In 2004, early-career conservationist in Azerbaijan, Shahin Isayev, won a Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) Team Award, which provided funding and training for his vital project on the conservation of globally threatened birds. Over 20 years on, Shahin reflects on how this and two further CLP awards helped him build a legacy of lasting impact in Azerbaijan and beyond.
“Being part of CLP was a turning point in my life. It had a long-lasting impact, not only on me but also on my entire team. Meeting other CLP award-winners from around the world opened my vision as I realized that conservation challenges are shared globally. These experiences and connections shaped the course of my career and reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration.” – Shahin Isayev, CLP award-winner (Azerbaijan, 2004, 2007).
Shahin Isayev’s CLP projects focused on the conservation of globally threatened birds in Azerbaijan, including the eastern imperial eagle © Sumeet Moghe, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Shahin’s CLP awards in 2004 and 2007, as well as a 2007 Kate Stokes Memorial Award (a special grant for CLP alumni), made significant contributions to the conservation of threatened birds, such as the eastern imperial eagle, in Azerbaijan: “[The CLP team] conducted the first-ever detailed study of the eastern imperial eagle in Azerbaijan. We led the study across approximately 6,000 km² in the north-west region, during which we found 31 active nests. This was incredible because, at that time, only six nests were known in the entire country,” says Shahin.
The team’s follow-up surveys examined the species’ breeding success, prey composition, and other ecological factors, providing comprehensive information vital for developing action plans and mitigation measures to enhance this majestic bird’s conservation status.
A nest of an eastern imperial eagle spotted by the CLP team during their surveys in north-western Azerbaijan © Shahin Isayev
Beyond nature conservation
Shahin believes the impact of his CLP projects went beyond research: “I believe our greatest success was the establishment of the first-ever group of young conservationists and nature enthusiasts in Azerbaijan. With CLP’s support, we organized training sessions, workshops, and events that brought together like-minded individuals and inspired a nature conservation movement in the country.
Before our project, nature conservation and birdwatching were primarily seen as scientific works. Thanks to CLP, we helped transform them into a broader societal movement, especially among the young generation.”
CLP alumnus Shahin Isayev (centre) leading bird identification training with local people as part of his CLP project’s community outreach programme © Shahin Isayev
Shahin explains that many of his former team members and volunteers from the CLP projects continue to play active roles in different national and international organizations, contributing to environmental protection not only in Azerbaijan but also globally.
“This legacy is what I am most proud of, as it represents a lasting impact that extends beyond the scope of our initial projects.”
He explains that CLP helped develop this legacy through its ability to connect a global network of conservationists with similar mindsets, but with diverse experiences and skills: “This network was invaluable not only for me but also for our entire team.”
He also describes how, beyond the awards, the continuous support he received from CLP, including its training programmes, alumni network, and other funding opportunities, provided an essential resource for young conservationists like him and his team. “The resources provided by CLP beyond my projects were transformative and played a significant role in shaping my professional growth.”
CLP alumnus Shahin Isayev (right) with team member preparing for bird monitoring training © Shahin Isayev
A first significant step
Shahin describes his 2004 CLP Future Conservationist Award as “a perfect chance to take our first significant step in nature conservation. We were confident that CLP was the right platform to help us create a meaningful impact on conservation in Azerbaijan.
“My first CLP award was my very first experience as a conservationist and my first interaction with the international community at CLP’s three-week training course (in 2004, in the UK), which was also my first time travelling outside Azerbaijan. That experience was incredibly impactful and, without a doubt, a turning point in my career.”
During the course, Shahin was inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of other project teams working in their respective fields: “It was there that I truly understood how conservation actions should be formulated and implemented. The training modules and topics covered during those three weeks were invaluable; they helped me gain a solid understanding of project life cycle management and many other critical skills that have stayed with me throughout my career.”
