Narmina Garibova, chairman of the Public Union “Support to the Development of Sustainable Tourism”, eco-activist: “Guides should be trained among the local population in Karabakh and the rules of traveling without harming nature should be taught”
“Ecotourism promotion will be more effective if it is carried out through videos”
Protection of the environment in our liberated territories, compliance with ecotourism standards and proper use of the region’s potential in this regard are important factors in economic reintegration. The massive return of the population to our liberated territories, the creation of settlements and modern infrastructure there has returned Karabakh to our society. However, the mass settlement of these areas, at the same time, the growing international interest in Karabakh, and the desire to travel by foreign tourists make the establishment of tourism, especially ecotourism standards in the region urgent.
The opinions and suggestions of experts and scientists on the subject are of interest to our society.
Our interviewee is the chairperson of the “Support to the Development of Sustainable Tourism” Public Union, eco-activist Narmina Garibova.
– Protecting the environment, including water bodies and their bioresources, as well as other natural resources in our liberated territories, is also important in terms of compliance with the principles of “green growth” in our country. In this context, how do you evaluate the measures implemented in our country, including in the liberated areas?
– As you know, Armenian vandals have caused great damage to the environment of Karabakh in the last 30 years. Today, our state and relevant institutions focus more of their time on eliminating this damage. By the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated December 25, 2023, 2024 was declared the “Year of Solidarity for the Green World”. It is noted in the order that one of the five national priorities for socio-economic development of Azerbaijan until 2030 is defined as “Country of clean environment and green growth”. In accordance with that priority, work is being done to improve the environment, restore and increase greenery, and ensure the efficient use of water resources and sustainable energy sources. , as well as the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was declared a green energy zone. One of the main issues in the large-scale restoration and reconstruction process in the liberated areas is the protection of the environment, the restoration of the rich forests that were subjected to enemy vandalism and barbarism. Implementation of modern innovative projects such as “smart village” and “smart city” is a new approach to the ecosystem. In general, the Karabakh region will be an example for the world as a “green energy” zone.
– It is profitable from the economic point of view to take advantage of the potential of ecotourism by following the principles of “green growth” and thereby contribute to the effective reintegration of those areas. It is also reported that the touristic potential of that region is high. From this point of view, what steps should be taken to develop ecotourism in those areas?
– Our land has been in the hands of malicious Armenians for many years. Demining works are ongoing in the areas and transportation to Karabakh has not yet been fully restored. Nevertheless, everyone dreams of traveling to Karabakh. “Karabakh region has a very rich tourism potential. Most types of tourism are available there. Therefore, tourism routes should be developed from now on, so that after life returns to this region, the tourism sector will develop without wasting time. With its fascinating nature, historical and architectural monuments, I am sure that it will become a favorite not only of local people, but also of foreign tourists. In recent years, in our country and in the world, local and foreign tourists prefer the types of tourism that are in close contact with nature. Although there are positive aspects of the development of nature tourism, damage to the flora and fauna, forests and other areas is also an undeniable fact. Therefore, guides should be trained among the local population and the rules of traveling without harming nature should be taught.
I would like to mention one point that one of the historical settlements embodying the great past of the Azerbaijani people is the village of Tugh, where cultural monuments belonging to the ancient heritage of Caucasian Albania are located. Here there are residential buildings, graves and temples decorated with decorative elements typical of the traditional architectural style of the Karabakh region. Tugh village also has rich natural potential and ecological resources. The location of the village on the Victory road leading to Shusha city expands its development prospects in terms of tourism. The entire territory of Karabakh has great ecotourism potential.
-Education of the population relocated to the regions, ecotourism enthusiasts, amateur fishermen and other groups in terms of environment and ecotourism is the need of the day. What actions are needed in this direction?
– Karabakh is not just a territory for us. Every Azerbaijani should treat those lands with special care. Awareness measures should be held continuously among the population and especially young people about traveling without harming nature. Young people should consider, protect, develop the buckwheat as a deposit of our martyrs and pass on the same belief to future generations. For example, we are currently carrying out a series of events called “Ecotourism School”. And we consider it important to hold such events continuously.
– In general, what should be the educational measures?
– Every person should understand what nature is. Nature and man were inseparable. And regardless of what field we are a person, one of the main goals of each of us should be to protect the nature.
When we think of the nature of Azerbaijan, the first thing that comes to our mind is the health of the ecological environment, which is one of the main priority issues of the policy to improve the welfare of the people of independent Azerbaijan. Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of the Azerbaijani people. I started with his saying “I want all of you to be among those who protect nature” and created the “Nature Guardians Youth Movement” within the framework of the “Support for the Development of Sustainable Tourism” public association, which I am the chairman of on the occasion of his 100th anniversary. With our movement, which has been operating for more than a year, we have succeeded in increasing the responsibility of hundreds of young people towards our ecology and joining us in protecting nature. Activities such as greening events, ecotourism school, family to school, etc. are carried out with our nature guards. I think that in order to create a serious responsibility and love for nature, such events should be held for every child and youth.
– What fines can be imposed?
Unfortunately, the fine is the most powerful tool that affects us. Sometimes you tell a person, don’t drink and drive, you can lose your life, it doesn’t affect them. But when you remind them that they will fine you a lot, it has this effect.
Today, the attitude of our people towards the environment and living things is not encouraging. As nature guardians, we receive information about negative attitudes towards animals and trees every day. Within the framework of our project let our house be clean, there are photos of dirty areas. Personally, I think that a fine is the best way to avoid these cases. It is important that crimes committed against animals are not only fined, but also criminally responsible. If a person commits a barbaric act against a speechless, powerless creature, he can easily commit such acts against humans. And these people should be punished.
– What social media projects can be implemented in terms of education, promotion and information for the main audience and target groups in this regard? How should propaganda be built using new media?
– I have been practicing public activity for 25 years. I conduct educational work in various fields. I can say from my experience that people like to receive information more by listening and watching and it affects them more. Most people don’t like to read. I believe that these campaigns will be more effective if they are conducted through videos.
-Measures related to the protection of bioresources and living things in water basins are also important in the liberated areas. What measures can be taken to prevent illegal hunting and poaching?
– Unfortunately, there have always been and will be unpleasant situations in this area. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has the biggest job in this matter. And, of course, non-governmental organizations should try to influence society in one way or another today.
Our country is truly God’s grace. It is up to us to protect, love and enjoy this gift. It is necessary to return our people to nature, increase contact with nature and achieve the formation of ecological thinking. Of course, if this education starts from a young age, we will save more people. Literally saving. Because harming nature is as dangerous as burning down the house one is sitting in.
The article was prepared within the framework of the “Ecotourism standards in liberated areas” project implemented by the Public Union of Integration to the Globalized World with the financial support of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The position of the author or the interviewee and the position of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations may not be consistent.