Bio-diversity

Project Location: BostanAbad (Lat:37.817306;Long:46.818237) Project background: Lake Gori. 23/06/75; Azarbayjan-e Sharqi; 120 ha; 37 55 N 046 42 E. A freshwater lake fringed by extensive reedbeds of various species, and lying in a closed, high altitude basin. The lake is fed by rainfall, runoff, springs and small streams, with inflow from spring snow-melt being the greatest contributor. The surrounding area is semi-arid steppe and includes a small settlement and associated cultivation. Breeding waterbirds include Black-necked Grebe, White-headed Duck and other Anatidae (ducks, geese, swans, etc.). Ramsar site no. 48. Most recent RIS information: 1997. A year before the proposal was accepted by GEF SGP, individual experts active in the field of environment and collaborating with the Deprtment of the Environment initiated a research project determining the threats to the White Headed Duck in Lake Gori. They started working with local people on the threats and as a result this proposal was borne for expanding the field work. Project outputs are: The main threats that can be worked on are: Helping the lake community in the Yousefabad village to form a local community group Non sustainable use of the meadow grass by the locals therefore the grass and straw remaining are aged and the old texture is not suitable for building nests by the bird. The project will attempt to work with locals on a more sustainable use of the meadow grass for promoting the natural nesting. Working on diminishing the threat from the black rats in the area Finding the abandoned eggs in the nests with collaboration of the locals for semi natural breeding. Involving the community in participatory protection of the wetland Increase breeding Producing newsletters, short documentary and lessons learned booklet

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