Gulshan Akhundova, a member of the COP29 Organizing Committee: “Practical training on fishing, nature walks and other ecotourism activities should be organized in relation to the liberated areas.”
“Holding COP29 in Baku can give a strong boost to ecotourism, green growth and sustainable development initiatives, increase attention on environmental protection and sustainable development issues at the regional and international level and lead to positive changes at the local level as well”
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 of foreign tourists to travel make the setting of tourism, especially ecotourism standards, urgent in the region.
Opinions and proposals of experts and scientists on the subject are of interest to our society.
Our interviewee is Gulshan Akhundova, chairman of the Women, Development, Future Public Union, member of the COP 29 Organizing Committee.
– 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, as well as in the liberated territories?
Environmental protection and the application of the principles of “green growth” are of great importance in our liberated areas. The work done on the protection of water bodies and bioresources, as well as other natural resources in these areas, are important steps to restore the ecological balance of Azerbaijan and ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem. The measures implemented in this framework can be evaluated as follows:
Large-scale projects for the restoration and protection of water basins have been implemented. These projects improve the quality of water resources, reduce pollution and protect the ecosystem. In particular, cleaning rivers and lakes from pollution, restoring the bioresources of these water bodies and rebuilding irrigation systems are important steps.
Projects implemented for the purpose of forest restoration and protection help to reshape the natural vegetation of these areas. It also contributes to increasing carbon sequestration capacity and combating climate change. Special attention is paid to fauna and flora in the liberated areas. Special protection zones are created for the protection of rare and endangered species. Environmental education and public awareness events are held in these areas to protect and increase biological diversity.
Large-scale projects for the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy are being implemented in the liberated areas. Thanks to these projects, the energy supply in those areas is made more ecologically clean and sustainable. Conducting environmental monitoring and research in these areas enables continuous monitoring of the environment and taking appropriate measures in time. Scientific research institutes and environmental organizations actively participate in these works and share the results with the public.
In general, the application of the principles of “green growth” in liberated areas plays an important role in achieving the sustainable development goals of Azerbaijan. These measures not only restore the ecological balance, but also contribute to the economic and social development of our country. As a result of restoring the ecological balance and protecting the ecosystem, the welfare of local communities and the economic potential of the regions will increase. Attracting investments in the field of ecotourism and promoting sustainable tourism activities will also create jobs and accelerate the economic reintegration of regions. The ecological and economic development of Azerbaijan depends on the success of the measures implemented in these areas, and every step taken in this direction is of great importance.
– 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. In this regard, what steps should be taken to develop ecotourism in those areas?
– The development of ecotourism in the liberated areas can make a great contribution both to the observance of the principles of “green growth” and to the economic reintegration of these regions. The high touristic potential of the areas we are talking about makes investing in the development of this area even more attractive. Some steps should be taken to develop ecotourism. For example, the creation and improvement of infrastructure is of great importance. Renovation and improvement of access roads, means of transport and other tourism infrastructures, as well as construction of ecologically clean hotels and tourist facilities and repair of existing ones are among the first steps to be taken in this direction.
Organization of protection zones is also important. The establishment of national parks, reserves and other protected areas, the application of special protection regimes for the protection of natural resources and the preservation of biological diversity, as well as providing tourists with rules and guidelines for protecting nature during ecotourism activities are important in this area.
Development of ecotourism routes. is among the important steps. Determining and marking special routes for nature walks, trekking, mountain biking, bird watching and other ecotourism activities, and creating ecotourism roads that tourists can easily travel without harming nature will help the development of this area. Public education and training are also important here. Informing the local population and those working in the tourism sector about the principles of ecotourism and nature protection, training and certification of professional personnel in the field of ecotourism are important steps in this direction.
The development of ecotourism products and services is also important. Presenting local products and crafts to tourists, supporting those working in these fields, offering eco-friendly food and services for ecotourists are among the steps to be taken in this area. Marketing and promotion are also important. Organizing marketing campaigns to promote the ecotourism potential of liberated areas at the international and local level, and promoting ecotourism opportunities on social media and other digital platforms can contribute to the development of this area.
Attracting investments is also important. Developing special projects for attracting investments in the field of ecotourism and cooperating with potential investors, increasing interest in this field through state support and subsidies are important steps.
Research and monitoring are also important. Conducting research and monitoring to assess the impact of ecotourism activities on the environment and ensure their sustainability, regularly analyzing ecotourism activities and implementing improvement measures will ensure the sustainable development of this area. can make a significant contribution to the realization of ecotourism potential and the economic and social development of these regions. The development of ecotourism is not only limited to economic benefits, but is also important for the protection of the environment and the improvement of the well-being of local communities.
-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?
