Western Caucasus

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The Western Caucasus: A Unique Mountainous Region in Southern Russia

The Western Caucasus, a vast mountainous region spanning approximately 275,000 hectares, lies at the far west end of the larger Caucasus Mountains in southern Russia. Situated just 50 kilometers northeast of the Black Sea, this area is one of the few substantial mountain regions in Europe that has remained relatively untouched by human activity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1999, boasts an exceptional array of diverse ecosystems, unique endemic plant species, and abundant wildlife, making it a significant conservation priority.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

The Western Caucasus, extending over 275,000 ha of the extreme western end of the Caucasus mountains and located 50 km north-east of the Black Sea, is one of the few large mountain areas of Europe that has not experienced significant human impact. Its subalpine and alpine pastures have only been grazed by wild animals, and its extensive tracts of undisturbed mountain forests, extending from the lowlands to the subalpine zone, are unique in Europe. The site has a great diversity of ecosystems, with important endemic plants and wildlife, and is the place of origin and reintroduction of the mountain subspecies of the European bison.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

The Western Caucasus has a remarkable diversity of geology, ecosystems and species. It is of global significance as a centre of plant diversity. Along with the Virgin Komi World Heritage site, it is the only large mountain area in Europe that has not experienced significant human impact, containing extensive tracts of undisturbed mountain forests unique on the European scale.

Encyclopedia Record: Western Caucasus

The Western Caucasus is a western region of the North Caucasus in Southern Russia, extending from the Black Sea to Mount Elbrus.

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