IDEA Launches International Ecological Camp in Gabala

The international camp for young ecologists, titled “The Role of Youth in Environmental Governance: Today and Tomorrow,” has started in Gabala.

The aim of the international event is to coordinate the efforts of society, particularly the youth, to prevent the threats posed by environmental problems.

The Gabala camp, attended by representatives from more than 35 countries, should identify what governments and societies can do in this area.

Opening the event, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, stated that special responsibility falls on young people to ensure that environmental problems do not turn into serious consequences. She spoke about the work done in Azerbaijan in recent years in protecting the Caspian Sea's ecology, creating new forest areas, and preserving rare animal species:

“2010 was declared the Year of Ecology in Azerbaijan, and much has been done in recent years to improve the environmental situation in the country. Protecting the environment is our common cause. The younger generation should not remain indifferent to environmental issues related to climate change, carbon emissions, the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, processes in the world ocean, drought, and humanitarian crises in various parts of the world.”

The Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Huseyngulu Baghirov, speaking at the event, stated that in recent years, the increase in Azerbaijan's financial capabilities has created conditions for increased investment in the environmental sector. The minister reminded that the Oghuz-Gabala-Baku pipeline has been put into operation to provide drinking water to the population of Azerbaijan. He also mentioned that measures are being taken to prevent the discharge of pollutants into the Caspian Sea.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Azad Rahimov, speaking afterward, emphasized that young people have a special weight in addressing environmental problems. According to him, for progress to be achieved in this area, it is necessary for the youth of the world to operate from a single platform. In this sense, the Gabala camp can play an important role.