Sustainable Forest Management Plan for Ismailly Forest Management Unit in Azerbaijan Republic

Final Document
Sustainable Forest Management Plan for
ISMAILLY FOREST MANAGEMENT
UNIT in Azerbaijan Republic
October 2015
This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The content, findings, interpretations, and
conclusions of this publication are the sole responsibility of the FLEG II (ENPI East) Programme Team (www.enpi-fleg.org) and can
in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the

Sustainable Forest Management Plan for Ismailly
Forest Management Unit in Azerbaijan
Prepared for
“European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) East
Countries Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) II Program”
Administrated by
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Prepared by
Vasiliy Gerasimov
Independent Forestry Advisor
e-mail: vas.gerasimov@gmail.com
tel: +7 909 120 27 52
Skype: vas.gerasimov

2 Ismailly Sustainable Forest Management Plan
July 2015
PREFACE
This sustainable forest management plan has been developed for the territory of the Ismailly
Forest Management Unit for a ten-year period.
The forest management plan is primarily addressed to the Forest Department of the Ministry of
Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and management of the Ismailly
Forest Management Unit, as the representatives of the forest owner (state).
The plan describes general tools to achieve the forest management sustainability and serves as a
basis for developing more specific steps.

CONTENT
LIST OF FIGURES .....................................................................................................................5
LIST OF TABLES.......................................................................................................................6
ABBREVEATIONS ....................................................................................................................7
1. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT ........................................................................8
1.1. What is sustainable development..................................................................................8
1.2. Forest sustainability as important part of sustainable development..................................9
1.3. The concept of sustainable forest management ..............................................................10
2. FOREST MANAGEMENT OF AZERBAIJAN.......................................................................12
2.1. Current management system (leshoz structure) ..............................................................12
2.2. Current level of forest planning and monitoring.............................................................13
2.3. Main trends in Azerbaijan forestry: Improvement of existing forests and expansion of
forest areas .............................................................................................................................14
2.4. Forestry activities (current and planned).........................................................................14
3. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING: GENERAL INFORMATION...16
3.1. SFM: goal and objectives................................................................................................16
3.2. SFM Plan Structure.........................................................................................................17
3.3. SFM Planning Process ....................................................................................................18
3.4. Supporting Documents, Plans, and Policies....................................................................19
3.5. Implementing a flexible management system.................................................................20
3.6. Sustainable forest management planning and FSC certification.....................................21
4. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT ISMAILLY FOREST MANAGEMENT
UNIT..........................................................................................................................................22
4.1. General Information about the territory ..........................................................................22
4.2. Ecosystems and forest types............................................................................................23
4.3. Protected areas ................................................................................................................25
4.4. The Forest Products Industry ..........................................................................................26
4.5. Infrastructure (roads, pipes) ............................................................................................26
4. 6. Dynamics of forest cover over the last decade...............................................................26
4.7. Socio-economic Description ...........................................................................................28
4.8. Current and Anticipated Uses .........................................................................................28
4.9. Tourism and Recreation ..................................................................................................29
4.10. Agriculture and Range ..................................................................................................29
4.11. Non-wood forest products.............................................................................................30

5. KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND THEIR NEEDS...................................................................31
5.1. Forest stakeholders and their classification.....................................................................31
5.2. An assessment of the degree of the main groups of stakeholders' dependence on the
forest resources.......................................................................................................................31
5.3. The survey results ...........................................................................................................34
5.4. Plan on cooperation with local stakeholders...................................................................35
6. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN ANT ITS IMPLEMENTATION......38
6.1. Functional zoning............................................................................................................38
6.2. Criteria & Indicators of Sustainability ............................................................................40
6.3. Management Strategies ...................................................................................................51
6.4. High Conservation Value Forests Management Strategy ...............................................55
6.5. Environmental Strategies ................................................................................................64
6.5.1. Biodiversity Conservation Strategy..........................................................................65
6.5.2. Species Management Strategy..................................................................................67
6.5.3. Soil protection strategy.............................................................................................69
6.5.4. Water protection strategy..........................................................................................71
6.5.5. Silviculture and Natural forest dynamic Strategy ....................................................73
6.5.6. Invasive Plants Strategy ...........................................................................................75
6.6. Social Strategies..............................................................................................................77
6.6.1. Local Employment Strategy.....................................................................................78
6.6.2. Employee & Forest Workers Training Strategy.......................................................79
6.6.3. Public Participation Strategy ....................................................................................81
6.6.4. Recreation Strategy...................................................................................................83
6.7. Economic Strategy ..........................................................................................................85
6.8. Data Management Strategy.............................................................................................87
6.9. Monitoring.......................................................................................................................88
CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................................................94

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Three spheres of sustainability………………………………………….. 10
Figure 2. Department for Forests Development organization chart………………. 14
Figure 3. Sustainable forest management plan cycle……………………………… 20

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Comparison of traditional and Sustainable forest management systems. 11
Table 2. List of supporting documents. 21
Table 3. Characteristics of transportation roads 27
Table 4. Status of Ismailly forest fund as of 1 January of 2005 28
Table 5. Status of Ismailly forest fund as of 1 January of 2015 28
Table 6. Ethnic composition of Ismailly district 29
Table 7. Timber stocking in Ismailly district (2010-2013) 30
Table 8. Nuts and fruits harvesting 31
Table 9. Schedule of meetings with the representatives of the local population in the
framework of the SFMP implementation for 2015-2025
37
Table 10. Correspondence between Management Strategies and Verifiers 52

ABBREVEATIONS

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FSC Forest Stewardship Council
HCV High Conservation Value (of forest)
MENR Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources
NEFC Near East Forestry Commission
SF Sustainable forestry
SFMP Sustainable forest management plan
UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

1. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT

1.1. What is sustainable development
The concept of sustainable development is now central to the programs of many governments,
businesses, educational institutions and non-government organizations around the world. The
concept is related to environmentalism but has evolved since its introduction in the 1980s. The
most widely held definition was published by the United Nation's World Commission on
Environment and Development (also known as the Brundtland Commission) in 1987.
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It contains within it two
key concepts:
 the concept of needs, in particular the essential needs of the world's poor, to which
overriding priority should be given; and
 the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the
environment's ability to meet present and future needs."
The approach is thus one that aims to meet human needs, including those of future generations,
while also protecting the environment. There are eight key issues of sustainable development, i.e.
that it would satisfy ‘the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs’. These eight issues are:
 Population and Human Resources
 Industry
 Food Security
 Species and Ecosystems
 The Urban Challenge
 Managing the Commons
 Energy
 Conflict and Environmental Degradation
Three aspects of development are integrated in an attempt to accomplish this: environmental
sustainability, socio political sustainability, and economic sustainability (see figure 1).

Figure 1. Three spheres of sustainability.
Many of these objectives may seem to conflict with each other in the short term. For example,
industrial growth might conflict with preserving natural resources. Yet, in the long term,
responsible use of natural resources now will help ensure that there are resources available for
sustained industrial growth far into the future.
Studying the puzzle raises a number of difficult questions. Many of them relate to forests and
forest management. For example, is it possible to preserve the ecological values of the forest
ecosystems in times of the growing demand for wood and increasing harvesting levels? Is it
possible to build the forest use system so as to receive the maximum amount of various products
(not only wood, but also mushrooms and berries, etc.) from a forest area unit? Is there a balance
between the interests of the forest business, environmental organizations, and forest villages'
residents? The introduction of a sustainable forest management system on a particular territory
allows to answer these questions positively.
1.2. Forest sustainability as important part of sustainable development
Forests with their complex ecological processes are necessary for economic development and
maintaining all life forms. Forest is a source of wood, food, and medicines. Besides, it is a
treasure chest of many biological products that have not been discovered yet. They are stores of
water and carbon, which could otherwise be released into the atmosphere and transform into gas,
causing the greenhouse effect. Forests are home to many wildlife species. In addition, forests
satisfy cultural and spiritual needs of the mankind. Thus, sustainable development in the filed of

forestry and forest use is a significant part of the sustainable development of the planet as a
whole.
The sustainable forest management system differs significantly from the traditional one. The
table 1 below provides a comparison of the traditional and sustainable forest management
systems.
Table 1. Comparison of traditional and Sustainable forest management systems.
Traditional system Sustainable system
Management objective
cultivation of the forests, where the most
important thing is the stock of timber or non-
timber forest products
formation of the forest ecosystem with
different resources and functions
Success Criteria
the volume of the obtained products, forests
productivity
product quality (including the value-added
amount), the state of the forest ecosystem after
use
Forest definition
it is a "vegetable garden", designed for
cultivation and harvesting of timber and non-
timber forest products
it is a landscape element with complex links
between the living and non-living components
Procedure of managerial decision-making
decisions are made single-handedly either by
the forest owner or by the state
the local population and non-governmental
organizations are involved in the decision-
making
Forest perception philosophy
a free natural resource, the source that needs to
be used
natural capital, ecosystem functions can also
generate income, it is necessary to support all
its functions and resources
1.3. The concept of sustainable forest management
Under the growing rate of wood resources consumption and timber exploitation, conservation
and enhancing of the forest ecosystems' sustainability becomes the greatest global challenge.
Although the principle of sustainability has been recently accepted, Wiersum (1995) argues that
it has been accepted in forestry since the eighteenth century when early forest managers in
Europe developed an understanding of natural forestry productivity and how it might be
enhanced through silviculture to maintain a continuous supply of wood, game, and other
products for human use and consumption. The concept was fundamentally driven by the desire to
avoid the social and economic disruption associated with shortages of timber, whether for local
use or as the basis for a community export economy. During the past century, the concept of
sustainability in forestry has evolved to a greater depth and richness. Our vastly expanded
understanding of the complex functioning of forest ecosystems, and a recognition of the full

range and diversity of resources, values and ecological services that forests represent, has created
new challenges and opportunities.
Nowadays, sustainable forest management (SFM) has become a key concept that underpins
modern forestry. It refers not just to the flow of goods and services but also to maintaining forest
ecological processes essential for maintaining ecosystem resilience – the capacity of a forest
ecosystem to recover following disturbance . It relates to the multiple uses and functions of the
forests (e.g., wood production, collecting non-wood forest products, recreation, protection of soil
and water resources, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration) and aims to maintain and
enhance social, cultural, environmental and economic values of forests for the benefit of present
and future societies. The new understanding of the concept became increasingly influential with
the increasing rates of deforestation and degradation of the world’s forests, and has become an
integral component of international agreements and forest policy deliberations in the past two
decades.

