Ecological Summer Camp Titled Let’s Protect Gazelles

Ecological summer camp was jointly held by IDEA Public Union, Azerbaijan office of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan within the framework of the program entitled “Reintroduction of gazelles into their historical habitat in the Caucasus”. Held from 10th to 12th of June in the village of Ilisu of the Gakh district, the summer camp was attended by over 30 school children from the Gakh and Sheki districts.

“Let’s protect gazelles” summer camp aims to raise awareness about this endangered species among the youth living near the areas, where the reintroduction of gazelles is implemented.  In the course of the summer camp, the participants were broadly informed about the way of life and distribution of gazelles as well as their role in nature. Children also participated in various small ecological studies, quizzes and contests. A clean-up action was held near the Ilisu waterfall on the second day of the camp. All participants received certificates and memorial gifts.

The program “Reintroduction of gazelles into their historical habitat in the Caucasus” is being successfully implemented since 2010 by joint efforts of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, IDEA Public Union and WWF Azerbaijan. During the last few years, more than 150 gazelles from the Shirvan National Park have been reintroduced into their historical areas of distribution, where they are continually monitored and protected.

It should be noted that IDEA Public Union, WWF Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan jointly organize annual camps on various subjects related to the environment and biodiversity.