Crucial problems of the organization of biosphere reserves in Azerbaijan

The environment is an important issue even when society is faced with economic crises, wars, and unending social problems. It matters because Earth is the only home that humans have, and it provides air, food, and other needs. Economic development, demographic growth, increase in consumption due to increase in the income level of the population, climate changes and other reasons have resulted in an increase in the negative impact on the environment. Pollution of water basins with waste water, release of harmful gases into the atmosphere, reduction of biodiversity, soil erosion and salinization, deficiencies in the field of waste management are considered among the existing ecological problems. The paper deals with specific features of the organization of biosphere reserves in Azerbaijan. A significant challenge of our time is conserving biological diversity while maintaining economic development and cultural values. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has established biosphere reserves within its Man and the Biosphere program as a model means for accomplishing this very challenge. The loss of cultural links and traditional knowledge has also been significant. Nevertheless, it remains a highly biodiversity area. Political barriers and institutional blockages will have to be removed to ensure this reserve fulfills its role as a model region for international collaboration and capacity building. These insights drawn from the Eastern Carpathians Biosphere Reserve demonstrate that biosphere reserves are indeed learning sites for sustainable development and that this case is exemplary in illustrating the challenges, but more importantly, the opportunities that arise when ensuring parallel care and respect for people and ecosystems through the model of trans boundary protected areas around the world.