YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Caucasus PO and Critical Partnership Ecosystem Fund (CEPF) organized and conducted the first regional Caucasus Grantees' Meeting in Juta, Georgia (Great Caucasus Corridor), September 5-13, 2006. The format of the meeting was informal and it was aimed at bringing together the various partners and stakeholders in presenting positive outcomes and mutual accomplishments achieved in Caucasus regional conservation initiatives thus far. According to the report submitted to NT from WWF, during the first two years of grant-making programme implementation that totals 5.3 million USD for small and large grants was allocated to 75 NGOs. A special environmental camp was set up in the highlands of Juta, Kazbegi Mountains, where scientists and biodiversity conservationists who represent 35 NGOs and institutions from five countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation and Turkey came together to discuss their individual and collective achievements. They also shared their research findings and field experiences. Informal presentations showcased the activities carried out in each country for the conservation of Caucasian biodiversity. Representatives from different NGOs, and media outlets as well as representatives of WWF and CEPF participated in the event. It was a great opportunity to share experiences and exchange information and results on the projects completed and/or the ones in-progress and to be implemented in the future. According to WWF report, this event allowed participants to establish friendly and professional relationships to strengthen the liaison among the stakeholders in the conservation field, to exchange ideas and propose solutions that will address shared regional conservation challenges. Participants also had a unique chance to visit some of the most beautiful places of the Greater Caucasus. The group hiked to Chaukhi Gorge, which peaks reach 3100 m above sea level; and the next day enjoyed a drive through Truso Gorge where the river Terek starts its flow before concluding their tour at the Dariali Gorge bordering Russia. September 11, 2006 was celebrated by the paramount event of a joint effort by journalists and various conservation experts in reaching the pinnacle of Mt. Kazbegi Galcier and planting the WWF and CEPF partnership banner.

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