Baku. 7 February. REPORT.AZ/ Report interviews Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Firdovsi Aliyev.
- Mr Firdovsi, gradual reduction of plastic packaging materials and polyethylene bags is a matter of public interest. What measures are envisaged in this regard regarding alternative products?
- The Ministry is a supporter and initiator of gradual reduction of plastic packaging materials and polyethylene bags. Cellophane bags should be replaced with alternatives- paper, fabric, linen bags and mat basket. Measures are also envisaged to expand the production of alternative materials in this direction and the ministry has organized a meeting of concerned parties with the participation of international experts. The "Action Plan" has been prepared to minimize negative impacts of plastic waste on the environment, the ministry is in the stage of agreement with relevant agencies. The plan includes proposals to restrict the use of lightweight polyethylene bags, which have more share in environmental pollution, to introduce a paid system in the markets, and to impose a full ban on very lightweight kinds of such bags. Once the "Action Plan" is adopted, these measures will be implemented gradually with the participation of all stakeholders.
International experience shows that the demand for these bags drops significantly after being paid. However, it is not the solution to sell them in the markets. First of all, we believe that people should voluntarily understand the harmful aspects of it and refuse polyethylene packaging.
- So, wide propaganda is necessary ...
- Of course, refusal of plastic products will not happen at once, it will be carried out gradually. That's why we mean the gradual refusal of these products, therefore, a strong propaganda is necessary for all people to learn about the harmful effects of plastic packaging on health and nature, and voluntarily refuse it. Such an awareness campaign was launched by the Ministry more than six months ago. We try to periodically inform people about the harmful and dangerous aspects. Firstly, we raised the issue of collecting and sorting of plastic waste in order to prevent their sparse disposal and sprawling them around. Within the campaign initiated by the ministry to attract the population to these works, up to 153 containers have been deployed to collect and sort plastic containers in 37 cities and regions. Campaigns were held with the participation of mass media, and public opinion polls were held. Media also support us in this work for which we are thankful.
- How do you assess the tree planting campaign held in autumn? Are the people lean towards planting a tree?
- Public approached this sensitive issue in a positive way. In order to promote the planting of trees in accordance with the recommendation and instructions by the head of state on building of new greenhouses, the Ministry held campaigns under the different slogans in 2018 autumn tree planting campaign. We planted about 1,3 million variety of trees suitable for climate and relief conditions with the slogan "Let's plant trees, preserve this tradition!" in the forest and non-forest fund areas. 167 thousand seeds of different trees and about 1.7 million mulberry seeds were distributed to the citizens, executive authorities, schools, gardens and organizations in the campaigns held under the slogans “ Let’s every family plant a tree", "Let’s one pupil plant a tree and preserve it”.
In general, 320 stale and dangerous trees were replaced with new ones, and about 5,000 different species were planted in empty areas to increase greenery, to improve its aesthetic appearance, to plant new trees instead of stale and dangerous ones.
Starting from March, spring tree planting campaign will be launched and we rely on public support in this issue.
- The process of mounting cameras in forests was launched last year. Does this process continue? Have the positive changes been observed during the past period?
- Installation of the camera in the forests was a first experience for us. Cameras have been installed in forests of 5 districts- Zagatala, Sheki, Gakh, Oguz and Gabala. To install cameras is a progressive approach and I think that it will play an invaluable role in the protection of forests. Though cameras have been installed for a short period of time, interventions in the forests have diminished.
- What is being done by the Ministry today regarding the elimination of the negative impact on the Caspian Sea ecosystem?
- The Ministry constantly monitors the environment and protection of natural resources of the Caspian Sea and regularly holds monitoring in the sea and its coastline. As a result of the monitoring, enterprises and organizations were urged to install cleaning facilities in accordance with the production area and relevant recommendations were given, while letters were sent to the relevant bodies.
Photo: Firi Salim