2. FOREST MANAGEMENT OF AZERBAIJAN
2.1. Current management system (leshoz structure)
Forest policy of the country is implemented by the Department for Forests Development under
the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (see figure 2).
The department takes care of the protection and preservation of forests, restoration and planting
of forests, preparation of planting stocks, harvesting of forest trees and bushes, preservation of
forests and other forestry actions, which includes the efficient and purposeful utilization of forest
reserves and related spheres of agriculture. It also works on the improvement of the protection of
forest soil, water preservation, a clean environment, sanitarian and hygienic actions, preservation
of species of animals in the forests, ensuring biodiversity, the establishment of cultural, scientific
and recreational complexes throughout nature, as well as the protection and expansion of the
gene pool in the growth of forest seed.
The Department for Forests Development controls 34 establishments for regional forest
protection and restoration, 3 institutions of forestation and 3 establishments for forest seeding
(The Scientific-Research Institute of Forestry and the Center of Combating Against Pests and
Diseases).

Figure 2. Department for Forests Development organization chart
2.2. Current level of forest planning and monitoring
Forest based inventory and data being used for planning and management of the country’s
forests is generally out of date. The state forestry sector has some difficulties on accessing to
modern inventory tools and techniques to provide with reliable and up-to-date data for an
appropriate and applicable planning and management of forest resources. Inventories for
accurate data on forest resources, periodic validation and updating of existing figures are also
being carried out in very low standards with old-fashioned and out of date methodologies in
Azerbaijan. Furthermore, Azerbaijan forestry sector also strictly need qualified and experienced
personal resources at all levels. The institutional capacity of the Ministry as well as the FD for
forest based cadastral surveys and management planning, monitoring and assessment of forests is
need to be strengthened. The official registration of the forest resources and forest fund land
based on the timely inventories and actual data should also be provided and inconsistencies on
forest resources should be cleared up.

2.3. Main trends in Azerbaijan forestry: Improvement of existing forests and expansion of forest
areas
Because Azerbaijan is a low forest cover country and quite poor in terms of forested land,
expansion of the forested areas through afforestation and new plantation is among the major
forestry priorities of the Azerbaijan government as well as the MENR. The target of the
Ministry, declared unofficially by authorities is to increase forest area from 11 percent up to 20
percent of the country’s land as a mid-term goal. This declaration reflects the willingness of the
state forestry sector although the target seems unrealistic unless new suitable (quality and
quantity) land is allocated for the afforestation and tree plantation purposes.
The Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan approved the "Rules on
protection of the forest fund and reproduction of forests". The rules define the purpose of forest
reproduction is to afforest bare lands, improve forest species composition. For the purposes of
establishing forests and woodlands in treeless areas, preventing land erosion, establishing shelter
belts and creating green areas around cities land utilized for other purposes, particularly if
unsuitable for agriculture, may be transferred to the forest fund.
Terms of allocation, recovery and use of forest fund's land are set out in the Land Code, the
Forest Code of the Azerbaijan Republic and other legislation.
Review of present status of forests, attraction of investment to the forest sector, preparation of
projects on afforestation and preparation of measures aimed for reforestation are envisaged for
achieving the main objectives for regeneration of forest areas and for the tree plantation. In order
to implement such measures, the following tasks are particularly given to the Ministry of
Ecology and Natural Resources:
 Restoration, conservation and ensuring of sustainability of natural forests;
 Plantation and the use of new forests;
 Efficient use of economic, environmental and social potential of the forests;
 Establishment of new processing plants of wild fruits and berries.
 Cultivation and processing of fast growing trees (acacia, poplar, etc.) with appropriate
quality for subsequent use in the furniture and construction industries.
 Widely introduce and use international experience in establishment and development of
Model Forests applying provisions and recommendations of the ENPI-FLEG Program.
Sustainable forest management plan for the Ismailly forest unit should take into
consideration forest sector development trends of Azerbaijan republic.
2.4. Forestry activities (current and planned)
1) Effectively organize the protection of forests from fires, destructions, pests and disease
and the conducting of reforestation activities;
2) Arrange for the selection, based on the sample, and exchange, shipment of the highly
genetic and specific species, positive and elite trees from the forests, parks, external areas
for reforestation and plantation, including arrange for the seed stock, conduction of
registration and analysis;

3) Make substantiated proposals to the Ministry on the production of consumable popular
and other industrial products from the local forest products and the timber generated as a
result of the service works provided in the forest;
4) Organize the use of secondary level forest products, further use of forests and extension
of supplementary spheres of agriculture;
5) Arrange for accurately and timely developing statistic and internal repots;
6) Implement other duties entrusted by the Ministry in accordance by the legislation.

3. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING: GENERAL
INFORMATION
3.1. SFM: goal and objectives
The primary goal of the Forest Sustainable Management Plan is to demonstrate that an
environmentally and socially sound, sustainably managed forest can contribute to local and
regional economies while at the same time protecting significant or unique natural communities
and elements of biological diversity and satisfying needs of local communities.
This will be pursued subject to the following resource goals for the Forest:
1. To preserve the existing forest areas and, where possible, increase the forested areas in
accordance with the National Forest Program of the Azerbaijan Republic.
 To ensure that the forested areas are, as a minimum, preserved and, in the best
case, increased.
 Forest areas extension should be economically, ecologically, and socially viable,
and thoroughly thought through. The results of the work should be periodically
monitored.
2. Protect and enhance biological diversity native to Ismailly forest and habitats of species
which are rare, threatened, endangered, or in need of conservation unit.
 Insure that management policies and actions are consistent with State
requirements for protecting and managing rare, threatened and endangered
species of plants and animals. Locations of rare, threatened and endangered
species habitat and forest conditions associated with the habitat requirements of
these species should be identified. For the areas with high concentration of rare
species, special regimes of use, excluding the possibility of the reduction in
species abundance caused by anthropogenic reasons, shall be selected.
3. Perpetuate indigenous natural communities, their traditions and customs
 Insure that management policies and actions are consistent with the interests of
local forest dependent communities. The territories of particular interest to the
local population have been identified. A special regime of use, ensuring a long-
term sustainable use of the resources necessary for the local population, has been
selected for these territories.
4. Through Sustainable Forestry practices, maintain and improve the timber resource, while
at the same time protecting other resource values consistent with responsible forest
management.
 To ensure that any forestry practices correspond to a long-term forest
management plan. Planning of activities is carried out based on the quality and
update information on the state of forests. The workers engaged in the forestry
operations have sufficient knowledge and qualification for their execution.
5. Provide opportunities for the enjoyment of the natural resources on the forest by making
appropriate areas available for resource-based, low impact recreational activities and
environmental education programs that are consistent with the resource values of the
Forest.

 That forest recreational and educational opportunities will be provided as
appropriate, and are consistent with the above goals. Recreational and education
program opportunities available on the forest should be integrated with those
available within Ismailly forest unit. The forest service will determine the
appropriate levels of recreational activities on the Forest as part of its ongoing
evaluation and monitoring process.
The purpose of this work: to develop a forest management plan for the forest area of the
Ismailly Enterprise for Forest Protection and Restoration comprising 35 557 ha, ensuring the
sustainable forest management for meeting the needs of the key stakeholders with preservation
of the ecological values of the territory
Objectives:
1. To analyze the current state of the forest fund and forest management, to identify the
positive aspects of the forestry situation and major problems;
2. To identify the main stakeholders and to analyze the needs of the local population as one
of the key stakeholders;
3. To conduct the zoning of the territory on the basis of the collected data;
4. To develop a forest management plan (for each zone), corresponding to the goals of a
zone, but not violating the principles of the sustainable forest management;
5. To assess the compliance of the proposed system with the criteria and indicators of the
sustainable forest management.
3.2. SFM Plan Structure
The sustainable forest management plan is developed taking into account the scale and intensity
of the forest management activities, and considering the key stakeholders' demand for the forest
resources.
This forest management plan contains:
1. Goals and objectives of the forest management
2. A description of the Ismailly Forest Management Unit's territory
3. An analysis of the key stakeholders' need for forest resources
4. Proposals for the zoning of the territory
5. Recommendations on the regime of the territory use for each zone with an assessment
of the allowable removal volume
6. An analysis of compliance with the international sustainable forest management
indicators
The annexes to the plan consist of cartographic materials, including:
1. Overview Map with roads, settlements, rivers and other objects.
2. Overview zone map.
3. Detailed zone maps.

