"Defense of biological diversity: Botany, Ecology and Green Cities" named forum was held

The forum "Defense of biological diversity: Botany, Ecology and Green Cities" dedicated to COP 29 and the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" was held at the Institute of Botany of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The forum was jointly organized by the Institute of Botany of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, “Central Botanical Garden” Public Legal Entity, "Dendrology Garden" Public Legal Entity, Azerbaijan Society of Botanists Public Union. A number of state representatives, local and foreign scholars and experts participated in the opening ceremony of the event.

Made a speech at the event, Director General of the Institute of Botany, professor Sayyara Ibadullayeva greeted the guests and participants. The professor started with the speech of the head of the country Mr.Ilham Aliyev, "The motto we chose for the COP in Baku, "Let's be united for the sake of a green world" reflects the spirit of our COP29 mission.

As we all face this situation together, I call on all countries to show solidarity to save our planet. To achieve this goal, we need political will (willpower) and multilateralism, which Azerbaijan always defends," she said.

She noted that within the framework of the COP 29 held in Azerbaijan, it is appropriate to put forward the proposal to found the "Union for assessing and restoring damage to ecosystems in war-torn countries". The damage caused to the ecosystem and biodiversity in warring countries by the members of the alliance in question should be calculated, the increase of emission in the environment should be specified, the reduction of forest and greenery should be determined and fines should be applied to the party causing the damage for each. This will also serve to protect our planet.

Aysel Garibli, representative of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education, vice-rector of ASPU, professor Mahira Huseynova, dean of the faculty of Chemistry and biology, associate professor Reyhan Aghayeva, deputy chairman of the board of the Public Legal Entity "Central Botanical Garden" Natig Allahverdiyev, "Dendrology Garden" Public associate professor Samira Baghirova, deputy chairman of the Management Board of the Legal Entity, academician Irada Huseynova, Vice President of ANAS, professor Afat Mammadova, Dean of the Faculty of Biology of BSU, General Director of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Alovsat Guliyev, Corresponding Member of ANAS, Chelyabinsk State University Head of the Department of Geoecology and Environmental Management, Associate Professor Dmitry Dvinin made a speech and wished success to the work of the Forum.

During her speech, associate professor Samira Baghirova, Deputy Chairman of the Management Staff of the "Dendrology Garden" Public Legal Entity, emphasized that it is very necessary and significant to hold this form in 2024, the year of "Solidarity for a Green World", when the green agenda of our country is rich.

She noted that we live which in our period, the world and the international community are seriously struggling with the consequences of global climate change: "Despite the fact that our country's share in global emissions is only 0.15%, it actively participates in international efforts to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, and implements enormous green projects in line with its commitments.

The future economic development of Azerbaijan is closely related to taking measures on environmentally friendly technologies, clean energy sources, waste recycling and rehabilitation of polluted areas.

COP29 Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in our country next month. The holding of this prestigious meeting in Azerbaijan is an appreciation for the work done by our country in the direction of freeing up carbon emissions, protecting the environment, and defensing biodiversity.

Even before COP29 was entrusted to us, Azerbaijan is seriously dealing with environmental problems and trying to reduce the negative consequences of climate change. "Huge projects have been implemented in the direction of cleaning the oil-contaminated areas of Absheron, laying green belts on a large scale, and creating renewable energy."

Samira Baghirova also talked about the work done in the direction of protecting biological diversity during the development, construction, and restoration works in the territory of the "Dendrology Garden" public legal entity. She emphasized that expansion and enrichment of plant species, green areas, protection of rare and endangered plant species is being carried out in the garden area.

Shee noted that the Dendrology Garden continues to implement a number of projects aimed at strengthening environmental awareness and environmental education among the general population, including schoolchildren.

The forum "Defense of biological diversity: Botany, Ecology and Green Cities" dedicated to the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" continued with plenary sessions in 3 panels on 12 directions. Extensive discussions were held around the reports.