A group of researchers from the Landscape Science and Nature Management Laboratory of the Institute of Geography conducted a field expedition to the Tovuz District from 20–24 July 2026, in accordance with the laboratory’s annual research program. During the expedition, the team collected data for the preparation of a large-scale landscape map of the Zayamchay River Basin, assessed the basin’s landscape-ecological condition, and collected soil, rock, and plant samples for geochemical analyses and a comprehensive assessment of the area's ecogeochemical environment.

The Zayamchay River Basin extends from an elevation of 220 m above sea level along the banks of the Kura River to 2,065 m in the Shahdag Range, encompassing a wide range of altitudinal landscape zones. The researchers examined and conducted preliminary mapping of the following landscape types: dry steppe landscapes in the lowlands; arid open woodlands and xerophytic shrub steppes on foothill plains and low mountains (800–1,000 m); mountain forests between 800–1,000 m and 1,800–2,000 m; subalpine meadows between 1,800–2,400 m; and alpine meadows above 2,400 m.

Geochemical samples were collected from representative landscape facies corresponding to each landscape type. In riverbeds, alluvial sediments were sampled, while 1 kg of soil was collected from a depth of 50 cm on alluvial floodplain terraces, along with surface vegetation samples. The same sampling methodology was applied to the dominant landscape units throughout the study area, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all major landscape types.

   The expedition revealed that the upper forest boundary within the basin has descended by approximately 400–500 m over the past 50 years due to intensive anthropogenic impacts. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of remnant subalpine forest patches located at elevations of 2,500–2,650 m. At the same time, investigations conducted in selected sample plots within the existing forest landscapes indicate that forest regeneration is relatively strong under current climate change conditions. Up to 11 tree saplings, each less than 1 m in height, were recorded within a 1 m² sample plot.

The researchers also investigated a unique 3.5-hectare hook pine forest situated on steep rocky slopes at elevations of 1,600–1,700 m near Böyük Qışlaq village. The study showed that this scientifically valuable pine forest, which once occupied a much larger area, is gradually being replaced by oak, hornbeam, beech, and other tree species. The forest regeneration analysis further confirmed this ongoing ecological succession.

In the Asrikchay River Basin, observations were carried out on the rapidly increasing tourism-related anthropogenic pressure in recent years, particularly its role in accelerating the degradation of forest ecosystems.

The laboratory processing of the collected samples, preparation of landscape maps, and development of detailed analyses and recommendations are currently ongoing.