(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 20. Water is the
basis of life, the backbone of every ecosystem, economy, and
society, and its availability, quality, and effective management
are closely linked to the efforts we make to build a long and
sustainable future, the Chairman of the State Water Resources
Agency of Azerbaijan Zaur Mikayilov said at the event“Combating
Climate Change: Sustainable Water Solutions and Sustainable Future
in Azerbaijan” held within the framework of the COP29 event,
Trend reports.
He noted that water in every sector is the foundation of
sustainable development.
“Access to clean drinking water is not only a basic human right
but is also important to protect public health and maintain
ecological balance. Water resources are the foundation of
agricultural productivity and support irrigation systems that
ensure food security for millions of people. In addition, water
plays an important role in energy production, sanitation systems,
and economic activity. Sustainable development efforts are
therefore inextricably linked to the availability, quality, and
effective management of sustainable water resources.
Azerbaijan is one of the countries that have made important
steps in this area and submitted voluntary reports on the
Sustainable Development Goals. For about ten years, Azerbaijan has
had a National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development.
This long-term commitment demonstrates Azerbaijan's will to
integrate sustainable water management into the National
Development Strategy and serves as an example for other countries
facing similar challenges.
Climate change is accelerating; rising global temperatures,
changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are
affecting freshwater availability, posing threats to humans and
natural systems. All these emphasize the need for adaptive and
sustainable strategies,” Mikayilov noted.
According to him, Azerbaijan has introduced innovative and
advanced water management technologies to protect water resources
against the backdrop of growing climate challenges.
“Climate change knows no borders and once again points to the
need for global regional cooperation. Transboundary water
management is an example that demonstrates the benefits of
cooperation. However, regions such as the South Caucasus face
hydro-security voids regarding cooperative management. We encourage
all regional states to jointly manage transboundary water resources
and take concrete steps that will strengthen water security in the
South Caucasus.
Azerbaijan has built ultrafiltration water treatment plants at
the Jeyranbatan reservoir, a modern treatment plant in Pirshaghi,
and introduced SCADA systems. Azerbaijan's Caspian Sea desalination
initiative, the first public-private partnership project, is a
clear example of the country's efforts.
We must prioritize effective water management while facing the
realities of climate change. Our actions today will determine the
state of water resources for future generations. We invite everyone
to join forces to conserve this vital resource. Our work under
COP29 will create an important legacy for water security in the
future,” he noted.
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