UNDP, Azerbaijan Ecology Ministry hold conference on pasture management in Baku

The national conference was attended by representatives of relevant state institutions, international development agencies and representatives of non-government organizations. The conference started with opening remarks from Minister Huseyn Bagirov. He noted that currently effective land management was one of the major problems facing the country currently.

He added that desertification as a result of extensive land use and inappropriate irrigation methods will continue to create problems, such as salinization and erosion, gravely endangering surrounding environment. Mr. Minister further highlighted that overgrazing was a major problem facing the country, as the studies undertaken in regions of Goygol, Sheki, Neftchala,  Goranboy, etc.  indicated that actual number of grazing per hectare is on average 25 times higher than then allowed quota.

Speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. Mrs. Noura Hamladji noted that “the international community has long recognized that land degradation is a major economic, social and environmental concern”. She highlighted that UNDP supported the Ministry in addressing land degradation problem since 2006 and plans to continue this support in the future.

Ambassador of Norway Mr. Jon Ramberg said that Azerbaijan had always been an important country for Norway, hence the support to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources to tackle the problem of land use. He added that Government of Norway stands ready to support the Ministry in its future endeavors to address the land degradation issue in the country with the assistance of UNDP Office in Baku.

The conference was followed by presentations by representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, and State Committee on Land-use and Cartography. The event was finalized with interactive discussion on possible options to address the issue of effective land and pasture management.


/Today.Az/