Although it has been nearly 20 years since he attended the CLP training course, and participated in countless workshops and training sessions since, Shahin tells us that it is still proudly listed on his CV: “This speaks volumes about how special and influential CLP has been for me. And, of course, I can’t overlook the incredible network, contacts, and friendships I gained through CLP. The connections I made during that time are incomparable. I am still in touch with many CLP alumni and follow their works regularly.”
The CLP team during their first survey in north-western Azerbaijan, 2004 © Shahin Isayev
Onwards and upwards
Once his CLP projects and training were complete, Shahin’s prowess won him a role as a biodiversity specialist at the German Corporation for International Cooperation. In this role, he contributed to the development of the first-ever national biodiversity monitoring system in Azerbaijan, among other key achievements.
Five years on, the focus of his work shifted to a different role supporting the implementation of environmental safeguards in large-scale infrastructure projects for the Asian Development Bank (ADB): “This shift [to the role at ADB] was motivated by the rapid development occurring in Azerbaijan at the time, when environmental considerations were often overlooked in infrastructure planning. I wanted to contribute to minimizing the negative impacts of these projects on nature and the environment.”
CLP alumnus Shahin Isayev moderating a regional stakeholder consultation workshop on hazardous waste management © Shahin Isayev
Fast forward another five years, to 2019, when Shahin decided to return to his primary field of interest: natural resource management and biodiversity conservation. He joined the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), initially managing a regional project, but soon took on broader responsibilities supporting all projects within the natural resources’ portfolio of FAO Azerbaijan.
Currently, Shahin collaborates with FAO as an International Consultant on Environmental Sustainability and Project Management. Together with a dedicated team, he is implementing a multi-country project aimed at finding sustainable and environmentally sound solutions for the disposal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) containing highly hazardous obsolete pesticides.
“This is a critical issue inherited by many Central Asian countries following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and addressing it is both a professional and personal commitment to making a meaningful impact.”
Words of advice
Shahin’s advice to early-career conservationists is to stay curious, persistent, and open to learning: “Above all, stay committed. Conservation work often takes time to yield results, but each small victory is a step toward the bigger picture. Believe in your ability to make a difference because your efforts have the potential to create lasting change.”
He also suggests taking time to build a strong foundation by learning new skills and gaining knowledge.: “Don’t hesitate to join training programmes or ask for advice from experienced professionals. Building a network with peers and mentors can also open doors to valuable opportunities and guidance. It is crucial not to miss such opportunities when they arise.”
Shahin also has some practical advice: “Start with small projects and use them as stepping stones toward larger goals. Every contribution, no matter how modest it may seem, is meaningful and can lead to bigger achievements.”
The CLP team during their first survey in north-western Azerbaijan, 2007 © Shahin Isayev
Ensuring a sustainable future
Shahin believes that the future of conservation relies on it being viewed as a shared responsibility: “I believe that when conservation is seen as a shared responsibility, it creates a collective commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems. Collaboration at all levels is essential for aligning efforts, sharing knowledge, and pooling resources to achieve long-term conservation goals. By fostering partnerships, educating communities, and embracing innovation, we can build a future where people and nature thrive together!”
He also believes that education and awareness are equally vital in shaping a sustainable future: “When people understand the connections between their actions and the environment, they are more likely to make informed decisions and adopt sustainable practices. Conservation efforts must prioritize engaging and educating younger generations, as they will inherit the responsibility of preserving our planet.”
Feeling inspired?
If Shahin’s story inspires you to follow in his footsteps, why not apply for one of our 2026 Team Awards? Look out for the call for applications announcement on our website, newsletter and social media (Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook) in July 2025. Apply to gain $15,000 in project funding and the chance to participate in our highly-regarded Conservation Management & Leadership training. Plus, you will automatically become part of our extensive global Alumni Network, which now numbers over 4,400 conservationists worldwide, providing invaluable peer-to-peer support and the opportunity to apply for further funding and training opportunities. Good luck!