Azerbaijan has established Karabakh National Park, designating 88,418 hectares of state-owned land across five districts for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, sustainable resource use, and ecotourism development.
The decree, signed by President Ilham Aliyev on October 20, 2026, covers land in the Aghdara, Khojaly, Kalbajar, Shusha, and Lachin districts. The initiative is intended to protect natural ecosystems in territories liberated from occupation while supporting efforts to restore the region’s environmental heritage.
According to Trend, biodiversity in the region sustained significant damage during the occupation, including the destruction of rare plant and animal species and the disruption of ecological balance. The establishment of the national park forms part of broader efforts to rehabilitate affected landscapes and protect natural resources.
Following the Patriotic War, Azerbaijan has undertaken measures to restore natural ecosystems and biodiversity in the liberated territories, rehabilitate specially protected natural areas, and develop the region as a “green growth” zone. Karabakh National Park is intended to contribute to these objectives by providing a designated area for conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.
The park’s stated goals also include promoting ecotourism, which could create opportunities for nature-based recreation and tourism businesses as environmental restoration progresses. For outdoor hospitality operators, the designation may be relevant to future tourism development in the region, particularly for businesses considering nature-oriented accommodation, guided outdoor activities, and other low-impact visitor experiences.
However, the decree does not specify plans for tourism infrastructure, visitor facilities, access arrangements, or commercial development within the park. It also does not provide a timeline for implementing ecotourism initiatives or details on how tourism activities will be managed alongside conservation priorities.
These factors will be important for businesses assessing potential opportunities in the area. National park designations can provide a framework for nature-based tourism, but commercial development generally depends on access, infrastructure, environmental regulations, and the availability of services for visitors. Operators considering future investments would need additional information about permitted activities, development restrictions, and government plans before making business decisions.
Under the decree, Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers is responsible for addressing matters arising from the document. Further implementation measures will help determine how the park’s conservation objectives translate into practical management arrangements and whether opportunities emerge for tourism operators.
The establishment of Karabakh National Park adds a new protected area to Azerbaijan’s environmental restoration efforts. Its long-term significance for outdoor recreation and hospitality will depend on how conservation measures are implemented and whether ecotourism development can be accommodated within the park’s environmental objectives.
