Integrated erosion control in mountainous areas

projekt beendet

ContextMost settlements and villages in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus have been built in places where forests offered a certain level of protection against avalanches, rockfalls, landslides and similar erosion-related occurrences. Biodiversity has suffered in the wake of overgrazing and over-exploitation of mountain forests for fuelwood and pasture for sheep. In view of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change, the impacts of erosion are threatening the existence of the population of mountainous regions.The significance of forests and intact alpine grasslands for soil and erosion protection and for the preservation of a microclimate favorable to agriculture has been recognized. However, to date no concepts have been drawn up or implemented to control erosion.ObjectiveConcepts for integrated erosion control are included in national regulations for sustainable land use and safeguarding biodiversity.ApproachThe project combines a community-based approach with ecosystem-based adaptation measures. Erosion and the condition of pasture land are assessed and mapped in the pilot regions as a basis for identifying suitable erosion control measures. Apart from the targeted reforestation of small areas, community forest management and mechanical and biological erosion protection measures, integrated erosion control includes sustainable pasture management. This takes different forms in the three countries concerned.Parallel to these activities, incentive instruments are being developed, for example, improving pasture quality, adapting lease agreements and establishing and developing value chains. Capacity development and promoting environmental awareness are cross-cutting issues. A regional exchange on integrated erosion control is being set up with the assistance of the Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus (RECC).The project is operating primarily in the Tushetia region of Georgia, in the Aragatsotn and Shirak provinces of Armenia and the Ismayilli region of Azerbaijan.Financial support for the measures in Armenia is being provided by the Austrian Development Agency.

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