The Caucasus Biodiversity Summit was held.

On May 7, the Caucasus Biodiversity Summit was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center on the initiative of the IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) Public Union, with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, Vice President of the Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva, and Arzu Aliyeva attended the event.

The event was also attended by renowned international experts, representatives of several prestigious organizations, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Smithsonian Institution, London Zoological Society, and Harvard University, as well as scientists from Azerbaijan.

Arlo Brady, the coordinator of the summit, stated that the Caucasus Biodiversity Summit aims to share knowledge and experiences in the protection of leopards and other felines, and to discuss the application of the most advanced and effective tools in this field.

Arlo Brady highly appreciated Leyla Aliyeva’s activities related to environmental protection.

Following this, a film on biodiversity conservation in Azerbaijan was screened.

In her speech at the summit, Leyla Aliyeva noted that Azerbaijan is a country with ancient traditions, a rich history, and culture: “Our country is located between Europe and Asia, embodying Eastern wisdom and Western progress. What makes our city unique is that the architecture of the ancient Inner City and Maiden Tower forms a harmony with newly built modern architectural examples. Azerbaijan was historically at the center of the Silk Road. Our geographical location has influenced not only our culture but also our nature. Nine of the world’s eleven climate zones are found in Azerbaijan, which ensures our biodiversity.”

Emphasizing the importance of starting environmental protection from a young age, Leyla Aliyeva stated that IDEA brings together young people around environmental issues. “IDEA, which aims to protect the environment not only in our homeland but around the world, has implemented a number of projects in Azerbaijan and the region related to the protection of ecology, flora, and fauna during its activity. Among them, the ‘Caucasus Big Five’ project, which focuses on protecting five iconic regional species—the brown bear, imperial eagle, gray wolf, gazelle, and Caucasus leopard—holds special significance,” Leyla Aliyeva said.

Leyla Aliyeva noted that within the framework of the implemented projects, over 3 million trees have been planted in Azerbaijan, and environmental protection classes have been established in educational institutions.

“Our main goal is to restore and protect endangered species worldwide. In this regard, joint work is being carried out with a number of international organizations. It is encouraging that Azerbaijan is now a member of the International Environmental Protection Organization,” Leyla Aliyeva added.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Huseynqulu Bagirov, speaking at the event, discussed the work carried out in the country to protect biodiversity. The minister emphasized that Heydar Aliyev Foundation President Mehriban Aliyeva and Foundation Vice President Leyla Aliyeva have also made significant contributions to environmental protection in Azerbaijan, including the conservation of endangered animals.

Huseynqulu Bagirov also noted that the IDEA Public Union implements important projects in ensuring biodiversity and provides comprehensive support to state policy in this field.

The minister particularly highlighted the significant damage caused to the environment in Azerbaijan’s territories occupied by Armenia.

Following this, a presentation on the activities of the IDEA Public Union was held.

After the first part of the summit, participants were informed by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and IDEA about the joint program “Say No to Tree Cutting!”, implemented to address pressing environmental issues and strengthen public environmental monitoring.

As part of the summit, Adrian Stern’s exhibition “Africa’s Wildlife” was also organized.

In the second part of the summit, specialists, experts, and scientists representing various countries in the study of the environment and wildlife expressed their gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for her support in implementing such an important project and noted that the Azerbaijani government’s efforts in forest conservation are commendable.

Guests attending the summit will visit Gabala and get acquainted with Azerbaijan’s fauna and flora up close.