Panel discussions are being held within the framework of the II International Water Management Exhibition and Conference in Baku

Panel discussions are being held within the framework of the II International Water Management Exhibition and Conference - “Baku Water Week” organized in Baku. Representatives of state institutions, local and foreign experts, representatives of private companies, representatives of higher education and research institutions participated in the panel discussions.

Speaking at the panel discussions titled “Leadership in Water Management: Regional and Global Perspectives”, Chairman of the State Water Resources Agency Zaur Mikayilov said that Azerbaijan’s water policy is based on strategic principles and the adopted National Water Strategy sets clear goals for the coming decades. According to him, the National Water Strategy envisages fair and rational management of water resources, modernization of infrastructure, application of digital technologies, development of alternative and sustainable water sources, as well as strengthening science, innovation and international cooperation.

Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov touched upon the importance of efficient use of water resources in his speech. Minister Majnun Mammadov said that in order to reduce the negative impact of climate change on agriculture and use water and land resources more efficiently, the use of modern irrigation systems is being expanded in farms: “The state subsidizes 40 percent of the cost of modern irrigation equipment, and this equipment is exempt from value-added tax. This year, farmers will receive an additional subsidy of 60 manats for the areas irrigated by modern irrigation systems.”

Mukhtar Babayev, the representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on climate issues, emphasized that the efficient use of water resources is of particular importance against the backdrop of climate change: “Climate change and the increase in average temperatures have a huge impact on the accumulation and use of water resources in the world. Today, these impacts lead to the melting of glaciers and the reduction of snow reserves. Currently, this process is observed all over the world. Unfortunately, we are also observing the melting of glaciers and the reduction of snow reserves in Azerbaijan.”

Speaking at the event, First Deputy Chairman of the State Water Resources Agency Khayyam Mammadov noted that the protection and efficient use of water resources are among the priorities of state policy: "The large-scale reforms and projects carried out in our country serve precisely this purpose. However, challenges such as water scarcity and climate change cannot be solved by the capabilities of one country alone. Therefore, cooperation, exchange of experience and joint initiatives are of particular importance. This conference is just such a platform. The ideas voiced here and the proposals put forward will guide our future steps." The panel discussions continued in a question-and-answer format, and experts shared their views on water shortage problems and increasing the efficiency of water management.