Zaur Mikayilov: Azerbaijan can improve water supply by investing in Caspian Sea desalination

Azerbaijan is taking active steps to improve water supply and increase climate change resilience by implementing energy-efficient water desalination technologies, Zaur Mikayilov, chairman of the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan, said at the event "Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Water. Resources Management" within COP29, Report informs.

He noted that one of the key initiatives is the desalination of the Caspian Sea water to provide the Absheron Peninsula with alternative sources of drinking water.

"Climate change intensifies water scarcity, worsens weather conditions, and increases the frequency of droughts and floods. Population growth and urbanization only exacerbate this crisis. This emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to ensure reliable water supply," said Mikayilov.

He added that forecasts indicate that by 2025, the country may face one of the lowest levels of water resources per capita.

"To minimize water losses, advanced methods such as drip irrigation and pivot systems, as well as smart metering technologies and leak prevention, are already being implemented in the country. These measures help reduce the carbon footprint and align with global climate goals, including maintaining global temperature rise at 1.5°C," the agency chairman said.

He also noted the importance of international cooperation.

"Global challenges such as water scarcity and climate change require joint action. By joining forces, we can develop innovative water resource management practices in developing countries," he added.