Young Ecologists Visited the City of Shusha

The project "Participation of Young People in the Environmental Assessment of Territories Freed from Occupation of Azerbaijan," initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, is being successfully continued.

On December 13, young ecologists visited the city of Shusha and took part in measuring the radiation background and air quality of the area, as well as collecting water and soil samples. Additionally, during the visit, a mass tree-planting event was held with the participation of young people under the slogan "Save Karabakh."

As is well known, as a result of the 30-year occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and its surrounding regions by Armenia, the environment of Azerbaijan was severely damaged. Due to the burning of areas, pollution of water resources, looting of forests, natural monuments, and generally both underground and surface natural resources, the ecological balance of the region was disturbed. Currently, important steps are being taken at the state level to assess and restore the condition of the territories freed from occupation, including our natural resources.

To involve young ecologists in these efforts, the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation launched the environmental assessment project.

In addition to Shusha, within the framework of the project, young people also visited the Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Gubadli, Khojavand, Zangilan, and Aghdam regions.

It should be noted that more than 300 young people with education in natural sciences and working in this field applied to participate in the project, and 60 of them were selected based on interviews. Research is conducted in 6 main directions, including biological diversity, water resources, forest protection, hydrometeorological and monitoring service, topography and mapping, and geology.

The young participants of the project will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and experience in environmental assessment and monitoring, and at the same time contribute to restoration and conservation work in the liberated areas.