About us

Our mission is to safeguard the biodiversity of Georgia and the South Caucasus, through conservation activities at national and local levels, based on sound science, sustainability principles and local participation.

First established as a group of enthusiasts in 1989 we registered as NGO in 1991 under our first name Noah’s Ark Centre for the Recovery of Endangered Species (NACRES). We later changed our name to “Centre for Biodiversity Conservation & Research” while retaining our original acronym NACRES.

Over more than 30 years since our actual establishment, we have implemented more than 70 small and large-scale conservation projects with strong elements of scientific research, sustainable use of biodiversity, public education and awareness raising, and public participation in conservation activities. Our work has been supported by more than 25 private and international donors. We cooperate with a wide range of organizations and experts within the country as well as around the globe.

NACRES is a member of IUCN since 1994 and our experts are also members of various IUCN commissions.

Our objectives are:

Restoration and conservation of endangered species and habitats of Georgia
Conservation of ecosystems through improving management of protected areas as well as habitats affected by human activity, desertification or climate change processes;
Facilitate mitigation of human-wildlife conflict through research and implementation of result oriented activities.
Assisting the Government with the development of strategic environmental documents and relevant legislation;
Implementing public awareness and environmental education targeted at the general public and users of biological resources.

Our work typically include:

Studies of species, populations and ecosystems and evaluation of their status and threats.
Strengthening and increasing the capacity of local and central government structures, NGOs and academic institutions for nature conservation.
Mobilizing local community groups and local initiative groups and their involvement in conservation activities.
Supporting the country’s protected areas and Emerald Network to increase their effectiveness and to facilitate their further development.
Raising conservation awareness amongst decision makers, local resource users and the general public.
Participation in national policy and legislation development in the field of conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
Promotion of local livelihoods especially in the communities living around protected areas or heavily dependant on natural resources.