A regular international scientific conference on “Cooperation in restoration of the wildlife in the Caucasus” took place in the framework of the Caspian Ecology 9^th International Environment Exhibition, with the organizational support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Association Leyla Aliyeva attended the event.

The conference aimed at determining priority issues concerning the preservation of biological diversity, advancement of the potential for the region’s natural restoration, studying the experience of similar projects implemented in the region, holding an exchange of information, and extending regional cooperation.

Speaking at the conference, Leyla Aliyeva noted that environmental issues have no boundaries. As a result of human settlement, 40 percent of the wildlife has been destroyed. Degradation of the ecosystem is obvious.

Underscoring the significant works carried out in Azerbaijan on rehabilitation of both land and water creatures, Leyla Aliyeva talked about the actions taken towards increasing the number of Caucasian leopard, gazelles and sturgeon, emphasizing that the objective was to support all initiatives, and share the experiences. The number of gazelles in Azerbaijan has been brought up to 6000, from the previous 600, and this process is going on. Touching upon the UN’s Sustainable Development Issue, Leyla Aliyeva said many people have joined the calls to protect the environment.

Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev, Georgia’s Minister for Protection of Environment and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili, representative of the World Wildlife Fund for the South Caucasus Aurel Heidelberg spoke at the conference.

The conference continued with discussions over the topic.