By Qabil Ashirov

A large part of the world's population suffers from water scarcity, and this problem is expected to become more acute in the future, Azernews reports, citing Vugar Karimov, Deputy Ecology and Natural Resources Minister, telling at the "Third review of Azerbaijan's environmental activities" event held within COP29.

He noted that within the framework of the State Water Commission, large-scale measures are being implemented in the efficient use of water resources, release of losses, creation of new water sources, improvement of accounting, electronic management and other directions.

"The National Strategy for efficient use of water resources" was approved by the order of President Ilham Aliyev dated October 10, 2024. The implementation of the National Strategy envisages the increase of water resources, the improvement of the provision of quality drinking water and irrigation water, the modernization of management in that area, as well as the development of cooperation in the direction of compliance with the requirements of international conventions," the deputy minister noted.

He underscored that currently, the main concern about the quality of atmospheric air is the rapid increase in the number of vehicles and in many cases the use of old cars that do not meet environmental standards. In order to reduce emissions from the transport sector, measures are being taken to renew the country's car park and expand the use of environmentally friendly cars. Discounts for cars with electric and hybrid engines, a differential approach is applied to the import of vehicles depending on the date of manufacture.

"The issue of waste management also requires attention. There are already achievements in household waste management in the Baku city. The construction of modern regional landfills and transfer points and rehabilitation of existing landfills are planned in the regions. At present, the construction of a waste management system in accordance with modern standards has been started in the territories freed from occupation," the deputy minister added.