3.3. SFM Planning Process
The introduction of the sustainable forest management into practice starts with the planning
process. In general terms the planning consists of eight steps:
 Step 1. Determining the goal of the sustainable forest management plan implementation.
 Step 2. Collection and analysis of all available information, which can contribute to the
sustainable forest management plan creation.
 Step 3. Identification of the key stakeholder groups and analysis of their needs for forest
resources.
 Step 4. Developing the first draft of the SFMP.
 Step 5. Public assessment of the first draft of the SFMP.
 Step 6. Responses analysis and SFMP adjustment.
 Step 7. Developing the final version of the SFMP.
 Step 8. The SFMP implementation.
 Step 9. The SFMP assessment.
All steps are interconnected and each subsequent step is based on the results of the previous one.
The "final" ninth step is, in substance, the beginning of a new round of planning.
The diagram (see Figure 3) shown below illustrates how the development, implementation,
monitoring, reporting and amendment of the plan is designed to adapt to new information and
provide for continual improvement.

Figure 3. Sustainable forest management plan cycle.
3.4. Supporting Documents, Plans, and Policies
The sustainable forest management plan for the Ismailly Forest Management Unit is developed
considering the regulatory legal acts, policies, and other documents existing in the Republic of
Azerbaijan, as well as international documents in the field of sustainable forest management.
Table 2 contains a list of these documents.

Table 2. List of supporting documents.
SFM Plan Supporting
Documents
Level Content/Description
The Forest Code of the
Azerbaijan Republic from
December 30, 1997 №
424-IG
National The Code establishes legal bases of regulation of
forest relations, use, protection, preservation and
reproduction of forests, increase of their
ecological and resource potential on the territory
of the Azerbaijan Republic.
National forestry program
(Forest policy statement
and the Action plan) 2015-
2030 (Final Draft)
National A document containing the forest policy of
Azerbaijan up to the year 2030, as well as an
action plan for the forest sector development and
sustainable forest management implementation
The project of forest
management and
development of the
Ismayilli
Enterprise for Forest
Protection and Restoration
National A document contains the information about
current situation in forest, volume of annual
allowable cut for sanitary cuts
Law of the Azerbaijan
Republic from June 8,
1999 of No. 678-IG About
environmental protection
National A document covering the basic aspects of the
environmental protection of the Republic of
Azerbaijan
The Red Book of the
Republic of Azerbaijan
National An official state document about the status of
rare and endangered wild animals and plant
species on the territory of Azerbaijan. It reflects
the information on condition of the animal and
plant species, its spreading and protection
measures on the whole territory of the Republic,
including the Caspian Sea (lake) sector
belonging to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
FSC Principles and
Criteria for Forest
Stewardship Council FSC-
STD-01-001 (V5-0) En
International An international document reflecting the
principles and criteria of the sustainable forest
management according to the Forest Stewardship
Council system
3.5. Implementing a flexible management system
It is acknowledged that this SFM Plan is a change in format and concept of forest planning for
managers. As well it is also recognized that there may be limited knowledge and/or uncertainty

in some of the components of the plan. Therefore, as a premise or fundamental aspect of this
plan it is accepted that the plan will require changes over time; some changes may be significant
to this plan or to practices.
This notion of change or continual improvement is based on adaptive management concepts. As
further knowledge is gained, these concepts will guide future management practices and the
refinement of management strategies - adapting to this additional knowledge.
In support of the planning process described earlier in Figure 3, Ismailly expects to make
changes to forest management and/or the SFM Plan as a result of:
• monitoring data and results;
• new technical or scientific information;
• new social and economic information;
• new information gathered during public participation processes; and
• unanticipated negative impacts due to forest management.
3.6. Sustainable forest management planning and FSC certification.
Management planning is one of the key requirements of a Voluntary FSC certification. FSC
reviews Management Plan as a collection of documents, reports, records and maps that describe,
justify and regulate the activities carried out by any manager, staff or organization within or in
relation to the Management Unit, including statements of objectives and policies.
According the Principle 7: Management Planning, The Organization shall have a management
plan consistent with its policies and objectives and proportionate to scale, intensity and risks of
its management activities. The management plan shall be implemented and kept up to date based
on monitoring information in order to promote adaptive management. The associated planning
and procedural documentation shall be sufficient to guide staff, inform affected stakeholders and
interested stakeholders and to justify management decisions.
This SFMP takes into account FSC requirements.

4. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT ISMAILLY FOREST
MANAGEMENT UNIT

4.1. General Information about the territory
Geographical position
The total area of land of the district is 217315 ha. The population of the district is 82000 people
(as of 01.06.2012).
The area of forest fond land is 62380 ha, of which 35557 ha is under the authority of Ismailly
Forest Protection and Reforestation Establishment and 26823 ha is under the authority of
Shahdag National Park.
Ismailly district is located in the southern slope of the Main Caucasus Mountains, in the high and
middle mountainous zone, in the Ajinohur lowlands and in the Alazan Haftaran valley. The
highest summits in the territory of the district are the Babadag (3629 m), Asaddag (3471 m),
Garaburga (3345 m), Shahnazardag (2874 m) and Gamchadag (2139 m) in the Main Watershed.
In parallel to the Main Watershed, in the south there are the Govdag Mountains (Govdag summit
– 2437 m) and the Niyaldag mountains (Yelligadik summit – 2322 m). In midlands, Lahij and
Mudru intermontane hollow covers large area. The relief, going down from Girdiman river
valley towards the east, falls in Shamakhi-Gobustan plateau.
Climate
Ismailly district is located in subtropical and partly mild climatic zones. The northern boundary
of subtropical belt passes from 550-650 meter above sea level. Above this zone the vertical belt
is observed. There is temperate hot and partly semi desert and arid climate types in plains and
foothills and cold and mountainous tundra climate types in highlands. The amount of total solar
radiation is 125 kkal/sm2
in plains, especially in Eyrichay valley, and between 140-145 kkal/sm2
towards highlands. The utmost level reaches 148 kkal/sm2
near the Babadagh. The average
annual temperature is 14-14.5o
C in plains, 11-13o
C in lowlands, 7-9o
C in midlands and 0o
C in
highlands. The temperature is below -2-5o
C in the high summits of the Main Watershed. The
average temperature of July is 22-25o
C in plains, 20-15o
C in midlands, 10-5o
C in highlands. The
average temperature of January is below 0-4o
C in plains, 0-3o
C in midlands and minus 14-15o
C
in highlands. Fruit growing and vegetable growing is typical for Ismailly district that make use
of abundance of solar energy. There are great opportunities to use climate resources for the
purposes of resort and relax. Magnificent landscape of forests in the mountain slopes, mild
climatic condition, networks of mineral springs, healing mountainous summer houses create
great perspectives for the district to be used as a region of resort and relax. The average annual
precipitation is between 500-1000 mm. The precipitation reaches 1400-1500 mm at a height of
2400-2800 m. The precipitation decreases by 900-1000 above the height of 2800 m. It is 400-600
mm in plains. In result, there is a favorable condition for dry farming in foothills and in
highlands. The maximum amount of precipitation is in May and September. In December the
average thickness of snow carpet is 10 cm in foothills, 20-50 cm in midlands, and more than 70

cm in highlands. While the possible evaporation is 600-800 mm in plains and midlands, it
decreases by 400mm, 300mm and even 200mm in highlands.
4.2. Ecosystems and forest types
The landscape of the region has been formed on accordance with the vertical belt: xerophyte, dry
field and arid forest in lowlands; forest meadows in plains (in intrazonal Ganikh Eyrichay);
forest and meadow shrub in midlands; mountain meadows (subalpine and alpine); subniveal and
niveal landscapes.
Soil: range of grey, chestnut colored, light and dark chestnut colored, grayish cinnamonic, dark
cinnamonic and cinnamonic soils from plains to uplands, chernozem soils in glades, alluvial
meadow forest, fatty, peaty, and primary mountainous meadow soils in subalpine and alpine
meadows. Total area of land of the district is 217315 ha. There is 3,6 ha per capita (for
Azerbaijan it is 0,2 ha per capita). The soils fit for agriculture is 98070 ha, of which 36460 ha is
for sowing area (especially dry farming).
Plant cover: vegetable kingdom has been formed in accordance with landscape: perennial
pasture, shrubs, and two varieties of crab cherry, 14 varieties of dog rose, eight varieties of
willow tree, seven varieties of birch tree, five varieties of poplar tree is known in plains and
foothills. Four varieties of oak tree, hornbeam tree, beech tree, chestnut tree, wild pistachio tree,
wild rose bush, wild grape, goat leaf, asparagus, madder, and some varieties of medical herbs are
typical for midlands. Slopes of the Greater Caucasus have high percentage of forest cover.
While the broadleaved forests, foothill and alpine meadows are more typical for the territory of
Ismailly, there is only scanty number of coniferous trees.
Plant cover is characterized by oak tree, beech tree and hornbeam tree (Quercus-Carpinetum-
Fagus forest types). There are Quercus castaneifolia and C. macranthera in humid areas. There
are Quercus anatolica, C. hypochrys, C. Iberica, C. longipes in relatively dry areas.
Along with it, there are forest tracts comprised of species of Carpinus caucasica, C. oxycarpa vә
C. orientalis, Acer laetum, A. campestris, A. pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Populus nigra,
T. platyphyllos, Sorbus torminalis, Prunus mahleb, P. ovum, P. incana, P. microcarpa, Pyrus
caucasica, P.boisseriana. Malus orientalis, Cornus avellana, C.Iberica, C.mas.
At a height of 1300-1600 m above the seal level, the plant cover is comprised of the formations
of Quercus-Carpinetum , Quercus -Fagetum and originated by the species of Fagus orientalis,
Quercus macranthera, S. castaneifolia, Populus tremula, Prunus divaricata, Fraxinus
coriarifolia, Pyrus caucasica, P. hyrcana, Malus orientalis, Sambucus nigra, Lonicera
caucasica, Viburnum opalus.
At a height of 800-1000 m, there are a considerable number of beech trees, maple trees, and lime
trees. Oak trees are on the northern slopes, while there are pine trees and juniper trees on the
southern slopes.
The forests of beech trees stretch up to 650-700 m at the height of 1400 m of the southern slopes.

