BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. As part of COP29 in Baku, Trend News Agency proudly presents COP for Hope, a special project offering an unparalleled platform to hear from world leaders and trailblazers in politics, economics, science, and ecology, all united by a shared commitment to addressing today’s pressing climate challenges.
The COP29 event is important not only for our country but also for the region and strengthens our strategic position on climate issues, the head of the Department for Work with Farmers, Associations and Cooperatives of the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan Leyli Aghayeva told Trend.
She noted that given the impact of agriculture on global climate change, minimizing the impact of this sector on greenhouse gas emissions is one of the priority issues.
“Our goal is to adapt the sector to climate change through sustainable agricultural practices, use resources more efficiently, and minimize negative environmental impacts. Towards this end, one of our most important goals is to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture. Through better land and water management, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient agricultural models, we are working to both increase yields and reduce environmental impact. Steps such as sustainable tillage, use of natural fertilizers, and modernization of irrigation systems not only reduce the impact of agriculture on the climate but also ensure the economic sustainability of local communities," Aghayeva added.
According to her, the Ministry of Agriculture has taken climate change resilience as the main goal in agriculture in preparation for COP29.
"These measures create not only responsibilities but also new opportunities. Our goal is to adapt in the agricultural sector to climate change and expand sustainable practices in this area. As a ministry, we are working to introduce climate-resilient technologies in agriculture, protect water and land resources, and increase the role of actors in the field, especially women and youth.
Along with this, we are currently working on developing various measures within the framework of the Baku Climate Initiative. This initiative will facilitate the exchange of experience both within the country and worldwide. Activities to introduce climate-resilient innovative technologies in agriculture will be organized in the Blue and Green Zones of COP29.
Since we are gathered here today to address the pressing issue of the climate crisis and its impact on agriculture, it is clear that collaborative approaches are necessary to achieve agricultural resilience and food security for our communities.
The impact of climate change on agriculture is undeniable. From erratic weather patterns to dwindling water supplies, farmers around the world are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the world's food supply. It is important that we take action now to strengthen our agricultural sector so that it can adapt to these challenges and grow," she noted.
The representative of the Ministry emphasized that NGOs play an important role in this work.
"By collaborating with NGOs, we can leverage their expertise and resources to implement innovative solutions that promote agricultural sustainability and improve food safety. A key aspect of empowering NGOs to tackle the climate crisis is ensuring equal access to resources. In addition, NGOs can play an important role in transferring innovative technologies and practices to small farmers, ensuring their resilience and adaptation to changing climate conditions. By developing partnerships and collaboration with civil society organizations, we can further increase the potential for transformational change in our agricultural sector. I urge everyone to recognize the important role NGOs play in empowering farmers, building agricultural resilience, and ensuring food security in the face of the climate crisis. Let's work together to build a stronger and more prosperous future for our agricultural communities based on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to protecting our planet for future generations," said Aghayeva.
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