ANAS Institute of Dendrology started IV Congress of the Council of Botanic Gardens of CIS countries of the International Association of Academies of Sciences and a scientific conference on "Impact of Climate Change on Plant Biodiversity" on September 18.

     Opening the event, Academician-Secretary of the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Academician Ahliman Amiraslanov noted that, main goal of the conference is to unite scientists, ecologists and civil society structures, representatives of local and foreign communities for discussions.

    It was brought to the attention that, the congress will listened reports on the impact of climate change in the biosphere on plant biodiversity, spread of new introductory, native, cosmopolitan species in nature, the identification of environmental factors that contribute to the change in the number of species in populations, and their protection.

     The scientist said that, in recent years, as a result of the increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the destruction of forests, a number of new diseases have developed and mortality has increased. According to him, by making a significant impact on the processes occurring in nature, scientific and technological progress and the release of harmful substances and wastes into the atmosphere have caused climate change.This, in turn, has led to a change in the biodiversity of plants and species in the range, disturbance of the ecological balance and the destruction of endangered species.

     Noting that, protection and study of biological diversity in Azerbaijan was identified as a priority, A. Amiraslanov brought to the attention that, main research works in this field are carried out by the ANAS Department of Biological and Medical Sciences. Noting that, acquaintance with the research in the field of climate change will open new opportunities for Azerbaijan, the academician wished success to the participants of the event.

     Director of ANAS Institute of Dendrology, corresponding member Tofig Mammadov noted the importance of holding such events from the point of view of planning the scientific and practical achievements of the country in the direction of the impact of climate change on vegetation diversity. Speaking about research works carried out in the field of biodiversity research, T. Mammadov said that, Institute of Dendrology conducts comprehensive monitoring of the natural and cultural flora of Azerbaijan, explores rare and endangered plant species.

     Speaking at the event, the Georgian scientist Rezo Jabnidze and others told about the significance of the congress, wished success to his work.

     The three-day event will discuss reports of the Council of Botanic Gardens of CIS countries, reports on the role of botanical gardens and arboretums in the protection of natural monuments and the gene pool will be heard, as well as research on the distribution and study of rare and endangered species of trees and shrubs from a scientific point of view. Within the framework of the congress, discussions will also be held on joint study of the flora of the border areas, appropriate agreements will be concluded in the direction of their solution, and a final resolution is adopted. The issues discussed and the decisions made will contribute to the development of biological science.