The oak forests of north-eastern slopes are different from those of southern slopes. There are a
considerable number of beech trees, birch trees, lime trees at a height of 800-1700 m of north
eastern slopes. Besides it there are oak trees, pine trees, and juniper trees in the forests.
Subalpine forest belts
This forest landscape is observed at a height of 800-2000 m of southern and north eastern slopes.
The Main and Side Caucasus ranges are covered by xerophyte plants. Grayish cinnamonic, and
mountainous cinnamonic soils are characteristic for the forest landscape hereabouts. The soils
and plant cover in foothills (from 500-600 m to 1200 m) are very rich in account of climatic
attributes.
There are beech trees up to 1400 m above the sea level in the southern slopes. These forests
sometimes stretch up to 650-700 m above the sea level. Subalpine forests are represented by
beech trees at e height of 1800-2000 m.
Forest plants and mountainous forest soils are typical for this landscape. Forest landscapes in
mountainous slopes are represented by beech tree and hornbeam tree forests in highlands, and by
hornbeam and oak tree forests in lowlands.
Some forest types in Ismailly district has special preservation status. These species include Acer
velutinum, Ulmus scabra, Celtis caucasica, Euonymus velutina, Prunus incana, Pinus
boisseriana, P. vsevolodi, P. grossheimii, P. eldarica, P. serotina, Sorbus boissieri, S. graeca,
Gleditsia caspica, Alnus incana, Betula litwinowii, B. raddeana, Ficus hyrcana, Carpinus
geoktschaica, Quercus crispata, Q. erucifolia, Buxus hyrcana, Taxus bacata etc.
Alpine meadows and rocky areas
Alpine meadows (above 2800 m) in the territory of Ismailly are very rich in terms of their
composition. The plant kingdom of the meadows is formed by mountainous peaty, meadow and
field meadow soils.
The natural landscape has intensively been shattered. Steep slopes and rocky areas denies the
formation of plant cover and soil.
There are open association of alpine belt between the heights of 3400-3800 m.
Along with the 30 varieties of flowery plants, there are mosses and mossy plants. Alpine
meadows are characterized by alpine and semi desert plants in mid-steep slopes.
Above 3600 m, there are a considerable number rocks and stones. The highest peaks of the
territory are the Bazarduzu (4466 m) and the Shahdag (4245 m) mountains.
Step ecosystems
Step formations and rare xerophyte shrubs are observed in southern slopes. The vegetation is
mainly comprised of short trees and shrubs (Berberis vulgaris, short B. Iberica, Crataegus

orientalis, Acer ibericus, Prunus spinosa, Sorbus torminalis, Rubus İspaniya, Cerasus araxina,
Euonymus verrucosa, Cotoneaster saxatilis, Dryopteris caucasica, Cotinus coggyria).
Meadows and fields at the height of 1600-1900 m are dry and damp. The majority of plants in
the fields are fodder crops. The area is characterized by mountainous xerophyte and meadows.
There are Fagus orientalis, trautvetteria, Betula litwinowii, B.alba, B.verrucosa, Sorbus boisseri,
S.caucasigena, S.kusnetzozii, S.subfusica, salix trees, S.cinerea at the heights of 2100-2400 m.
Mountainous ecosystems
There are vivid samples of mountainous regions at the heights of 3400-3800 m. It is represented
by the 30 varieties of the flowering plants, including anophyte and lichens. There are colorful
meadow grass in alpine meadows at a height of 3600 m, semi desert flora in steep slopes at a
height of 4250 m and rocks and talus above this.
4.3. Protected areas
Shahdag National Park is created in the area of 26823 ha of the forests in the district. Before that
this area was Ismailly State Reserve (Conservation).
Taking into the consideration of the magnificent nature, beautiful landscape, flora and fauna of
the district, Ismailly conservation whose area was 74 thousand ha was established in 1969. In
1981 Ismailly reserve, whose area was 5780 ha was established in the basis of conservation to
preserve natural composition (landscape). The reserve consists of two parts: highlands (800-2250
m above the sea level – 96.3%) and plains (600-650 m above the sea level – 3.7%). 87 % of the
plains are the forests. Only 4% of the Ismailly reserve includes subalpine and alpine meadows of
the Govdag Mountains. The Reserve covers the Goychay, Akhokhchay, and partly
Girdimanchay basin. The reserve is completely indifferent from the remaining parts of the
southern slopes in terms of geological and geomorphologic structure. Jurassic and Cretaceous
deposits, and partly paleogene clays are found here. The area was shattered in account of river
valleys.
The composition of forests mainly consists of beech trees, hornbeam trees, oak trees, and partly
birch trees, ash trees. There are also birch tree and ash tree forests. Some trees have special
preservation status.
There are 40 varieties of mammals, 17 varieties of reptiles, 6 varieties of amphibians, 4 varieties
of fish, 104 varieties of birds living in the area. The birds such as, Caucasian tetra, golden eagle,
mammals, such as brown bear, lynx, roe, Mediterranean tortoise, triton, river salmon are
included the “Red Book” of Endangered and Threatened Species.
The plant cover of the area comprised of alpine, subalpine mountain meadows and forest plants.
The plants of the forest areas mainly include hornbeam trees, beech trees and oak trees. The
inhabitants of the conservation are billy goats, roes, Caucasian deer, jackals, wild cat, raccoon,
fox, hare, badger, squirrel, partridge, pheasant, turaj, wood pigeon, quail, grey partridge, mallard,
white and grey heron and etc.

4.4. The Forest Products Industry
There are not any industrial enterprises of timber forest products in the district, except small
timber workshops in a few villages.
4.5. Infrastructure (roads, pipes)
The nearest railway stations are Mosulu and Ujar, which are located 45 – 78 km away from the
Ismailly city center.
There are highways and many earth roads networking the Ismailly city center with suburban
settlements. 70 km of Baku-Gabala-Balakan highway is in the area.
The Table 3 shows the Infrastructure details.
Table 3. Characteristics of transportation roads
Category of roads
Grade of
road
Type of
road
covering
Distance
from the
area
Seasonal
prevalence of
road
Current
status
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Rail ways - - - - -
2. Automobile roads
a) country wide
importance
I Solid cover 70 Permanent good
b) local importance I Solid cover 28 Permanent good
3.Roads on the purpose
of forest industry and
anti fire
a) Solid cover
b) earth roads II 105 in dry seasons
In need of
repair
4. pathways - 240 In dry seasons
In need of
repair
The length of the roads in the area is 3.3 km per 100 hectare, of which 1.2 km is automobile
roads and 2.1 km are the earth roads.
4. 6. Dynamics of forest cover over the last decade
Tables 4 and 5 show a Status of the Ismailly forest fund as of 2005 and 2015. The data allows
drawing conclusions regarding the forest fund dynamics for a decade. The major changes are
related to the Shahdag National Park establishment, resulting in an almost twofold reduction of
the total forest fund area.

Table 4. Status of Ismailly forest fund as of 1 January 2005
Total area
of Forest
fund lands,
ha
Forest lands
Forestlands,total
Non-forest lands
Non-forestlands,total
Lands covered
with forest
plants
Lands uncovered with forest lands
Sowingfields,ploughings
Hayfields
pastures
Subaquaticzones
Gardensandvineyards
Roadsandways
Buildingsandcourtyards
Marshes
Sandyplaces
Otherlands
Forestplantationswith
umbrellatrees
Forestseeding
plantations
Reforestation fund
Total
Including,forest
planting
Naturalsparseness
Fireplaces
Deadgroves
Gladeand
Clearings
Loggingstations
Total
62380 56421 116 155 457 310 922 57343 5 42 1318 5 454 29 43 6 3135 5037
Table 5. Status of Ismailly forest fund as of 1 January of 2015
Total area
of Forest
fund lands,
ha
Forest lands
Forestlands,total
Non-forest lands
Non-forestlands.total
Lands covered
with forest
plants
Lands uncovered with forest lands
Sowingfields,
ploughings
Hayfields
Pastures
Subaquaticzones
Gardensand
vineyards
Roadsandways
Buildingand
courtyards
Marshes
Sandyplaces
Otherlands
Forestplantations
withumbrellatrees
Forestseeding
plantations
Reforestation fund
Total
Including,
forest
planting
Natural
sparseness
Fireplaces
Deadgroves
Gladeand
Clearings
Logging
stations
Total
35557 32835 234 100 122 139 361 33196 5 42 528 5 454 27 36 87 1177 2361

The changes in the Ismailly forest fund took places as a result of the submission of 26823 ha of
forest fund area to the authority of Shahdag National Park by the Decree of Cabinet of Ministers
in 2009 and as a result of the reforestation activities implemented in the region over the last 10
years.
There has not been any fires, degradations and natural disasters that may cause for the changes in
the plant cover of the forests over the last 10 years.
4.7. Socio-economic Description
The population of Ismailly is 82000 as of 01.06.2012 (see Table 6). There are 109 settlements in
Ismailly district, of which 1 is urban/city (Ismailly), 2 are settlements (Lahij and Basgal) and 106
are rural settlements and villages.
Table 6. Ethnic composition of Ismailly district
Ethnic group Number as of 1999 Number as of 2009
Azerbaijanis 61 190 68 448
Lesgins 7 722 8 076
Russians 2 514 2 024
Kurds 382 498
Turks 244 194
Ukrainians 25 9
Tatars 22 7
Jews 15 7
Armenians 5 ...
Others 25 67
Total 72 144 79 330
The city is governed by Ismailly District Executive Authority.
Grain growing, cattle breeding, wine growing, fruit growing, tobacco cultivation have been
developed in Ismailly. There is a carpet factory, wine and juice factory, meat and milk
processing enterprises in the district. There are famous resort centers, such as "Giz Galasi",
"Green House", "Garanohur" functioning in the district. There are the district branches and
ATMs of "International Bank", "Kapital Bank", "Deka Bank" and "Mugan Bank" and also "Cred
Agro" credit organization (for ggriculture) in the city center.
4.8. Current and Anticipated Uses
Timber
As it was said earlier there is no commercial wood harvesting in Azerbaijan. Nevertheless there
is some wood supply from selective sanitary cuttings.