-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. A number of actions are needed in this direction. One of them is awareness through media. Educational materials on environmental protection and ecotourism should be broadcasted through television, radio, social media and other digital platforms. Also, public events – fairs, exhibitions, seminars and conferences should be organized and education of the population in this field should be ensured.
Training for local communities: Training programs on environmental protection, principles of ecotourism and sustainable agriculture should be organized for resettled populations. Certification courses, special certification courses should be held for those who want to engage in ecotourism activities. Also, school programs, strengthening of environmental education in schools and holding lessons on ecotourism are important.
Nature camps should also be established. Nature camps can be organized for children and youth to educate them about ecological values and nature conservation. Pilot projects: Pilot projects on environmental protection and ecotourism should be implemented. Through these projects, local people can learn environmental practices and principles of sustainable tourism on the spot.
Praktik təlimlər dedikdə, balıqçılıq, təbiət gəzintiləri və digər ekoturizm fəaliyyətləri üzrə praktik təlimlər təşkil edilməlidir. Bələdçilər və kitabçalar: Ekoturizm həvəskarları və balıq ovçuları üçün ətraf mühitin qorunması və davamlı turizm haqqında maarifləndirici bələdçilər və kitabçalar hazırlanmalıdır. Rəqəmsal resurslar: Veb saytlar, mobil tətbiqlər və digər rəqəmsal resurslar vasitəsilə ətraf mühitin qorunması və ekoturizm mövzularında məlumatlar təqdim edilməlidir. İctimai dinləmələr: Yerli əhalinin fikirlərini və təkliflərini öyrənmək üçün ictimai dinləmələr və müzakirələr təşkil edilməlidir. Könüllü hərəkatlar: Ekoturizm və ətraf mühitin qorunması sahəsində könüllü hərəkatların yaradılması və dəstəklənməsi vacibdir.
Bu aksiyalar vasitəsilə bölgələrə köçürülən əhali və ekoturizm həvəskarları ətraf mühitin qorunması və davamlı turizm prinsipləri barədə daha geniş məlumat əldə edəcək və bu sahədə daha fəal iştirak edəcəklər. Ekoloji biliklərin artırılması nəticəsində bölgələrdə ekosistemin qorunması və təbii sərvətlərin səmərəli istifadəsi təmin ediləcəkdir. Beləliklə, həm yerli əhali, həm də turistlər təbiəti qorumağın vacibliyini dərk edərək, gələcək nəsillər üçün sağlam və dayanıqlı bir mühit təmin edəcəklər.
– You mentioned the importance of education. In general, what should be the awareness measures?
– Awareness-raising activities should be comprehensive, interactive and attractive to reach and attract the attention of a wide audience. The following basic principles will help these events to be successful: Awareness events should be planned to suit different age groups, social groups and interests. Specific content and methodology should be selected for each group. Educational materials should be simple, clear and attractive to attract the attention of the public. Messages should be short, concise and memorable. It is important to disseminate information through various multimedia such as television, radio, internet, social media, posters and brochures. This helps to reach a wider audience. Active participation of participants should be ensured by organizing seminars, business games, practical training and discussions. This helps the information to be remembered and applied better. Events should be organized with the participation of local leaders, non-governmental organizations and community representatives. This makes the education process more effective and ensures the support of the local population. Examples of successful ecotourism and environmental projects should be cited. Practical experiences and real-life examples help educate people. Awareness-raising events should not be a one-off event. It should be organized continuously and consistently, information should be updated regularly. Surveys and research should be conducted to assess the impact of awareness-raising activities and measure results. This will help to further improve the measures in the future. Information should be disseminated through websites, mobile applications and online platforms. Digital resources make it possible to reach a wide audience and provide interactive educational tools. Educational activities organized on the basis of these principles will help to increase the awareness of the population about the environment and ecotourism and ensure sustainable development. Awareness raising can change everyone’s attitude towards the environment and ecotourism and encourage the behavioral changes necessary for a more sustainable future. Also, as a result of these measures, local communities and tourists will take more active steps to protect nature by adopting ecological values.
– What deterrent measures can be taken against those who do not follow the rules? Can new fines be imposed?
– In order to protect the environment and ensure the sustainable development of ecotourism, certain rules and laws must be followed. Fines may be imposed in case of violation of these rules and laws. Types of fines are provided for different violations.
Cash fines may be imposed in cases of littering in public places, nature parks and reserves. The amount of the fines may vary depending on the value of the area where the litter is located and the extent of the littering. Illegal activities in national parks, reserves and other protected areas, such as hunting, fishing and logging, are subject to high fines. Activities that harm nature, such as starting forest fires, destroying rare plant and animal species, and polluting water bodies, can result in severe fines and even criminal liability.
