4.1.2 Expand cooperation with Turkey, Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation to study the status of shared biological resources II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2006-2009 4.2. Improve cooperation and information exchange mechanism with bordering countries 4.2.1 Exchange experience with organizations dealing with biodiversity issues in bordering countries I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 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 5.1.1 Discover, study, document and certify rare and threatened plant and animal species, and populations conserved in ex-situ condition I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 5.1.2 To establish regional rehabilitation center for rare and II Ministry of Ecology and Natural 2006-2008 threatened plant and animal species Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture 5.2. Conserve genetic resources 5.2.1 Establish gene banks for conservation of gene pool of rare and threatened plant and animal species I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture 2006-2009 6. Improvement of environmental education 6.1. Explore necessary opportunities and strengthen international cooperation for management of biodiversity 6.1.1 Carry out reforms in the biodiversity management system and bring it in conformity with the international standards I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Culture and Tourism 2006-2008 6.1.2 Organize skills upgrading training courses taking into consideration international experience I Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Culture and Tourism 2006 6.2 Improve information exchange and cooperation at the international level 6.2.1. Create pool of specialists in efficient use of biodiversity, its conservation and national resources management I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Education 2006-2009 7. Promotion of cooperation, information exchange and joint activities between organizations dealing with biodiversity conservation 7.1. Develop cooperation between organizations dealing with biodiversity conservation 7.1.1 Create a database of organizations involved in biodiversity conservation and make an inventory of biodiversity-related projects implemented in Azerbaijan I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 7.1.2 Enhance and promote cooperation with stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Education, State Land and Mapping Committee 2006-2009 8. Improving environmental education and increasing public awareness 8.1. To set up a modern basis for educational and awareness raising purposes 8.1.1 Create regional resource centers for increase I Ministry of Ecology and Natural 2006-2009 biodiversity awareness among the population Resources, Ministry of Education, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 8.1.2 Create necessary conditions for education in protected areas III Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Education 2006-2009 8.2. Improve biodiversity education 8.2.1 Collect and compile existing educational materials relating to biodiversity I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Education 2006 8.2.2 Develop video films, advertisements, posters, booklets, postcards on sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity to be used as education materials I Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources 2006-2009 8.2.3 Develop computer and interactive programmes on biodiversity issues as a teaching resource to improve biodiversity education in higher and secondary schools III Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Economic Development 2006-2009 8.3. Widely disseminate information on biodiversity and its conservation 8.3.1 Increase public awareness about the web-site on national biodiversity II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 8.3.2 Develop and duly implement programmes on biodiversity conservation, increase, regeneration, sustainable use and cultural traditions I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, TV and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint-Stock Company 2006 8.3.3 Provide updates on biodiversity-related information through mass media I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 8.3.4 Develop stamps with images of local extinct and threatened plant and animal species III Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Culture and Tourism 2006-2009 9. Protection of cultural heritage and traditions related to biodiversity 9.1. Identify and support cultural heritage and traditions of local population related to biodiversity 9.1.1 Develop proposals to assess potential impact of local traditions on biodiversity and sustainable use I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Education 2006-2009 9.1.2 Organize photo and art exhibitions as well as best article competition on the topic of cultural traditions I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National 2006-2009 and biodiversity Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Culture and Tourism 9.1.3 Produce publications for biodiversity specialists that compile pieces of literature with the purpose to promote of biodiversity and natural heritage III Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Education 2006-2008 9.1.4 Identify natural sites of cultural importance that are under threats or degraded, assess possibilities for their restoration and make proposals for their development I Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Culture and Tourism 2006-2009 10. Achieving application of socio-economic incentives encouraging biodiversity conservation 10.1. Extend social and economic measures encouraging biodiversity conservation 10.1.1 Develop and implement proposals ensuring biodiversity protection and sustainable development in order to reduce anthropogenic impact on biodiversity from the populations and farms operating on the protected areas II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Economic Development, State Land and Mapping Committee 2006-2008 10.1.2 Develop and implement proposals on sustainable livelihoods programmes in order to reduce anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity in ecologically sensitive areas (ecosystems) III Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Economic Development, Local Executing Powers 2006-2008 10.2. Create legal basis for social and economic incentives encouraging biodiversity conservation 10.2.1 Develop mechanism for economic valuation of biological resources II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice 2006-2009 10.2.2 Develop proposals on certifying products as “ecologically clean” or “ecologically safe” in order to mitigate impact of agriculture and other sectors on environment II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Justice 2006-2008 11. Improving legislation on biodiversity 11.1. Bring the biodiversity-related laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan in conformity with international standards 11.1.1 Develop proposals to bring existing legislation related to economic sectors that impact biodiversity and environment into conformity with international standards II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Justice 2006-2008 11.1.2 Develop draft normative-legal acts that regulate biological safety, use of species created by invasion of genetic resources and gene engineering, and other related issues II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture 2006-2008 12. Financing action plans on regeneration, conservation and efficient use of biodiversity 12.1. Encourage international investment in biodiversity conservation 12.1.1 Join Small Grant Programme of the Global I Ministry of Ecology and Natural 2006-2009 Environmental Facility Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 12.1.2 Review the existing funding opportunities and requirements of the international agencies (donors) financing biodiversity related projects, and develop Priority Projects Portfolio II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006 12.1.3 Explore opportunities of concessionary loans for co financing required for future GEF projects and develop project projects for funding III Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 12.2. Encourage investment in biodiversity from entities within Azerbaijan 12.2.1 Develop and implement measures related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Industry and Energetic, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance 2006 12.2.2 Explore and use opportunities to mobilize funding from private entities functioning in the country, to finance priority projects II Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences 2006-2009 12.2.3 Develop and operationalize mechanism for using the State Environmental Protection Fund to finance priority projects on biodiversity conservation I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources 2006- on going 13. Regulation of activities having negative impacts on biodiversity 13.1. Reduce negative impact on biodiversity 13.1.1 Analyze activities of the economic sectors affecting most biodiversity, create data bank and develop proposals to reduce negative impact on biodiversity from these activities. I Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry and Energy, Ministry of Culture and Tourism 2006