The permissible volumes of wood extraction are defined after getting the data on the forest
resources condition, i.e. after the forest inventory. Based on this data, the document “The project
of forest management and development of the Ismayilli Enterprise for Forest Protection and
Restoration” gets developed. The last forest inventory for the Ismailly Forest Management Unit
was conducted in 2005. According to its results, an annual allowable cut for sanitary cuts was
2,45 thousand cubic meters on the area of 110 ha.
The felling is aimed at improvement of the forests sanitary state. The total volume of the sanitary
felling is planned on the area of 328 ha of forest area with the obtained wood volume of 7,36
thousand cubic meters. This volume is designed for felling during a three-year period. The
volumes of wood extraction are defined by the forest inventory one time after the works.
However, unfortunately at the present moment for a number of reasons the forest management
project is running partially, which significantly complicates the monitoring and control over the
works execution.
Table 7 shows the information about the timber stocking in Ismailly district over the last 5 years
Table 7. Timber stocking in Ismailly district (2010-2013)
Year Area of logging Logged wood volume
2010 85ha 596 m3
2011 50 ha 596 m3
2012 70 ha 724 m3
2013 267 ha 1080 m3
4.9. Tourism and Recreation
“Giz Galası” resort center is located on the bank of the Akh-Okh river in Nagakand. There are 3
single room cottages (for 1 and 2 persons) and 4 single and double room (for 3 and 5 persons)
cottages here. There is also small fitness room for tourists here. There is a fully furnished "
Ivanovka Guest House" in Ivanovka village of Ismailly.
There are lots of small recreation areas mostly along the road. Usually it is kind of outdoor café
some of it has BBQ and fireplace facilities, gazeboes or small houses.
Historical and cultural reserves have been created in Basqal and Lahij villages. The historical
monuments here are protected. In Basqal village the mosque of XVII century and a bath house,
and in Lahij village Badoyun mosque, Zevero Mosque (1791), Agoli mosque and Zevero spring
are protected.
There are motels and resorts for accommodation of tourists in the region.
4.10. Agriculture and Range
Grain growing, cattle breeding, vine growing, fruit growing, tobacco cultivation is highly
developed in Ismailly.

4.11. Non-wood forest products
Hunting tourism is highly developed in Ismailly due to the fact the district has a very rich animal
kingdom.
There are deer, mountain goats, boars, bears, foxes, hares, and other animals living in the forests
of the region. The licenses for hunting in open areas and seasonal fishing is provided by the
Ismailly District Department of Ecology and Natural Resources.
Nuts and fruits harvesting is also developed
Table 8. Nuts and fruits harvesting
Number
Type of
the
product
purveyed
Unit
Approximate
biological
reserve
Planned in
previous
foresting
Actually implemented
The highest
annual
indicator in
the auditing
term
In the last
year of
auditing
term
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Walnut Ton 2.9
Apple “---“ 12.2
Cornel “---“ 7.8
Dog rose “---“ 0.4
Medical herbs “---“
a) plantain
“---“ 0.05
b) nettle
“---“ 0.05
There are bee keeping farm in the enterprise. Hunting is less developed and is of amateur
character. The wild animals such as boars, bears, mountain goats, deer, wolves, badgers etc.
could be seen in the area.

5. KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND THEIR NEEDS

5.1. Forest stakeholders and their classification
Achieving consensus on forest management and conservation requires an assessment of how the
linkages above affect the different stakeholder groups. Stakeholders can be classified in many
different ways. For the purposes of this FMP, stakeholders have been classified into five
categories, depending on the nature of their relationships to the forest.
State - the forest owner, interested in the efficient use of forest resources while maintaining their
ability to perform protective functions. It is responsible for the state of the forests, is engaged in
organization, management, and direct implementation of the forestry activities.
Local (forest-dependent) communities - those whose primary concern is preserving the forest as
a living environment and as a source of sustenance and livelihood, including tribal indigenous
groups.
Business - local enterprises, including leisure and recreation centers, public catering facilities,
and timber workshops.
Environmental NGOs - this group includes organizations who are concerned primarily with the
conservation of species or of forest ecosystems and with the local and global environmental
values associated with them.
Education & research institutes – a narrow group of stakeholders, interested in studying the
processes (primarily, the natural ones), taking place in the forest.
Consideration of the interests of all groups of stakeholders is necessary during the development
of the sustainable forest management plan. An absence of conflicts among the participants of
the forest relations is one of the criteria (requirements) of the international voluntary forest
certification schemes, including the certification according to the FSC system.
At the initial stages of the SFMP development, it is necessary not only to identify the main
groups of stakeholders, but also to assess the interests and degree of dependence on forest
resources of each group.
5.2. An assessment of the degree of the main groups of stakeholders' dependence on the forest
resources
The degree of the stakeholders' dependence on the forest resources is shown in the form of a
matrix, where the columns represent a list of stakeholders and rows represent the services
provided by the forest.
At the matrix intersection a color-scale assessment has been made, where
- a high degree of dependence

- a medium degree of dependence
- a low degree of dependence or no dependence

A brief explanation is given to each cell. The figure in the cell corresponds to the clarification
number.
It is important to emphasize that the matrix reflects the interests under the normal ("accident-
free", sustainable) use. For example, it is assumed that, when having a rest outdoors, the local
residents follow the fire safety rules, clean up and remove the rubbish after themselves. In this
case the interests of the environmental NGOs are not affected. But if the recreation of the local
population results in the pollution of the environment, the interest of the environmental NGOs
will increase from low to medium, or (depending on the strength of the negative impact) high.
State
Local
Communities
Business
Environmental
NGO
Education&
researchinstitutes
Fruit, berries,
nuts, and other
NTFP
Collection by the local population to meet their
own needs and for sale 1 2 3 3 3
Wood as a fuel The use by the local population for their own
needs and by the state - to meet the needs of the
army and budget organizations
4 5 6 3 3
Wood for
auxiliary
applications
The use for construction, fences, as a material
for timber workshops 7 8 9 3 3
Forest pastures The use of forest areas by the local people for
cattle grazing
3 10 3 3 3
Recreation
services
The use of the territory for provision of tourist
services (organization of recreation centers,
catering facilities) for the purpose of gaining
profit
7 11 12 3 3
Conservation of
biodiversity
Conservation of the species and landscapes
diversity of a forest territory, including rare and
protected species, endemic species, rare, and
relict ecosystems
13 3 3 14 15
Protective
functions of
forests
Water-protective, erosion-preventive, water-
control, and other ecosystem services important
for the forest areas sustainability
16 17 3 14 15
Outdoor
recreation
Free (non-organized) leisure of the local
population
3 18 19 3 3
Carrying out
scientific
researches
Collection of information, reference marking,
creation of educational routes, and other actions
related to the scientific and educational
activities
3 3 3 3 20

Clarifications to the matrix.
1. The state does not depend directly on the collection of NTFP. Nevertheless, the state has
an indirect interest in the provision of its citizens with food products necessary for their
livelihood. The state receives a share of the NTFP collected on the plantations as a
commission.
2. The local population collects NTFP for personal consumption and for sale. In some
families it accounts for a significant part of the budget.
3. The group of stakeholders is not related to this type of resources and has neither direct
nor indirect interests, associated with its use.
4. The state uses wood for heating the buildings housing its subordinate authorities, as the
most affordable resource for these purposes. However, in case of the fuel wood absence,
the state can ensure heating from other sources.
5. For the local population, wood is the only source of energy for heating and cooking. Even
in the gas supplied districts quite often gas does not provide an alternative. The local
population profits from selling charcoal.
6. Wood is required to upkeep tourist infrastructure facilities, public catering facilities, and
is the most affordable type of energy for business.
7. The state receives taxes from business activities.
8. Wood is actively used in homesteads and is the only truly accessible resource
9. Wood is the primary resource for timber workshops
10. The forest is a no alternative territory for grazing
11. The local residents use recreation facilities for the organization of their leisure. The local
residents are given the opportunity to work at recreation sites
12. The recreation services, provided by business, are equipped resting places (summer-
houses, barbecue grills)
13. The state has ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity, thereby committing itself
to take measures, aimed at biodiversity conservation.
14. Preservation of the ecological values of the environment is one of the purposes of the
environmental NGOs functioning.
15. The natural ecosystems are of the greatest interest for the study and science activities, but
at the same time, they are not the only and no-alternative object for research
16. The state, as the forests owner, is responsible for the forest ecosystems condition and
fulfillment of the protective functions by the forests. The loss of the forest ecosystems
ability to perform protective functions will demand high expenses from the state for the
water-protective and erosion-preventive functions fulfillment.
17. The forest, performing protective functions, provides the protection to the settlements
against the natural catastrophic factors (landslides, mudslides, floods)
18. The population staying in the open air is a traditional, century-old right. Besides, it is a
free (or affordable) type of recreation
19. Business profits from delivery of services in the form of equipment provision. (barbecue
grills, fire-pits, etc.)
20. Forest ecosystems are an interesting, but not a no-alternative subject of scientific
research.

