|
Page Updated:
16-Oct-2006
SPS Homepage > News 2006
Southern Caucasus - Azerbaijan: Biodiversity Conservation Achievements and Perspectives for Sustainable Use
NATO-CCMS supported Expert Meeting to be held 22 - 24 May 2006, Baku
Due to its high level of species and ecosystem diversity the Southern Caucasus region has been identified as one of the 25 global biodiversity hotspots. In the past decade Southern Caucasian countries have establish National Parks and set up new protected areas to conserve biodiversity in the region. In a long-run, however, parks and protected areas can only achieve their objectives, if the local population is involved and benefits from their establishment. Hence, conditions that foster win-win situations should be aimed for.
For biodiversity conservation to serve as a catalyst for sustainable regional development, it is important to plan, develop and manage a protected area by also considering the potential of its surrounding area and its population. The upcoming expert meeting will bring together scientists, policy makers and practitioners from different countries to discuss approaches, means and requirements to develop and manage protected areas that at the same time support the creation of economic activities for the local population. Also, experiences with transboundary protected areas will be discussed.
In this context the meeting will focus on two main issues: (1) management of protected areas, including planning, integration of local communities, different use options, etc., and (2) economic development in the surroundings of protected areas through sustainable production and service oriented activities in relation to agriculture, manufacturing, processing, tourism, etc. The meeting aims to establish networks and to identify concepts for future joint research and development activities.
Related documents:
 top
|
