Supporting People, Conserving Nature, In The Caucasus

Caucasus Nature Fund
54 rue de Clichy
75009 Paris | France
Tel.: +33 (0)1 48 74 31 93
Fax: +33 (0)1 48 74 62 52
contact@caucasus-naturefund.org

LEGAL INFORMATION

WHY THE CAUCASUS?

Nature in the Caucasus

The magnificent Caucasus ecoregion is rich in landscapes and
biodiversity.

Recognized as one of only 34 “biodiversity hotspots” worldwide, it boasts over 1,650 indigenous plants and animals. Landscapes range from semi-desert to high altitude tundra, from alpine meadow to deep forest.

Formed by the isthmus between the Black and Caspian Seas, the Caucasus is the geographic border between Europe and Asia. Baku, its easternmost major city, is closer to London than Los Angeles is to New York. The ecoregion covers nearly 600,000 square km, an area a little larger than France

While the ecoregion spreads into parts of Russia, Turkey and Iran, its core lies in the territories of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, 100% of which are in the Caucasus. For practical reasons, CNF has focused its mission on these three South Caucasus countries.

Amazingly, nine of the world’s eleven climate types are found in this mountainous region. There are moist temperate climates in the foothills and lowlands, and arid climates in the eastern portion of the lowlands that separate the northern from the southern mountain chain. Climatic conditions change with elevation as the mountains rise from the plain. The influence of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea increases with altitude, causing the air in alpine areas to be more humid.

The region's forest, freshwater, marine and high mountain “biomes” or ecological communities are the most important—they harbor the highest levels of biodiversity, including almost all of the endemic (found only in the Caucasus) species.