Abstract ID: 3.13811 | Accepted as Talk | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

The Greater Caucasus is one of the key areas of biodiversity, comprising several physical-geographical provinces. A long history of economic development and high recreational potential pose a threat to the integrity of vulnerable mountain ecosystems, and the presented study proposes a method for identifying the most valuable landscapes for further protection.

This study contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the Global Biodiversity Framework established by the United Nations Environment Programme. The specificity of the study lies in the proposed methodology for processing a large set of different open data sources and their subsequent generalisation at the macro-regional level for the entire Northern macroslope of the Greater Caucasus. A unique dataset was compiled during this study, encompassing detailed information about landscapes, habitats of plant and animal species, boundaries, and management regimes of protected areas. We employed innovative methods, including AI-based recognition of landscapes from satellite imagery to update landscape maps, delineation of core zones based on habitat areas matching, and the calculation of a comprehensive biodiversity index. Using this data, we identified the most valuable natural areas in need of conservation and compared them with existing specially protected natural areas.

As a result, large integral ecosystem cores with high species diversity and low restoration potential were identified. They require additional conservation measures, since the existing network of protected areas does not include all the territories that require additional protection measures. This may include the introduction of sustainable land use methods, assignment of protected area status, or the introduction of seasonal restrictions (during migration, reproduction, wintering). The findings reveal that protected areas predominantly encompass alpine and subalpine zones, justified by their vulnerability. However, there is a notable lack of protection for characteristic montane forest landscapes, particularly beech and hornbeam forests. To maintain the integrity of ecosystems across the northern macro-slope of the Greater Caucasus, it is important not only to protect individual areas, but also to maintain their connectivity.