Scientists from Black and Caspian Sea countries have met to identify sites of ecological or biological importance in order to step-up their protection.

The workshop is the first practical step towards the implementation of the Ashgabat Protocol to the Tehran Convention. The proposed sites now need to be officially reviewed before potentially being adopted at the next Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Biodiversity is not a hindrance, but a solution for sustainable economic growth and human well-being by supporting the functioning of the Earth’s life support system, pointed out Ms. Cristiana Paşca Palmer, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity when opening the meeting.

The event took place in Baku, Azerbaijan at the end of April and allowed scientific information to be shared on things like migratory routes and biodiversity, expert networking and enhanced collaboration among regional initiatives.

The collaboration of the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea basins to keep these ecosystems healthy and prosperous is one of such regional success stories that support the global partnership for environmental sustainability.

For more information please write to mateusz.benko@unenvironment.org