Summer Camp Bringing Bison Back to Our Nature! Took Place in Gabala
In Azerbaijan, another summer camp titled "Bringing Bison Back to Our Nature!" took place from June 27th to 29th, aimed at educating and developing youth within the "Bison Reintroduction in Azerbaijan" program, initiated by the Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union, Leyla Aliyeva. Organized by the IDEA Public Union, the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the Ministry of Education, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Azerbaijan, with the support of the Executive Authority of the Gabala District, the camp involved about 60 students from the Gabala District.
The main goal of the summer camp "Bringing Bison Back to Our Nature!" is to inform youth about the importance of bison reintroduction and protection, educate them in the field of environmental conservation, and foster a sense of love and care for nature.
On the first day of the camp, students participated in presentations on the characteristics of bison existence, their habitat in our country, efforts to reintroduce these animals into our nature, as well as seminars on factors contributing to the destruction of the bison population, including various ecology and biodiversity-themed contests.
On the second day of the camp, participants went on an excursion to the Shahdag National Park.
Here, students familiarized themselves with the rich biological diversity of the park, observed the bison brought to Azerbaijan as part of the reintroduction program. They were informed about the successful adaptation of bison and project stages. Additionally, students took part in training sessions on identifying animal tracks, plant species, map making, organizing forest camping, and observing safety rules. On the last day of the camp, role-playing games were held between teams, discussions on rare animal protection issues took place. Finally, participants were awarded certificates and memorable gifts.
Within the bison reintroduction program in Azerbaijan, the IDEA Public Union, together with project partners - the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the WWF representation in Azerbaijan, has taken measures for protection and education. As part of the project, in May 2019, 12 bison heads were released into the territory of the Ismayilli branch of the Shahdag National Park, and in 2020, five bison heads were brought from Europe. The natural growth of bison brought to our country indicates the successful completion of their adaptation period.