Azerbaijan

Although Azerbaijan itself does not contribute heavily to climate change, local scientists believe the Aspheron Peninsula is one of the most ecologically devastated areas in the world. Proposed projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions include increased use of hydropower, solar energy, and wind energy; switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs; improved efficiency in oil production; introducing new technology for biogas production and methane collection; and the protection of agricultural fields with the planting of forests to mitigate the effect of droughts and hot dry winds. Azerbaijan has declared an active interest in participating in clean development.

The Convention on Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.

The following discusses Azerbaijan's plans for biodiversity nationwide:

Azerbaijan can be divided into a number of biogeographical regions, although is dominated by Mediterranean plant communities (50%), boreal plant communities (30%), and Caucasus plant communities (5%). Azerbaijan has forest, grassland and desert, mountain, wetland, coastal and marine ecosystems. There are approximately 4,500-recorded species of higher plants, which represent around 65% of the floral diversity of the Caucasus region, and 11% of the world’s flora. There are over 400 species of plants endemic to Azerbaijan. Approximately 20,000 species of invertebrates have been recorded. Azerbaijan supports 623 species of vertebrates including: 89 fish species; 10 amphibians; 52 reptiles; 363 species of bird; and some 106 species of mammals. There are forty species of invertebrates listed in the Red Book as being threatened with extinction. Among vertebrates, five species of fish are considered endangered due to anthropogenic activities. Five species of amphibians found are listed in the Red Data Book of Azerbaijan. Major threats to biodiversity include habitat loss and modification, overuse of biological and natural resources, pollution, introduced and alien species, climate change and natural disasters.

Source: Convention on Biodiversity