The document discusses conservation efforts in the Caucasus region, which contains high biodiversity and many endemic species. It describes the unique ecosystems and landscapes found within the Caucasus ecoregion, including diverse climates, forests, and habitats that support over 150 mammal species and 1600 endemic plant species. The Caucasus Nature Fund supports 15 national parks in the region through grants for ranger salaries, infrastructure improvements, and reintroduction of species. Their goal is to protect over 605,000 hectares of land by 2015.

1. SUPPORTING PEOPLE CONSERVING NATURE IN THE CAUCASUS
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2. Bio-diversity Hotspots Worldwide
Prioritizing investment in areas rich with life is crucial.
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3. 3

4. THE CAUCASUS ECOREGION
The isthmus between the Black and Caspian seas forms a complex but
unified ecosystem. 4

5. South Caucasus Landscapes
The Caucasus eco-region — an area the size of France:
• 9 of the 11 world climate types
• Peaks higher than the Alps
• Areas below sea level
• Virgin forests, subtropical forests, semi-deserts, pastures and wetlands
Tusheti National Park Mtirala National Park
Lake Arpi National Park 5

6. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park
€276,800 grant over 3 years
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7. Lagodekhi Protected Areas
€270,000 grant over 3 years
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8. Tusheti National Park
3 year grant starting in 2012
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9. Vashlovani National Park
3 year grant starting in 2012
Vashlovani Protected Areas, Georgia 9

10. Mtirala National Park
CNF Funding 2013
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11. Kolkheti National Park
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12. Kazbegi National Park
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13. Astounding Fauna
• 150 mammals live in the Caucasus
• The highest level of endemism in a temperate zone— 1/5 of mammals,
1/4 of the plants can only be found in the region
• Key stopover point for many migratory birds
Caucasus Leopard Swallowtail Butterfly 13
Bezoar Goat

14. Caucasian/Persian Leopard
• The largest leopard subspecies
• Native to the Caucasus mountains, northern Iran, eastern Turkey
• Less than 100 leopards exist in the South Caucasus eco-region.
Caucasus Leopard
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15. East Caucasian Tur Goitred Gazelle
Caucasus Leopard 15
Caucasian Viper Brown Bear

16. Bezoar Goats are found only in the eastern
part of the Caucasus.
Around 3,000 exist in the Khosrov Nature
reserve
CNF funding will support the breeding and
reintroduction of these endangered animals.
The Bezoar or “bearded” goat can
dash up a rocky cliff at 50 km per
hour. Populations exist in Armenia
and Azerbaijan. It is nearly extinct
in Georgia. 16

17. Kestrel
Imperial Eagle
Caspian Snowcock
Eurasian Spoonbill Imperial Eagle 17

18. Astounding Flora
• 6500 species of vascular plants
• 1600 are endemic (25% percent)
• One of world’s largest old-growth forests in a temperate zone
Delphinium pyramidatum Lilium szovitsianum
Swallowtail Butterfly on flower 18

19. Wild Orchid Iris atropatana
Kintrishi Protected Areas, Georgia Lagodekhi Nature Reserve 19 19

20. CNF funds support tourist facilities and
maintain trails, fostering tourism development
BEFORE AFTER
Borjomi Visitor’s Center in 2010 CNF funds helped refurbish the exterior and
interior of the Visitor’s Center in July 2011
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21. CNF supports Park Rangers
Salary supplements provide rangers with a living wage, helping ensure patrol and monitoring.
Horns of endangered
Caucasian Turs are prized
trophies for poachers.
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22. CNF funds support capital purchases such
as jeeps and fire trucks
When fire broke out in Borjomi National Park, CNF helped
by buying two fire trucks and gear.
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23. Framework
Agreement
Ministry of
CNF
Environment
50% Funding
(minimum)‫‏‬
50% Funding
(maximum)‫‏‬
PA
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24. CNF funds—€ 6 million by 2020
800,000
CNF Funding
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
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25. Endowment
Built to Last
Charitable Trust
Limited Focus
CNF’s endowment covers administrative
costs. All new monies go to directly to the
parks and their programs!
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26. Campaign—15 Parks by 2015 €
By 2015 CNF aims to support 15 parks covering 605,000 hectares
Campaign 2015 Fundraising Campaign Goals
• 15 Parks
• € 1 million/ yr. in grants
• € 11.2 million
in new funds raised
• > 605,000 hectares
1.5 million acres
protected
Existing - € 15 million
New Private - € 4.5 million
New Public - € 6.7million
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27. 2012 Red Deer Reintroduction Project
Dilijan’s 34,000 hectares (84,000 acres) of
pristine forests were once home to the
Caucasian red deer.
The unique sub-species is one of the most
endangered animals . CNF is teaming up
with WWF to bring this beautiful animal
back to the Armenia
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28. 2013 support for the first transboundry park in the
South Caucasus
Lake Arpi National Park, in north-western
Armenia, and Javakheti National Park in Georg
together make up a spectacular mountain
plateau that houses grasslands, lakes and
wetlands. The area is globally recognized as an
important staging and breeding ground for mo
than 140 bird species.
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