A highly diverse region
The region harbors four biodiversity hotspots, the world’sÌýmost biodiverse and threatened areas. Spanning the NorthÌýPacific, the Arctic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea,Ìýencompassing the steppes, deserts and mountains ofÌýCentral Asia, the lush forests of South Caucasus and theÌýkarst ecosystems, underground freshwater and wetlands ofÌýthe Western Balkans - this vast region hosts an exceptional
array of globally important and threatened species. It isÌýknown for the presence of some of the most iconic large mammals, such as the Siberian Tiger, Snow and Persian Leopards, Polar Bear, European Bison, Saiga Antelope, Argali Sheep, Orca or Beluga Whale.Ìý