The matrix shows that this is the local population that has the greatest dependence on the forest
resources. For them, the forest is a source of resources necessary both for provision of their
livelihood, and satisfaction of their moral and aesthetic needs. During the development of the
forest management plan, the interests of the local communities should be taken into account.
This will ensure sustainability of the forestry activity on the territory, help to avoid conflicts, and
reduce the threat of illegal activities.
Detailed study of the local communities' needs has been done through the questionnaire which is
formulated in such a way as to get general information about a respondent (including social and
financial situation), and to make a detailed assessment of the respondent's (and his family's) need
for such resources as firewood, fruit, nuts, mushrooms, medicinal herbs, etc. Besides, the
questionnaire gives understanding to what extent the existing forestry and environmental
legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan meets the local population's needs for forest resources
or limits their satisfaction.
5.3. The survey results
The survey was conducted in April of 2015. 91 people have taken part in the survey. The survey
results turned out to be controversial and do not allow to reveal a number of expected patterns
and carry out a detailed analysis of the local residents' dependence on specific types of NTFP.
This is probably due to one of the following reasons:
1. The respondents have filled out the survey carelessly and tried to quickly respond to the
questions.
2. The respondents could not give specific answers without pre-training, therefore, they
gave very approximate figures and facts.
However, below you can find the conclusions, which can be made based on the survey results.
The survey results have revealed an average degree of dependence of the population living in the
forest villages located on the territory of the Ismailly Forest Management Unit on the forest and
its products. NTFP are not a survival factor, but they significantly improve the locals' life
quality, especially taking into account a low level of income of the local population.
In spite of the fact that most families have a permanent income in the form of salaries and state
payments (pensions, allowances), the residents assess their living standards as low or average
(probably comparing themselves with the city residents). A low standard of living is also
determined by an educational attainment of the local population - in most families people have
no higher education, and therefore, most likely, they perform low-paid work.
Almost all forest products can be purchased. These products provided by other locals or by the
Forest management unit. The price is affordable for most families. Besides, the overwhelming
majority of the respondents have homesteads, which provide them with necessary products.
The main product obtained from forest is firewood. Almost 80% is involved in collecting
(harvesting) of firewood, which is used as fuel for cooking. So, firewood is the product
necessary for survival, especially in the absence of alternative energy sources (for example, gas).

Two-thirds of the respondents use forest as a pasture. It usually happens due to lack of grasslands
around the settlements. This is the most stressful impact on the forest, because overexploitation
as pastures does the greatest harm to the forest ecosystems. Animals do not only trample the soil,
but also browse fresh sprouts and plants, which results in mortality of young trees (undergrowth)
and lack of natural regeneration.
The local population barely uses forest territories to obtain meat (hunting) and fish (fishing).
Only 10% is involved in hunting and fishing, which is (most likely) more of an entertainment
rather than exploitation of resources, necessary to feed their families. The detailed quantitative
indicators are reflected in the diagram. The x-values show the forest benefits used by the
population. The y-values – the number of respondents having noted that they use this product.
The local population is actively engaged in collecting berries and fruit, among which the basic
ones are medlar, hawthorn, cotoneaster, raspberry, pear, apple, and others.
Unfortunately, the survey results have not allowed to reveal a clear correlation between the
number of family members and amount (volume) of consumed NTFP. As already noted, this
appears to be due to the fact that the respondents had never paid attention to the evaluation and,
therefore, wrote approximate figures.
For the overwhelming majority of the respondents forest products are not a source of additional
income (implying the income in the form of money from their sale), because the collected
(caught) products are used only for personal needs. This is an important point for assessing the
forest management sustainability - the lack sales indicates absence of overexploitation. This
means that the sustainable level of resources extraction existing at the moment will be
maintained in the long term and during the planning no additional measures will be required for
the collection control.
However, when developing the sustainable forest management plan it is important to take into
account the interests of the local population and establish traditional nature use zones around the
villages. In the first place, in order to avoid a conflict of interest and assignment of the business
activities, which can result in a loss of the forest benefits used by the local population.
Emotional connection of the inhabitants with the forest is very high. More than half of the
respondents rest in the forest one or more times in a month. The main form of recreation is
picnics organization. The indigenous peoples' connection with the forest should be maintained at
the state level, in order to preserve the cultural component, a traditional way of life.
5.4. Plan on cooperation with local stakeholders
Besides, when developing and implementing the SFMP, it is important to take into account the
interests of the local population as a key stakeholders group. A system of continuous cooperation
with the local residents needs to be established. An optimum option of interaction is conducting
the meetings in the form of public hearings.
The table 9 proposes an approximate schedule of meetings with the representatives of the local
population in the framework of the SFMP implementation for 2015-2025.

Table 9. Schedule of meetings with the representatives of the local population in the framework
of the SFMP implementation for 2015-2025
Period The purpose of the meeting The main topics for discussion
Beginning of
December 2015
Coordination of the strategic SFMP
for 10 years with the public
Note: the strategic plan discussion
requires a significant amount of time,
therefore, the meeting can be split
into two with a break of a few days.
During this break, the
representatives of the local
population will be able to discuss the
plan among themselves and
formulate additional questions.
● General trends in the forestry of
the Azerbaijan Republic and
the forest management unit
role.
● SFMP. The main items of the
ten-year plan - goals,
objectives, implementation
periods and main economic
activity in each of the periods,
expected results
● Zoning. Socially important
areas. A regime of use for each
zone
● The local residents' role in the
SFMP implementation
● A detailed plan of the forest
management activities for the
first year.
Beginning of
December 2015
– 2024
Coordination of an operational plan
for 1 year
● The major outcomes of the
past year
● An assessment by the local
population (the speech of the
local community leader)
● A detailed plan of the forest
management activities for the
next year
If and when
necessary
The discussion of "emergency"
(abnormal, conflict situations)
Note: The local population should
know that, in the event of an
"emergency" situation they have the
right to obtain clarification and/or
assemble a public hearing.

● Overview of an "emergency"
situation
● Reasons for the emergence of
this situation and options for
consequences
● Possible ways of resolving the
"emergency" situation, a
search for compromise
solutions
December of
2025
Review of the SFMP implementation
results
Note: This final meeting might turn
● The results of the SFMP
implementation - presentations
of the representatives of
different stakeholder groups

into the first meeting of a new cycle
of the SFMP implementation (2026-
2035).

The public hearings efficiency to a large extent determines the success of the SFMP
implementation. The maximum efficiency can be achieved in the following ways:
1. Recognition of the public as an equal partner. The local population know the
conditions and problems of their life, and often the forest situation better than anyone. It
is important to respect the representatives of the local population. They should not be
considered as uneducated specialists not able to think constructively.
2. Advance notification is obligatory. The local population should be notified of the
upcoming public hearings in advance (ideally, 40-30 days prior to the hearings). The
announcements of the forthcoming hearings should be placed in public areas – in the
administration, on the information stands in the stores, and in the post office. The
announcement should include the following:
a. Objective (agenda)
b. Date, time, and place of the hearings
c. Sources of information for self-study
d. Contacts of the organizers
3. Ensuring access to the documented information, which will allow to examine in detail
the peculiarities of the planned activity.
4. Openness. All interested should be allowed to attend the public hearings.
5. Objectivity of information. All consequences of the planned activity, not just the
positive ones, should be mentioned.
6. Record-keeping. The minutes of the meeting should be signed by all participants of the
public hearings (in case of a small number), or by the representatives of each stakeholder
group.
Thus, the recognition of the public as an equal partner promotes cooperation between individual
citizens, state, and business, which is a key condition for the sustainable development of the
society.
The public involvement is useful for all stakeholders and society as a whole. A strong argument
in favor of the public participation is the fact that the local population is often more aware of the
local problems, requiring greater attention, and the simplest methods to solve them. Moreover, as
the practice shows, the public's awareness and participation, support of the government bodies'
initiatives by the population dramatically improve the likelihood of success of the planned
activities.

6. SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN ANT ITS
IMPLEMENTATION

6.1. Functional zoning
General information on the functional zoning
The territory of the forest management unit is multifunctional. The following functions can be
distinguished: environmental, recreational, the function of resources provision for the local
population, etc. Some functions, by definition, conflict with each other. Some of them, however,
can be spatially compatible. These contradictions can be avoided or resolved through the
functional zoning of the area.
In the framework of the sustainable forest management plan development, the functional zoning
is understood as division of the territory into zones with different functional value, followed by
selecting an optimal regime of use for each zone.
The functional zoning reflects a spatial differentiation of regimes with a subsequent
differentiation of permissible and necessary activity. Specification of the regime enables
regulating the activities within each zone, identifying accessibility, optimal level of recreational
load, and internal regulations.
The functional zoning of the forest management unit area will ensure sustainable use of its
natural resources upon the condition of its environmental values conservation, as well as most
flexible consideration of all existing problems and creation of the conditions for a long-term
maintaining of the balance in natural ecosystems.
Definition of a functional area
A functional area can be defined as a limited territory with spatial and temporal management
prescriptions in force and ongoing activities aimed at fulfilling specific tasks of the Ismailly
Forest Management Unit. The zoning system should ensure efficient management of all forest
management unit resources by means of:
 setting of the management priorities;
 prioritizing the financial and labor resources allocation when planning the management
activities;
 eliminating the natural resources management conflicts by introducing spatial and
temporal limitations.
The zoning concept is based on the idea of management flexibility and adaptability implemented
by means of management activities. Moreover, it is necessary to strive for delimitation of
authority and responsibility on different plots of the territory within the boundaries of the forest
management unit when performing the zoning of the territory.

