Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 5 / Trend M. Aliyev /
The development of hydrometeorology in Azerbaijan, as a part of the world hydrometeorology meeting urgent requirements, is a major priority, Huseyngulu Bagirov, Azerbaijani Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, said at the opening of the 22-nd session of the CIS Interstate Council on Hydrometeorology in Gabala.
"The country has implemented a number of important projects for the Development Program of Hydrometeorology in Azerbaijan for 2004-2010," Bagirov said.
The heads of national hydrometeorology services from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine, representatives of international organizations, as well as scholars and experts attend the session.
The minister said that one of the rarest research centers of meteorology was created on the high mountain terrain Bazarduzu-Shahdag-Tufandag upon the Azerbaijani President's decree. The automated stations were installed at an altitude of 2,700, 3,500, 4,172 meters.
Alexander Bedritsky, President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), told about the challenges facing the hydro-meteorological services in connection with global climate change and ways to implement them.
The reports of heads of National Hydrometeorological Services were heard at the session. The issues of cooperation between national hydrometeorology services within the CIS and the World Meteorological Organization, the implementation of the concept of hydrometeorological safety of the participating countries, the implementation of measures aimed at the development of hydro-meteorological activities in 2006-2010 and preparation of similar projects for 2011-2015 were discussed.
The draft document on development strategy of hydro-meteorological activity in the region is expected to be adopted during the session, to be completed on October 6. The document will be submitted to the Council of Heads of the CIS governments for approval.
The issues related to climate change, research, staff training, etc. will be considered at the session. During the intersessional period, the Council will continue its work through the working groups. Azerbaijan will preside in the CIS Interstate Council for Hydrometeorology next year.