World Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5 June. It raises awareness about pressing environmental challenges and inspires collective action for a healthier planet. A key contribution to these efforts is the Emerald Network — a pan-European ecological effort, established under the Bern Convention to preserve Europe’s biodiversity. The network safeguards the most valuable natural areas and habitats, protecting rare species and ensuring coordinated efforts to conserve biodiversity. Rescued from extinction A prime example comes from Georgia’s Samtskhe-Javakheti region, where alpine lakes and volcanic plateaus offer refuge to rare birds. The Bugdasheni, Khanchali, Madatapa, and Tabatskuri Lakes are designated