Abstract Tugai forests are a threatened ecosystem in Azerbaijan. These forests currently occupy approximately 18,000 Ha, less than 10% of the extent of just a few decades past. A first of its kind in Azerbaijan, BP's Regional Biodiversity project established a sustainable model for the rehabilitation and protection of this national resource. The project was implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR), NGO's, Academic Societies, and Local Authorities. The project was guided by a Steering Group composed of BP, Baku-Tiblisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, and MENR representatives, and implemented by an Executive Group nominated from the Steering Group. The causes of Tugai forest decline are varied and include: i). lack of access to energy resources (use as firewood); ii) lack of environmental awareness; iii) agricultural encroachment; iv) socio-economic drivers at the local population level. Other causes include flooding caused by the construction of dams for reservoirs and power projects without adequate ecosystem compensation programs. The project consisted of a Preparation Stage and an Implementation Stage. The preparation stage was carried out during 2003-2004 and included selection of a Pilot Area, baseline surveys, environmental awareness training, the study of societal aspects of the area and the development of an Action Plan for project implementation. The Implementation stage, 2005 – 2007, included the development of a planting design by the "Soyug Bulag" NGO, planting of 40,000 trees in a 12 Ha area and preparing a further 150 Ha to encourage natural Tugai regeneration, carried out by the "Gulul – 318" NGO. The project was notable for its 100% National content, both within BP and its partners, and implementation with support from local organisations, experts, and community representatives. The project also raised the safety culture and environmental awareness of national contractors through provision of HSE training and a fully implemented BP HES Policy and Contractor Management system: there were no injuries, accidents, or negative impacts to the environment during project implementation. In addition to achieving its primary goal of developing a model for restoring Tugai Forests, and the actual forest area restored, the project was also successful in transferring knowledge on structured and cost effective management practices to local contractors. Several environmental awareness publications have been published including a short film on the project. A longer documentary is currently being developed.