SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IN THE RUSSIAN CAUCASUS

WWF is working to save the unique Russian Caucasus forests, habitats of rare and unique species, through developing and promoting sustainable forest management.

About the Russian Caucasus

The Caucasus forest ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and contain many rare species, including the last remaining chestnut, wild pear, native oak and maple forests. The forests harbour many native species of woody plants and herbs and are important habitats to rare and endangered species of birds and animals. Large predators such as the Persian leopard, wolf, and brown bear depend on forest ecosystems, as well as the red deer, roe deer, bezoar goat, and wild boar.

Endangered species of yew tree, chestnut and oak fetch large sums on the black market and unsanctioned logging and illegal export of valuable tree species from the Russian Caucasus to other countries is causing economic losses and threatening local biodiversity. Bear, wolf, lynx, bison, wild boar, roe deer, Caucasian red deer, Caucasian pheasant and Caucasian grouse are just a few of the animals depending on the healthy forest ecosystems that are under threat.

WWF is working to:

Introduce the concept of sustainable forest management in the Russian Caucasus. Save valuable forest habitats for dependent, critically endangered species, including the Persian leopard. Promote and communicate the principles of sustainable forest management and FSC certification in the region among a variety of stakeholders including government officials, forest service staff and companies. Create certification centres to provide communication and spread information about responsible forest management and FSC certification to forest stakeholders in Russian Caucasus. Get FSC certified companies. Develop Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) activities in Russian Caucasus.