On 15 November 2016, IDEA founder - Leyla Aliyeva has met with the General Director of the Autonomous Nonprofit Organisation (ANO) "Caucasus Nature Center" Renata Shyushayte at the organization’s headquarters in Moscow.

During the meeting, Ms. Shyushayte spoke about the Center’s goals and activities, which are the systematic implementation of environmental projects and initiatives aimed at increasing protection of natural resources and wildlife in the North Caucasus.

Leyla Aliyeva, on her side informed about IDEA’s conservation works, including the Big Five project that envisions protection of the five endangered species in Azerbaijan. Recalling her visit to Sochi National Park earlier this year, Ms. Aliyeva praised the Centre’s activities, specifically the efforts in restoring leopard populations.

It should be noted that one of the primary goals of the Center is the recovery of the Caucasus leopard, the project that has been established in 2007 at the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. For the successful implementation of the program the Leopard Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre was later built at Sochi National Park.

Upon concluding the meeting, the two sides signed an agreement of cooperation to restore the Caucasian leopard.

Additionally, the parties discussed current environmental issues in the region, including the prospects for cooperation in public education, protection of nature around border areas, reintroduction of bison, protection of Caspian seal and promotion of eco-tourism in the Caucasus. Engagement and support of Azerbaijani youth living in Russia in achieving environmental outcomes for Russia's 2017 Year of Ecology was also brought to attention.