We are writing to draw urgent attention to the ongoing deforestation in the Hyrcanian forests of Azerbaijan, a UNESCO heritage site. These forests, predominantly in mountainous terrain, are critical for biodiversity, especially the patches on the flatlands around the Lankaran and Astara regions. The largest such forest, near Lankaran city between Haftoni, Girdani, and Digah villages, has been a hotspot for large-scale deforestation. 

When a new highway from Baku to Astara was built, it passed through the forest, causing destruction and dividing it into two parts. This national-scale infrastructure project has already caused irreversible damage. 

However, larger-scale destructive agricultural projects, which started in 2020 and 2021, can still be stopped and reversed.

One project, covering around 150 hectares, has already cleared up to 100 hectares of forests to prepare land for subtropical fruit orchards. The Ministry of Ecology leased 100 hectares of forest (in two slots of 30 and 70 hectares) to a businessman under the guise of forest recovery, for a nominal fee of 26 manat per hectare (around $15). Despite public outcry and our continuous efforts, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has been unable to terminate the contract. The businessman, using his influence, continues to clear the forest and plant new agricultural orchards.

There was a similar project in an adjacent area of the same forest, which we managed to stop in time, leading the government to launch a reforestation project. The original plan was to destroy 43 hectares of Hyrcanian forests, but we successfully halted the destruction after just 5 hectares, and newly planted local trees are now thriving.

We need your help to repeat this success story on a larger scale. Stopping this deforestation will send a strong signal to others that clearing forests for profit is not guaranteed to succeed, even if some trees are planted afterwards.

Why We Care: The Hyrcanian forests are not just a natural treasure but also a vital component of our environment, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and fighting climate change. These forests are home to rare and endangered species, including the Persian ironwood trees listed in the Red Book, an official state document on the status of rare and endangered species in Azerbaijan. Protecting these forests directly impacts our community, our environment, and our future. By preserving these forests, we safeguard our natural heritage, ensure the health of our ecosystems, and contribute to the global effort against climate change.

Call to Action: Join us in urging UNESCO to:

• Conduct an urgent investigation into the deforestation activities.
  Support local activist groups like Ecofront in their efforts to protect these forests.
  Pressure the Ministry of Ecology to terminate leases facilitating illegal deforestation.
  Raise international awareness about this issue at COP29 and other global platforms. 

You can individually tag the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, COP29 presidency on social media or write to them directly. Additionally, you can contact the related organization at mail@iucn.org (IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature). Together, we can protect the Hyrcanian forests and ensure their preservation for future generations.

Sign our petition today to help save these irreplaceable natural treasures.

About Ecofront: We are an eco-activist group fighting against environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate crises in Azerbaijan. Your support will help us continue our mission to protect our natural heritage and combat deforestation.