Deputy Minister: Azerbaijan takes practical steps towards solving global environmental issues

As a reliable and responsible member of the international community, Azerbaijan places great importance on solving global environmental issues and takes practical steps in this regard, said Vugar Karimov, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Report informs.

Karimov made the announcement during the presentation of Azerbaijan's Environmental Performance Review (EPR) prepared by the UN Economic Commission for Europe within the framework of COP29.

He noted that today, the transition to an economically sustainable, clean, and healthy future is one of the most pressing challenges and at the same time a great responsibility facing society:

"Azerbaijan, actively participating in solving global ecological problems, has joined more than 20 environmental conventions and agreements. The main mission in environmental protection is to ensure ecosystem preservation, minimize harmful environmental impacts, and ensure sustainable development through efficient use of natural resources to provide people with an ecologically clean living environment.

Today, Azerbaijan is also a key participant in the green transition platform prioritized by the world. The 'Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development' document approved by the President of Azerbaijan sets an important task of ensuring quality environmental conditions against the background of sustainable and high-tempo economic growth in the new strategic phase."

The deputy minister noted that important decisions made by the country's leadership regarding the greening of the regional economy in the direction of Karabakh and East Zangazur's restoration create opportunities to reduce the effects of climate change.

"Environmental protection is a priority in the large-scale restoration and reconstruction process being carried out in these territories. Innovative approaches such as smart city and smart village are being implemented in these areas, and the ecosystem is being restored. As part of the green growth concept, policies are being implemented to transform the liberated territories into a green energy zone and achieve carbon neutrality targets," he emphasized.