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![Azerbaijan Advances On Modern Waste Management & Ecological Restoration In Liberated Territories Image](https://menafn.com/updates/pr/2024-06/29/A_74c640f0-e_Image_In_Body.jpg)
Nazrin Abdul
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During the Occupation period, Garabagh's ecological balance was
severely disrupted. Deforestation, forest fires, water
contamination, and the destruction of flora and fauna, alongside
extensive land exploitation, led to significant ecological
imbalance in the region.
Moreover, the widespread destruction of buildings and
infrastructure resulted in substantial amounts of construction and
demolition waste. Currently, managing these wastes presents
challenges to ongoing construction-restoration efforts in the
region.
Beyond the economic implications of waste management,
industrial, agricultural, and household waste, as well as the
exploitation of natural resources contribute to several ecological
problems. Addressing these issues requires modern waste management
practices and emphasizes the necessity of reusing these
materials.
On June 27, at the International Forum titled "Green World
Solidarity: Waste to Value for a Sustainable Future," part of
COP29, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and
President of COP29, Mukhtar Babayev, highlighted the establishment
of modern infrastructure for waste collection, sorting, and
recycling in Garabagh as a primary priority.
![Azerbaijan Advances On Modern Waste Management & Ecological Restoration In Liberated Territories Image](https://menafn.com/updates/pr/2024-06/29/A_8de94295-7_Image_In_Body.jpg)
The Minister emphasized the significant responsibility of
industrial facilities in proper waste management: "The Extended
Producer Responsibility (EPR) concept covers the producer's
responsibility throughout the product's entire lifecycle, from
design and manufacturing to use and waste management. Azerbaijan is
enhancing its legislative framework to implement this approach
effectively."
M. Babayev noted that active efforts are underway to establish a
modern waste management system in the liberated territories: "This
is crucial for the reconstruction process. A Regional Strategy has
been developed to address waste collection, sorting, and recycling
infrastructure in Garabagh," stressed the Minister.
He pointed out that during the occupation, the widespread
destruction of buildings resulted in numerous construction and
demolition wastes that required modern management. Additionally,
due to intensive restoration and reconstruction efforts in
liberated areas, increasing private sector involvement is
essential, he added.
"The modern management and reuse of these wastes as raw
materials are crucial. Pilot projects are underway in planned
settlements for restoration in the Aghdam district. We particularly
appreciate the support of UNEP in initiating these efforts."
It should be noted that under the auspices of Azerbaijan's
Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, a UN Environment
Programme (UNEP) assessment mission in 2022 evaluated environmental
damage in liberated areas. Laboratory tests on construction and
demolition waste samples from Shusha city and Aghdam district
confirmed the viability of recycling these wastes for construction
use.
![Azerbaijan Advances On Modern Waste Management & Ecological Restoration In Liberated Territories Image](https://menafn.com/updates/pr/2024-06/29/A_8553f5d1-9_Image_In_Body.jpg)
During the COP29 briefing, UN Deputy Secretary-General and UNEP
Executive Director Inger Andersen assured that UNEP would support
Azerbaijan in waste recycling and reuse efforts.
"Andersen announced that Azerbaijan has been selected to host
World Environment Day in 2026, underscoring the country's
exceptional beauty and commitment to climate leadership."
"I have witnessed Azerbaijan's leadership in climate issues
firsthand. Today, besides visiting Shirvan National Park, I also
had the opportunity to engage with a facility involved in
extraordinary work, including sturgeon fish release. Azerbaijan is
prepared to host COP29 and lead globally. As the United Nations
Environment Programme, we are committed to supporting this
beautiful country," said Andersen.
Andersen emphasized Azerbaijan's efforts in biodiversity
conservation.
"Our collaborative efforts across all fronts are set to continue
successfully. The situation concerning the drying of the Caspian
Sea is critical. While projects are in place to address this,
significant work remains."
During her speech at the International Forum, UN Resident
Coordinator for Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva highlighted that
current technologies enable the reuse of all wastes.
"The Azerbaijani government faces significant responsibilities.
Collaboration with the UN in waste management continues. Our
recommendations and proposals will facilitate Azerbaijan's
transition to advanced waste management practices."
Andreeva concluded by emphasizing everyone's responsibility in
this regard.
Active efforts are ongoing to establish a modern waste
management system in liberated territories. This is integral to the
reconstruction process. Azerbaijan's future economic development
will be closely tied to ecological clean technologies, clean energy
utilization, waste recycling, and contaminated land
restoration.
As part of these efforts, household waste facilities will be
constructed in Khocavand, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Kalbajar, Lachin,
Gubadly, Jabrayil, and Tartar regions for waste sorting. In total,
plans include constructing 7 waste facilities and 2 transfer
stations. The Aghdam facility will cover 15 hectares, while those
in Shusha, Lachin, and Kalbajar will each cover 10 hectares, and
those in Gubadly, Jabrayil, Tartar, and Fuzuli will each cover 5
hectares. In Zangilan, a transfer station covering 10 hectares is
planned.
These facilities will prepare waste for reuse and recycling.
Recycling plants in liberated regions will also stimulate the local
economy. Initial experience in establishing a waste management
system in Garabagh has been positive. Following set goals,
construction and demolition wastes generated during restoration and
reconstruction in Kengerli and Horovlu villages in Aghdam and
Jabrayil districts are being recycled.
This significantly reduces the environmental impact and
minimizes pollution, providing materials suitable for construction.
These materials are effectively utilized in roadworks, concrete
works, and sub-base construction during building projects.
A utilization facility has been established in villages for
construction and demolition wastes, where damaged materials are
recycled into usable materials. These materials are used in
roadworks and sub-base construction, achieving zero waste through
this mechanism. This approach aims to achieve zero waste across all
of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur.
It should be noted that dumping, storage, and burning of wastes
in unspecified locations will be prohibited. Burning industrial and
household wastes harmful to the atmosphere will not be permitted
without proper facilities.
Moreover, besides recycling and using wastes as raw materials,
waste incineration can also generate electricity. Additionally,
artistic creations can be made from these materials.
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