General principles of the functional zoning:
1. A forest management compartment, being the most convenient, is taken as a zoning unit.
In some cases, landscape boundaries of the territory and remoteness from human
settlements have been used for the zoning.
2. A functional area is the basic territorial administration unit of the Ismailly Forest
Management Unit.
3. In the course of time (10 years), the zoning requires adjustments, due to accumulation of
the objective situation changes and identifying design deficiencies. The borders and the
established zones' regime can change according to the procedure used for their approval.
Functional zoning and HCV
Functional zoning is done taking into account HCV concept. All forests contain environmental
and social values, such as wildlife habitat, watershed protection or archaeological sites. Where
these values are considered to be of outstanding significance or critical importance, the
respective forest stands can be assigned a High Conservation Value (HCV) status.
HCV forests are those that need to be appropriately managed in order to maintain or enhance
their respective values.
There are 6 types of HCV. They are:
HCV1. Forest areas containing globally, regionally or nationally significant concentrations of
biodiversity values (e.g. endemism, endangered species, refugia).
HCV2. Forest areas containing globally, regionally or nationally significant large landscape level
forests, contained within, or containing the management unit, where viable populations of most
if not all naturally occurring species exist in natural patterns of distribution and abundance.
HCV3. Forest areas that are in or contain rare, threatened or endangered ecosystems.
HCV4. Forest areas that provide basic services of nature in critical situations (e.g. watershed
protection, erosion control).
HCV5. Forest areas fundamental to meeting basic needs of local communities (e.g. subsistence,
health).
HCV6. Forest areas critical to local communities’ traditional cultural identity (areas of cultural,
ecological, economic or religious significance identified in cooperation with such local
communities).
A detailed description of HCV, their availability on the territory of the Ismailly Forest
Management Unit, and management strategies are presented in the Management Strategies
Chapter.
The zones identified in the framework of this SFMP considerably overlap with HCV.

A list of zones
In general terms, the whole territory can be divided into three parts: areas of high ecological
value, areas important for the livelihood of the local population, and all other areas. Based upon
this, functional areas have been identified.
The areas of high ecological value include the parts of the forest territory, which are
characterized by a high level of biological diversity (compared to the neighboring territories), as
well as the forest areas performing essential ecosystem functions (including water-protective,
erosion-preventive and others).
The areas of high ecological value are divided into 3 types:
 Biodiversity conservation territories - forest areas containing globally, regionally or
nationally significant concentrations of biodiversity values (HCV1)
 Rare ecosystems - forest areas that are in or contain rare, threatened or endangered
ecosystems (HCV3.)
 Ecosystem services territories - forest areas that provide basic services of nature in
critical situations (HCV4)
Social forests are the areas of high significance for the local population. Usually, they are located
around population centers.
Social forests include four zones:
1. Areas of mass wild-harvest picking (HCV 5)
2. Grazing areas (HCV 5)
3. Firewood harvesting areas (HCV 5)
4. Recreation areas (HCV 6)
Other forests are the remaining forest areas not included in the above-mentioned categories. It
is important to note that these forests are also guaranteed to possess an ecological and often
social value. However, this value is lower that the value of the forests, which were referred to the
ecological and social categories.
6.2. Criteria & Indicators of Sustainability
Background
A number of regional initiatives on sustainable forestry have been established in different parts
of the World – Europe, Africa, Central and South America, Asia.
For the conditions of the Ismailly Forest Management Unit, the Near East Process (1996) is the
closest in terms of conditions. The Near East process originated in an FAO/UNEP Expert
Meeting on Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management, held in Cairo, Egypt
(10/1996) under the coordination of FAO and UNEP. The experts in forest management from 30
Near East countries identified seven regional and national level criteria and 65 indicators,

focusing mainly on the management of dry-zone forests and woodlands in the region. The Near
East Forestry Commission (NEFC) once more endorsed the process in its Fourteenth Session
held in July 2000 and subsequently follows its work and activities.
Member Countries 30: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Djibouti, Egypt,
Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Libya, Malta,
Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria,
Tadjikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Criteria and Indicators (C&I’s) describe the essential components of Sustainable Forest
Management by identifying important social, ecological and economic values. Once established,
management strategies can be developed to provide a strategic and systematic means to achieve,
evaluate or monitor progress towards achieving those values.
Criterion can be viewed as a category of conditions or processes which sustainable forest
management may be assessed. An indicator is an aspect of the criterion that can be measured.
Through the Verifier of the criterion (indicator), there is the ability to observe, demonstrate
trends, periodically monitor, and determine the results of the management strategies employed.
There can be one or several verifiers for each indicator.
The developed verifiers are not fundamental and the only right ones for the territory of the
Ismailly Forest Management Unit. It is, rather, an attempt to identify the most important and/or
critical issues, failing which it is impossible to talk about the sustainable forest management. It is
impossible to develop more detailed verifiers in the framework of this report, because it requires
a more in-depth knowledge of the situation in the forest sector of Azerbaijan.
A working group, consisting of the representatives of all stakeholders, should be organized for
further development of the verifiers. The finalized verifiers should serve as a basis for the
development of the SFMP for the next decade. In the event of significant contradictions between
the verifiers given below and the ones developed by the Working group, the latter should prevail.
If the verifiers developed by the Working group require adjustment of this SFMP, these
adjustments should be made.
For those indicators that are not applicable or are not the high priority for the territory of the
Ismailly Forest Management Unit, the verifiers are not proposed.
These C&I will also be used for subsequent monitoring of the implementation of the
Management Plan.
Criterion 1: Extent of forest resources
Indicator 1.1 Area and percentage of forests and “other wooded lands” (including
plantations, agroforestry, shelterbelts) with their change over time (deforestation,
reforestation and conversion).
Verifier 1.1.1. The forest area remains unchanged or increases according to the plan
Indicator 1.2 Biomass/Standing volume, Growing stock, Carbon stock.

Verifier 1.2.1. The verifiers remain unchanged or increase
Indicator 1.3 Area and percentage of forests for which management plans are made
Verifier 1.3.1. a long-term sustainable forest management plan is developed for the
territory
Verifier 1.3.2. operational plans are annually developed based on a long-term plan
Verifier 1.3.3. The management plan shall include verifiable targets by which progress
towards each of the prescribed management objectives can be assessed. Examples of
verifiable targets to be established include:
 Site productivity, yield of all products harvested;
 Growth rates, regeneration and condition of the vegetation;
 Composition and observed changes in the flora and fauna;
 Water quality and quantity;
 Soil erosion, compaction, fertility and carbon content;
 Wildlife populations, biodiversity and status of High Conservation Values;
 Sensitive cultural and environmental resources;
 Stakeholder satisfaction with engagement;
 Benefits of management operations provided to local communities;
 Number of occupational accidents; and
 Overall economic viability of the Management Unit.
Indicator 1.4 Area and percentage of forests and other wooded lands which have been
demarcated.
Verifier 1.4.1. the borders of the forestry unit are clearly defined and marked on site
with signs (notice plates) and cleared strips
Verifier 1.4.2. the maps with defined borders are available
Criterion 2: Conservation of biological diversity in forest areas
Ecosystem indicators:
Indicator 2.1 Distribution of forest ecosystems (area by type of vegetation, natural or man-
made)
Verifier 2.1.1. A natural structure of forest stands is being preserved
Verifier 2.1.2. On the territories with the artificial regeneration, the species are selected
based on the natural forest growth conditions
Indicator 2.2 Areas of forest reserves and protected areas
Verifier 2.2.1. all identified especially valuable areas are included in the list of reserves
or protected areas
Verifier 2.2.2. the number and total area of protected areas remains unchanged or
increases
Verifier 2.2.3. a management regime, corresponding to the purposes of the protected
area establishment, is selected for each protected area, additional studies are conducted
(when required)
Indicator 2.3 Spatial fragmentation of forest resources
Verifier 2.3.1. the use of forest areas does not result in spatial fragmentation of the

forest cover
Verifier 2.3.2. the planning aims to ensure a continuous forest cover or links between
fragmented forest areas (ecological corridors).
Indicator 2.4 Excisions affecting rare ecosystems by area
n/a
Species indicators:
Indicator 2.5 No. of forest dependent species (fauna, flora)
Verifier 2.5.1.Program of biological diversity preservation is developed and applied.
Verifier 2.5.2. A periodic monitoring of the composition and observed changes in the
flora and fauna is being conducted
Indicator 2.6 Area and number of species at risk in forest areas
Verifier 2.6.1. the work on identifying the sites with high concentration of rare and
protected species has been carried out
Verifier 2.6.2. the high concentration sites are marked on the maps
Verifier 2.6.3. a regime of use (protection), contributing to maintaining the rare and
protected species population, has been selected for the areas of vulnerable species
concentration
Indicator 2.7 Extent of mixed stands
n/a
Indicator 2.8 Reliance on natural regeneration
Verifier 2.8.1. during reforestation the preference is given to natural methods Sowing
and planting are permissible only on the areas where natural regeneration is difficult or
impossible for some reason or other.
Verifier 2.8.2. a natural age structure of the forest stands is being maintained on the
territory of the forest fund (all generations of forest stands are present)
Verifier 2.8.3. in the forest where, due to anthropogenic reasons (as a result of cattle
grazing, firewood harvesting), the undergrowth is missing or insufficient for the
regeneration, reforestation works are conducted
Genetic indicators:
Indicator 2.9 Existence of the number of seed provenance
n/a
Indicator 2.10 No. of forest dependent species with reduced range
Verifier 2.10.1. The habitat area of species is not decreasing
Verifier 2.10.2. In case the species habitat area reduction is detected, the studies to
identify the reasons for such reduction are conducted and the actions to stabilize and
restore the habitat area are taken
Indicator 2.11 Population levels of key species across their range

