The Emerald Network is a pan-European ecological network established with the goal of preserving the biodiversity of Europe. It is one of the main tools for implementation of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern, 1979), also known as the Bern Convention. Georgia became a Contracting Party to this convention in 2009.
The Emerald Network is a network of sites important for the conservation of Europe’s biodiversity, i.e. Areas of Special Conservation Interest or ASCI (often also referred to as Emerald sites). Emerald sites can encompass all types of ecosystems including forests, lakes, rivers, meadows, caves, etc. They are subject to a unique and flexible management regime, the purpose of which is to ensure the long-term conservation of species and habitats protected by the Bern Convention.
With strong cooperation with the Council of Europe and relevant national institutions, NACRES led the preparatory phase for the establishment of the Emerald Network in Georgia by organising workshops, providing environmental data and expert knowledge, and identifying potential sites to be added to the Emerald Network. We currently contribute to the Network’s further development by:
Working to expand Georgia’s Emerald Network and ensure the protection of the majority of species and habitats covered under the Bern Convention