National parks to augment protected lands

The German Zukkov Foundation confirmed its financial assistance to two of the five national parks that are scheduled to be set up in Azerbaijan in the final meeting of the conference on establishment of national parks and protection of natural and cultural heritage in Baku Friday. The foundation has assumed to provide employees of the preserves with horses and outfits and build some vital installations. It is also expected to back activities for restoring the water system in preserves and preserving birds from beasts of pray.

The German delegation underscored that Azerbaijan is a key center conserving biodiversity in Europe. 370 plants out of 4300 encountered in Azerbaijan are endemic and peculiar only to this Caucasus nation, German delegates noted.

Only 5% of Azeri lands are protected territories, but this figure is expected to rise after the national parks are set up.

German experts underlined the rare natural diversity of Azeri nature with broad-leaved forests, Alpine plains and lowland woods on Caspian coasts. 4500 rare gazelles are kept the Shirvan preserve.

The conference participants adopted a resolution.*