Verifier 2.11.1. The populations of key species are not declining
Verifier 2.11.2. In case a decline in the population is detected, the studies to identify the
reasons for such decline are conducted and the actions to stabilize and restore the
population are taken
Criterion 3: Health, vitality and integrity
External influence indicators:
Indicator 3.1 Areas and percentage of forest (plantations/natural forests) affected by:
 natural fires
 storms
 insects and diseases
 drought
 wild animals (game)
Verifier 3.1.1. the forest areas subject to a negative impact tend to zero
Verifier 3.1.2. emergency response procedures are developed and implemented
Verifier 3.1.3. in the event of an emergency, all measures for its elimination and/or
minimization of its consequences are taken
Forest vitality indicators:
Indicator 3.2 Area of natural forests with healthy regeneration
Verifier 3.2.1. Natural forest areas capable to self-reforestation do not decrease and/or
increase.
Verifier 3.2.2. The program to promote self-reforestation has been elaborated and is
being implemented
Indicator 3.3 Incidence of defoliation
n/a
Anthropogenic influence indicators (site degradation):
Indicator 3.4 Area of encroachment for farming, urban expansion and unplanned tourism
Verifier 3.4.1. Areas of encroachment for farming, urban expansion and unplanned
tourism are defined and agreed with the stakeholders
Verifier 3.4.2. The territories are mapped
Verifier 3.4.3. The territories are marked on site with notice plates, cleared strips, or by
other means
Verifier 3.4.4. The regime of use, enabling the territory to fulfill its functions, has been
selected
Verifier 3.4. 5: The monitoring of the impacts on the territory is being conducted
Indicator 3.5 Average annual consumption of fuelwood per capita
Verifier 3.5.1. The necessary timber volume is defined
Verifier 3.5.2. The amount of the consumed fuel wood meets the stakeholders'
demands, but does not exceed the allowable volume of annual wood removal

Verifier 3.5.3. The rules for the fuel wood harvesting/collection are clearly defined
Indicator 3.6 Area and number of fires caused by people
Verifier 3.6.1. the number of fires caused by humans is equal to 0
Verifier 3.6.2. Preventive activities aimed at reducing the number of fires are being
conducted
Verifier 3.6.3. in the event of an emergency, all measures for its elimination and/or
minimization of its consequences are taken
Indicator 3.7 Grazing damage by domestic animals
Verifier 3.7.1. The grazing areas (forest pastures) are clearly defined and agreed upon
during the stakeholders' negotiations
Verifier 3.7.2. Forest pastures are mapped and marked on site.
Verifier 3.7.3. The monitoring of the cattle grazing impact on the forest ecosystems is
being conducted
Indicator 3.8 Competition from introduced plants
Verifier 3.8.1. The efforts should be made to avoid the use of introduced plants during
the silvicultural activities
Verifier 3.8.2. The use of introduced plants should be controlled. The use of the
introduced plants competing with the local species is not permitted
Indicator 3.9 Trends in crop yields
Verifier 3.9.1. The volumes of the harvested forest resources should be sustainable in
the long term
Criterion 4: Productive capacity and functions
Indicator 4.1 Percentage of forests and other wooded lands managed according to an
integrated management plan
Verifier 4.1.1. 100% of the territory of forests and other wooded lands are managed by
an integrated management plan
Verifier 4.1.2. in the event of the area boundaries change, the appropriate changes are
to be made in the management plan
Indicator 4.2. Annual balance between wood increment and wood harvesting and trends
Verifier 4.2.1. the annual volume of wood removal does not exceed the allowable
sustainable level
Indicator 4.3 Wood production
Verifier 4.3.1. the annual increment does not decrease or increases
Verifier 4.3.2. in the case of the annual increment reduction, it should be justified by
objective reasons
Indicator 4.4. Non-wood forest products outputs including among others aromatic and
medicinal plants

Verifier 4.4.1. an annual productive capacity does not decrease or increases
Verifier 4.4.2. in the case of the annual productive capacity reduction, it should be
justified by objective reasons
Criterion 5: Protective and environmental functions
Indicators of protective functions:
Indicator 5.1 Extent of forests and other wooded lands managed for protection purposes
Verifier 5.1.1. The total area of forests with protective functions remains unchanged or
increases
Verifier 5.1.2. The activities contributing to maintaining the protective functions of the
forest have been developed
Indicator 5.2 Size and percentage of wooded areas managed mainly for the protection of
watersheds
Verifier 5.2.1. The number of territories remains unchanged or increases
Verifier 5.2.2. The forest area management activities, contributing to the watersheds
conservation, have been developed
Indicator 5.3 Areas managed for scenic and amenity purposes
Verifier 5.3.1.: The number of territories remains unchanged or increases
Verifier 5.3.2. The forest area management activities, contributing to the conservation
of the scenically attractive landscapes and the landscapes of high aesthetic value, have
been developed
Indicator 5.4 Areas managed for soil protection
Verifier 5.4.1. The number of territories remains unchanged or increases
Verifier 5.4.2. The activities contributing to maintaining the soil-protective functions of
the forest have been developed
Indicators of combating land degradation:
Indicator 5.5 Area of sand dunes annually stabilized through tree/shrub planting
n/a
Indicator 5.6. Area of eroded hillsides annually rehabilitated through tree/shrub planting
Verifier 5.6.1. Area of rehabilitated eroded hillsides achieve or exceeds annual plan of
reforestation
Indicator 5.7 Efficiency of trees/shrubs planted in stabilizing sand dunes or rehabilitating
eroded hill sides
Verifier 5.7.1. Erosion on rehabilitated areas stops or considerably decreases
Indicator 5.8 Effectiveness of plans formulated for managing trees/shrubs planted for
desertification control.
n/a

Indicator 5.9 Extent of combating desertification
n/a
Criterion 6: Maintenance and development of socio-economic functions and
conditions
Indicators of economic conditions:
Indicator 6.1 Value of wood products
n/a
Indicator 6.2 Value of Non-Wood Forest Products
Verifier 6.2.1. The value of the non-wood forest products has been recognized by the
major stakeholders. The forest use that can drastically reduce the amount (volume) of
NWFP shall not be allowed.
Indicator 6.3 Value of recreation
Verifier 6.3.1. The value of the forest recreation has been recognized by the major
stakeholders. The forest use that can drastically reduce the recreational attractiveness of
the territory or the volume of the recreational services shall not be allowed.
Indicator 6.4 Value of hunting
n/a
Indicator 6.5 Share of forest sector in GNP/GDP
n/a
Indicator 6.6 Value from secondary forest industries
n/a
Indicator 6.7 Value from biomass energy
n/a
Indicator 6.8 Forest trade balance
n/a
Indicator 6.9 Level of investment in forest sector and forest products based industries
n/a
Indicator 6.10 Employment generation in forest sector
Verifier 6.10.1. The number of jobs in the forest sector remains constant or increases
Verifier 6.10.2. The local population should be given preference in the recruitment
Verifier 6.10.3. If the local residents have insufficient qualification, they must be given
the opportunity for training

Verifier 6.10.4. Employment of the specialists from other regions and/or foreign
experts is justified
Indicator 6.11 Forest dependent communities involvement (numbers of organized groups
and women)
Verifier 6.11.1. Forest dependent communities are involved in the forest sector issues
discussions
Verifier 6.11.2. Consultations with the local population are carried out at least once a
year.
Verifier 6.11.3. The procedure for processing complaints and suggestions is developed
Verifier 6.11.4. All population groups are allowed to participate in consideration of the
forest sector issues. Age, gender and race discrimination is prohibited
Indicator 6.12 Contribution to agricultural development
n/a
Indicator 6.13 Rate of improved livelihood of forest dependent communities
Verifier 6.13.1. The living standards of the local population groups, dependent on the
forest resources, should improve
Indicator 6.14 Reduction in the number of forest offenses
Verifier 6.14.1. A set of unified standards in the forest sector (the "rules" of conduct)
has been developed and communicated to all stakeholders groups
Verifier 6.14.2. The number of violations in the forest sector is tracked and recorded on
an annual basis
Verifier 6.14.3. The number of violations in the forest sector is decreasing every year.
Verifier 6.14.4. An action plan on prevention of the violations in the forest sector is
developed and being implemented.
Indicator 6.15 Interest and contributions of the rural communities, media, NGOs,
politicians and the public in general for the conservation and development of forests and
forestry
Verifier 6.15.1. A list of key stakeholders has been compiled
Verifier 6.15.2. A key stakeholder engagement plan has been developed and is being
implemented in practice
Verifier 6.15.3. The key stakeholders’ opinion is taken into account during the
silvicultural operations planning and execution
Verifier 6.15.4. The information on the Forest Management Unit’s activity is public
and available
Criterion 7: The legal and institutional frameworks
Indicator 7.1 National forest policy, legislation and regulations
Verifier 7.1.1. A set of documents of the state importance, covering all key aspects of
forestry (both current and planned, with strategic and tactical planning among them),
including the National policy, normative legal acts, has been developed
Verifier 7.1.2. Regional (at the level of the forest management unit) documents,
procedures, programs, etc., supplementing the state documents and taking into account

Sustainable Forest Management Plan for Ismailly Forest Management Unit in Azerbaijan Republic

Sustainable Forest Management Plan for Ismailly Forest Management Unit in Azerbaijan Republic

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Sustainable Forest Management Plan for Ismailly Forest Management Unit in Azerbaijan Republic