BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 31
By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:
A new National Forest Development Program is being developed in Azerbaijan, the country’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev said at a press conference of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), Trend reports Oct. 31.
The minister said that the expansion and protection of forest land is one of the priority areas.
Babayev emphasized that gas supply to 95 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory has significantly reduced the negative impact on forests.
The minister noted that firewood procured as part of forest care is given to the population of the settlements as well as to the institutions of the ministries of education, healthcare, military units of the Ministry of Defense, Internal and Border Troops without gas supply as winter fuel (62,000 cubic meters in 2019).
“Open forest territories are provided for long-term rent to legal entities and individuals for the creation of agricultural parks,” Babayev added. “To protect forests from fire, surveillance cameras were installed in Zagatala, Sheki, Gakh, Oguz and Gabala districts, and the work in this direction continues. For the sustainable development of forests in places that are more exposed to external influence, special fences are installed. ”
The minister said that in order to train forest specialists and to increase human resources, young people are sent to study in Russian and Turkish universities.
Babayev also emphasized that at the end of November, on the initiative of Azerbaijan’s First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, 650,000 trees will be planted in connection with the 650th anniversary of great poet Imadaddin Nasimi.
“These are different species of trees that are grown in Azerbaijan,” the minister added. “After the trees are planted, the public must take care and control them.”