Failure to follow established rules at ecotourism facilities and routes, such as deviating from designated routes or pitching tents in prohibited areas, may also result in fines. Heavy fines and criminal liability are also provided for polluting water bodies with industrial waste, chemicals and other toxic substances. Concealing or misrepresenting information about activities that harm the environment can result in fines for both individuals and companies. can The amount of the fines is determined according to the financing of the measures necessary for the restoration of the environment. These fines are one of the important means to protect the environment and ensure the sustainable development of ecotourism. Strict enforcement of laws and public awareness help prevent violations.
-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?
– A number of measures can be taken to prevent illegal hunting and poaching in order to ensure the protection of bioresources and living things in water bodies in the liberated areas. Strict fines and criminal liability in the legislation ensure that illegal activities are punished. Implementation of current changes and innovations in the legislation on the protection of ecosystems can help prevent new types of poaching.
Modern monitoring systems such as security cameras, drones and GPS tracking technologies should be used to detect illegal hunting. . Regular environmental patrols and monitoring in protected areas can help detect and prevent illegal activities.
Campaigns should be organized to inform the public about the effects of illegal hunting and poaching on ecosystems. At the same time, it is important to involve local communities and environmental organizations in conservation work, reporting illegal activities and encouraging reporting of suspicious activities.
Mechanisms of incentives and penalties can help prevent illegal hunting and poaching. The increase in penalties and their application make it possible to take stricter measures against law breakers.
Security infrastructure in protected areas, such as border checkpoints, security personnel at checkpoints, and warning systems should be strengthened. Providing modern equipment and resources for conservation officers will make the fight against illegal hunting and poaching more effective.
These measures play an important role in order to prevent illegal hunting and poaching and to ensure the protection of bioresources and living things in water bodies. With effective implementation, these measures will help restore the ecological balance of the areas and ensure their sustainability.
– 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 to build propaganda using new media?
-Building propaganda using new media helps to influence a wide audience and ensure effective dissemination of information. It is important to identify your target audience and choose the social media platforms they are active on. Update social media accounts regularly by creating engaging content appropriate for the platforms. Interact with live streams and webinars, increase user engagement with polls and contests.
Strengthen community engagement and organize campaigns by partnering with celebrities and influencers. Monitor campaign performance with analytical tools, develop strategies based on user feedback. Develop a crisis management plan for potential conflicts and handle complaints professionally. Create open communication channels. Apply creative approaches using virtual and augmented reality technologies and create content series around specific topics.
These strategies will help to promote through social media in a more effective and modern way.
– The holding of COP29 in Baku will promote the development of ecotourism in liberated areas, green growth, etc. can it affect the further acceleration of such processes?
– Holding COP29 in Baku can have a positive effect on the acceleration of ecotourism, green growth and sustainable development processes in liberated areas. Such international events can have an impact in terms of international influence and attention, local infrastructure and policy reforms, education and public awareness, financial and resource support, as well as ecotourism programs and legislation.
Conference, ecotourism in liberated areas and it can help attract investment and expand international support by increasing the international recognition of green growth projects. At the same time, it can create new opportunities for local projects by encouraging the cooperation of state and non-state organizations.
It can support local infrastructure and policy reforms by accelerating local infrastructure development and discussing new policy and legislative initiatives. Within the framework of the conference, it may be possible to conduct educational campaigns and raise public awareness on the topics of ecotourism and green growth.
Attracting grants with the financial support of international organizations and donors and stimulating initiatives that support the development of the local economy may also be the result of the conference. It will also be possible to improve ecotourism programs with modern approaches and practices, as well as advance new legislative initiatives on green growth and sustainable development.
Overall, the holding of COP29 in Baku is a strong impetus for ecotourism, green growth and sustainable development initiatives. can bring about positive changes at the local level by increasing attention at the regional and international level on the issues of environmental protection and sustainable development.
– What effective contributions can NGOs make to the protection of the ecological situation in the liberated areas and the development of tourism?
– In the future, NGOs can support the protection of the ecological situation in the liberated areas and the development of ecotourism in various ways. In the field of environmental awareness and promotion, NGOs can conduct campaigns to inform the public about the protection of the environment and the benefits of ecotourism. These campaigns can be implemented in schools, communities and social media platforms. By organizing trainings, they can provide local communities and tourists with knowledge and skills related to environmental protection.
In order to improve ecotourism infrastructure, NGOs can build infrastructure necessary for ecotourism, such as tourist routes, observation points, and garbage collection. they can support the development of their systems.
They can help make local infrastructure more sustainable by promoting the application of green technologies. In the field of research and monitoring, NGOs can carry out research projects to assess the ecological status of exempted areas. Collecting and analyzing data on ecotourism and environmental protection can provide an important source of information for policy makers and local governments.
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.