BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 21. The panel discussion on “Combating Climate Change and Achieving Resilience of Agrifood Systems through Mutual Water-Energy Food Ecosystem (WEFE) Management” was held within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Ministry of Agriculture.
It was noted that the event held at the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) pavilion in Blue Zone discussed strategies to achieve sustainable agri-food systems, best practices, policy frameworks, and technological innovations supporting sustainable and appropriate management of water, energy and food resources in the face of the climate crisis. The panel discussion was moderated by ISESCO's science and environment expert Fahman Fathurrahman.
Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ilhama Gadimova noted that climate change causes challenges related to food security and access to water and energy use. This leads to the need to discuss solutions to build resilience in agri-food systems; addressing these challenges requires innovative, integrated approaches that balance the immediate needs of farmers and communities.
The Deputy Minister noted that comprehensive state programs and financial support instruments are applied in Azerbaijan to facilitate the process of transition to sustainable agriculture. The rational use of water and land resources and biodiversity conservation form the basis of climate change adaptation strategies in the country, with preference given to environmentally friendly agricultural practices that increase efficiency and sustainability. Irrigation systems are being modernized through the introduction of drip and sprinkler technologies. Subsidies and low-interest loans are provided to farmers to adopt efficient water use practices. Such investments not only increase crop yields but also ensure sustainable use of water and soil for future generations.
Speaking at the panel discussions were Pakistan's Federal Minister for National Food Safety and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Deputy Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean Grammenos Mastrojeni, Secretary General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) Tarifa Alzaabi, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Land and Water Specialist Virginia Gillette, Islamic Development Bank's Chief Director for Global Experience and Partnerships Issa Faye.
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