Water scarcity risks cannot be eliminated, adaptation crucial for Azerbaijan

The risks related to water scarcity cannot be entirely avoided, but preparing adaptation plans and getting ready for such conditions is essential for Azerbaijan, said Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's Presidential Envoy on Climate Issues.

Babayev made the remarks during the panel discussion titled "Leadership in Water Management: Regional and Global Perspectives" held as part of the 2nd International Water Management Exhibition and Conference – Baku Water Week, Report informs.

He noted that the melting of glaciers and reduction of snow reserves continue in Azerbaijan: "This is a process affecting not only Azerbaijan but the entire world. Annual expeditions to the Greater and especially Lesser Caucasus mountains confirm this trend. Snow reserves in our mountains decrease year by year, and glaciers are melting. Unfortunately, this process is observed worldwide. The main reason is climate change and rising average temperatures, along with uneven distribution and intensity of precipitation. As a result, water resources decrease, while floods, flash floods, and other hydrometeorological events increase."

Babayev emphasized that solving water problems and implementing adaptation measures is possible with active participation from both states and international organizations:

"For years, Azerbaijan has been discussing these issues and implementing various water projects in cooperation with international organizations and financial institutions. However, a worrying fact is that global water demand is increasing. Countries are now conditionally divided into three groups: those with abundant water resources, those that can relatively meet their needs, and those facing water scarcity. Unfortunately, the list of countries at risk of water scarcity is expanding annually, and Azerbaijan is on that list."