The International Scientific Conference on “Biological Diversity and Conservation Problems of the Fauna of the Caucasus” was organized and conducted by the American University of Armenia and Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology of National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia. More than 150 participants from 9 countries presented results of their research.

The Caucasus ecoregion is an important nature area, which represents one of six global biodiversity hotspots. Southern Caucasus Mountains and Armenia are especially notable as wildlife in these areas combines characteristics of European and Asian biodiversity. Due to diverse climatic conditions, complex relief and remoteness from the seas, a number of unique habitats came into existence and host about 3,500 species of vascular plants and more than 17,500 species of animals, of which 500 species are vertebrates.

At the same time the economic growth of the regional countries requires development of new environmental management tools to ensure sustainable long-term coexistence of human and nature.

After a long period, this is the first time when biologists from Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Germany, Ukraine, and USA had an opportunity to share results of their investigations aimed at the study and conservation of the Caucasian biodiversity.

The conference was held from 26th to 29th of September 2011 and was a result of joint efforts of the Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology of NAS RA and the American University of Armenia. Hopefully, this was the first in a row of future meetings aimed at creation of an effective network between conservation scientists, which will support protection of the fragile Caucasus biodiversity.