Azerbaijan creates its first biosphere reserve
By Trend
The project "Creation of Zagatala-Balakan Biosphere Reserve" has been launched in Azerbaijan, Deputy Chairman of the Department for Biodiversity Conservation of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources Arzu Samadova said, Trend report citing the ministry.
Samadova said the Zagatala-Balakan Biosphere Reserve, which will be established on the basis of the Zagatala State Nature Reserve within the project, will create conditions for the development of ecotourism and increase employment of the local population in the region, as well as help identify trails and observation points so that people can see the beauties of nature without harming the flora and fauna.
The official added that the biosphere reserve also exists in Turkey, Russia and Belarus, and now Azerbaijan will have one of its own.
Samadova noted that conditions will be created to stimulate ecological and rural tourism in the region and increase the socio-economic welfare of the population.