Rare Vegetation Degradation within “Buffer Zones” In Gobustan State National Park, Azerbaijan

A dramatic decline in rare vegetation cover within buffer zones of Gobustan State National Park, Azerbaijan—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock art—has been linked to oil and gas infrastructure development. Research using remote sensing data revealed that while plant cover decreased significantly in buffer zones, bare ground increased sharply, contrasting with slight improvements in the sensitive core area. The study highlights the adverse ecological impact of industrial expansion on semi-arid ecosystems, threatening biodiversity despite protective measures.

M. Gambarova, Y., & Y. Gambarov, A. (2016). Rare Vegetation Degradation within “Buffer Zones” In Gobustan State National Park, Azerbaijan. Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change, 07(04). https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7617.1000344