Ilham Aliyev: Large-scale initiatives in the field of environmental protection are being implemented in Azerbaijan
In the 21st century, environmental protection is among the common responsibilities of the entire international community. The increasingly severe consequences of climate change year after year, the rapid depletion of natural resources, including water, loss of biodiversity, land degradation, pollution, and abnormal heat — all these are interconnected processes requiring immediate action. This is stated in the address of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of World Environment Day.
"Hosting such large-scale celebrations of global level for the first time in our region is a significant event for Azerbaijan. This is a clear recognition of our country's increasingly active role in raising environmental awareness at the international level and its substantial contribution to collective efforts to protect the planet," the head of state's address says.
"Environmental challenges facing our planet have a destructive impact not only on ecosystems but also on sustainable development, healthcare, living conditions, and the prosperity of states. The well-being of future generations directly depends on how effectively we confront these challenges today.
In Azerbaijan, we approach this responsibility with all seriousness and implement large-scale initiatives in the field of environmental protection. We are witnessing how both floods and droughts are becoming more frequent across the country. The shortage of water resources causes serious concern not only in Azerbaijan but throughout the entire region. The decline in the level of the Caspian Sea, approaching a historic minimum over the past two centuries, clearly demonstrates the seriousness of this problem.
Ensuring a clean environment and 'green growth' has been defined as one of the five key national priorities for Azerbaijan's socio-economic development until 2030. In accordance with this priority, targeted efforts are being made to expand green spaces and forest areas, ensure rational use of water resources and environmentally friendly energy sources, as well as create modern infrastructure for waste management.
In order to preserve biodiversity, Azerbaijan is also expanding the areas of specially protected natural territories. The Hyrcanian forests — a unique forest massif where many relict, as well as regional and local endemic species of flora grow — have become the first natural site of Azerbaijan included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Unfortunately, for nearly thirty years, our territories that were under occupation were subjected to ecocide and urbicide. This led to a gross violation of the ecological balance in these regions. In addition, the huge number of mines laid on the formerly occupied lands continues to cause serious environmental damage to this day.
Immediately after the liberation of its lands, Azerbaijan launched large-scale reconstruction and restoration works in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. Rebuilding infrastructure based on the concepts of 'smart city' and 'smart village,' implementing green energy projects, and introducing advanced technologies will make a significant contribution to the revival of the local ecosystem.
At the same time, Karabakh and East Zangezur, officially declared green energy zones, possess powerful potential for renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower resources. The development of green energy is one of the main priorities of Azerbaijan's state policy," it notes.
This year, World Environment Day is held under the global slogan "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future" and is intended to draw attention to the urgent need to deepen the interconnection between measures to combat climate change and nature protection: "Today, the climate crisis knows no borders, which makes strengthening international cooperation a vital necessity. During its chairmanship of COP29, Azerbaijan provided an important platform for climate diplomacy and multilateral dialogue, and also strengthened global solidarity by acting as a bridge between developing and developed countries. The historic decisions enshrined as the 'Baku Breakthrough' have become Azerbaijan's legacy within the framework of COP.
Our climate leadership continues successfully after COP29: just two weeks ago, Azerbaijan hosted the XIII session of the World Urban Forum, which became the largest in its history. The outcome of this event was the adoption of the 'Baku Call to Action,' which emphasizes the need to strengthen international cooperation and concrete steps to ensure environmentally sustainable, affordable, and climate-resilient housing for all.
Azerbaijan will continue to play an active role in promoting the global environmental agenda, developing multilateral cooperation in order to leave a green and sustainable legacy for future generations."
1news.az
