On June 29, 2022 an international conference on "Promoting partnership and activities in sustainable water management" was held in "Smart village" residential area in Agali village of Zangilan region.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Karabakh Revival Fund.
According to the info given by press service of the organization to SIA, the event was held in a hybrid format with the participation of representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, members of influential international organizations and experts. Current issues such as the establishment of dialogue at the international level and the establishment of partnerships in a cross-border context were discussed.
Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev addressed the conference, informing the participants about the restoration of ecosystem and infrastructure, hydrometeorological observation systems, establishment of environmental monitoring stations, planting of greenery, reforestation measures in the liberated territories,as well as projects implemented in the field of assessment of water sources for the purpose of efficient use of water resources, breeding and release of fish species into water basins.
The participants were also informed about the environmental terrorism committed by Armenia, damage to natural objects, the continuing savage pollution of the Oxchuchay and other water bodies by Armenia, the elimination of the consequences of environmental terrorism and improving the environment in the region.
The Minister stressed the importance of uniting all efforts of the UN and other international and regional organizations, the private sector and civil society in the implementation of the goals and objectives of the "Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030" related to water.
Speaking at the conference, Rahman Hajiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Karabakh Revival Foundation, in order to inform the international community about the facts of environmental terrorism committed by Armenia during the occupation for nearly 30 years, spoke about the scale of the damage to the ecological situation in the region and our natural resources, damage to natural objects, continuing transboundary pollution of territories, including water basins by Armenia.
He also stressed the need to take measures to address the growing problems of water pollution, deterioration of water-related ecosystems, water scarcity caused by climate change and lack of cooperation in transboundary waters, which is a global problem.
Rahman Hajiyev called on the participants to support potential cooperation, elimination of damage to the environment in the liberated territories, restoration of ecological balance and organization of reconstruction, improvement of socio-economic welfare.
The conference was attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ilhama Gasimova, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva, Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Peter Michalko, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Olga Algayerova, Secretary of the UN Water Convention Sonja Koeppel. Extensive discussions were held with the participation of Bruno Pozzi, Director of the European Office of the Environment Program, and other officials.
At the end of the conference, a final document was adopted, which will contribute to the event on the Water Convention to be held on June 30 in Estonia.
It should be noted that the Republic of Azerbaijan ratified the Convention in 2000 and actively participates in the work of the Convention.
Within the framework of the International Conference, the representatives of the diplomatic corps got acquainted with the infrastructure created in the "Smart Village".
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