Protecting soil health and promoting local plants are of utmost importance in the fight against climate change in Azerbaijan, Carina Rolly, a special representative of Germany's ADRA organization, told Report.
According to Rolly, ADRA, which implements projects for human well-being in various countries worldwide, is currently carrying out 38 projects in 21 countries.
"ADRA is focusing on soil health restoration, climate-resilient agricultural initiatives, and ensuring food security. In addition to these efforts, ADRA implements programs aimed at enhancing local communities' adaptability to climate change by promoting sustainable development. There is a critical need for such projects in Azerbaijan to combat climate change," she added.
The official highlighted that healthy soil not only increases agricultural productivity but also plays a crucial role in reducing the impact of climate change by serving as carbon sinks. "Moreover, forgotten foods - especially climate-resilient local plants - have great potential for diversifying food systems, increasing food and nutrition security, and strengthening resilience in vulnerable communities,"Rolly noted.
Carina Rolly further stated that restoring soil health and promoting forgotten plants can make a significant contribution to the processes of combating and adapting to climate change. "Implementing such initiatives, applying sustainable agricultural practices, building resilient food systems, and integrating soil and plant diversity into climate strategies are crucial steps, especially in regions most affected by climate change," she concluded.