Outlook on Climate Change Adaptation in the South Caucasus Mountains

DISCLAIMER The development of this publication has been supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in the context of its inter-regional project “Climate change action in developing countries with fragile mountainous ecosystems from a sub-regional perspective” that is financially co-supported by the Government of Austria (Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management).

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Editors Aliyev Mahir, UNEP Artsivadze Kakha, Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Research NACRES Dzneladze Malkhaz, independent expert Georgia Egerer Harald, UNEP Fayvush George, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia Jorstad Hanne, GRID-Arendal Jurek Matthias, GRID-Arendal Kirkfeldt Trine, GRID-Arendal Kurvits Tiina, GRID-Arendal Mehdiyev Bariz, independent expert Azerbaijan Rucevska Ieva, GRID-Arendal Semernya Larisa, UNEP Shatberashvili Nina, Caucasus Network for Sustainable Development of Mountain Regions (Sustainable Caucasus) Wilson Mick, UNEP

Contributors Alfthan Bjorn, GRID-Arendal Aliyev Issa, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Antadze Nino, Energy and Environment Portfolio, UNDP Georgia Chkhobadze Nino, Greens Movement of Georgia/Friends of Earth of Georgia Gabrielyan Aram, UNFCCC focal point Armenia Getiashvili Revaz, CENN Harutynyan Diana, UNDP Armenia Lazrievi Grigol, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia Machavariani Giorgi, Ministry of Environment and Natural

This synthesis publication builds on main findings and results available through conducted projects, activities and based on information that is available such as respective national communications by countries to the UNFCCC and peer reviewed literature. It is based on review of existing literature and not based on new scientific results generated through the project. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP, contributory organizations or any governmental authority or institution with which authors or contributors are affiliated and neither do they imply any endorsement. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct and properly referenced, UNEP does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP concerning the legal status of any country, territory or city or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Mention of a commercial company or product in this publication does not imply endorsement by UNEP. This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit services without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. We regret any errors or omissions that may unwittingly have been made.

Resources Protection of Georgia Mafuta Clever, GRID-Arendal Osepashvili Ilia, WWF Caucasus Schoolmeester Tina, GRID-Arendal Shvangiradze Marina, UNDP Georgia Tsereteli Kety, GEF/UNEP Tsiklauri Ivane, UNDP Georgia

Layout GRID-Arendal

Cartography Manana Kurtubardze

Front cover photo: Ushguli village with Shkhara mountain in the background, Georgia Back cover photo: Shahdag national park, Azerbaijan

ISBN: 978-82-7701-149-3

UNEP promotes environmentally sound practices globally and in its own activities. This

Recommended Citation Shatberashvili, N.; Rucevska, I.; Jørstad, H.; Artsivadze, K.; Mehdiyev, B.; Aliyev, M.; Fayvush, G.; Dzneladze, M.; Jurek, M.; Kirkfeldt, T. & Semernya, L. (2015). Outlook on climate change adaptation in the South Caucasus mountains. United Nations Environment Programme, GRID-Arendal and Sustainable Caucasus. Nairobi, Arendal and Tbilisi. www.grida.no, www.unep. org, www.sd-caucasus.com

publication is printed on fully recycled paper, FSC certified, post-consumer waste and chlorine- free. Inks are vegetable-based and coatings are water- based. UNEP’s distribution policy aims to reduce its carbon footprint.

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