Nijat Aslanov, co-founder of the “Ecohiking” tourism group: “It is possible to prepare various social media projects for the promotion and promotion of ecotourism in liberated areas.”
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. We present the opinions and suggestions of experts on the topic.<br><br>Our interviewee is Nijat Aslanov, co-founder of the “Ecohiking” tourism group.
– Protection of 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 the liberated areas?
– Protection of the environment, including water bodies and bioresources, in the liberated areas is one of the main priorities of the state. As is known, in July 2022, the “Socio-economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2022-2026” was approved. In that document, the sustainable and sustainable use of natural resources was reflected in the strategic framework of clean environment and “green growth country”. It was noted that hydrometeorological observations, environmental monitoring systems will be modernized, protection of biological diversity, increase of water bioresources, development of aquaculture will be ensured, protection of forested areas and greenery will be strengthened. In addition, in November 2022, a decree was signed on the approval of the “I State Program on the Great Return to the territories freed from occupation of the Republic of Azerbaijan”. In this document, the improvement of the quality of the ecological environment in the territories freed from occupation, the use of environmentally friendly technologies, the restoration of forest stock, flora and fauna in the areas, the application of energy efficiency and environmentally friendly technologies, the organization of the efficient use of water resources, with modern infrastructures for the management of solid domestic waste issues such as security have been selected as the main priority. Both documents indicate the state’s interest in applying the principles of “green growth” in the liberated areas.
– Forests with rich flora and fauna, wonderful mountain landscapes, natural mineral springs characterize the ecotourism potential of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur region. The ancient history and culture of the region make the area even more attractive in the eyes of tourists. I would like to mention that during the occupation, the Armenians designed a 500-km ecotourism route called “Janapar” stretching from the territory of Karabakh to Armenia and illegally organized ecotours along that route. Ecotourism, as it is known, is a type of tourism that supports the local community and encourages people to protect the environment. Currently, the return of internally displaced persons to the liberated territories and ensuring their employment is one of the main priorities of the state. In this regard, ecotourism can play the role of a powerful economic tool. With the development of ecotourism in the region, both people will be able to earn additional income and show more sensitive behavior towards the environment. Unfortunately, the contamination of a large part of our territory with mines prevents the full use of the ecotourism potential of the region. In the future, as in other regions, it is expected that new ecotourism routes will be drawn up in Karabakh and East Zangezur. Only after the full restoration of security, we can witness the rapid development of ecotourism in the region.
-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? In general, what should be the awareness measures? What fines can be imposed?
– One of the positive features of ecotourism is to create awareness among local community members about the protection of the nature and culture of the area they live in. Seeing that the local population is making money from ecotourism, they take more initiatives to protect the nature of the region and promote it. As a result, both people earn additional income and damage to the environment is prevented. I believe that protecting the motherland and owning it is not only taking up arms and fighting. It is the moral duty of every citizen of the country to protect the lands we have regained through military and diplomatic means, and the wealth lying on and under it. Before returning to their native lands, IDPs can be given special training on the region’s ecology and ecotourism potential. They should be informed about the penalties provided by the legislation in case of environmental crimes.I do not believe that a person who is aware of the spiritual, ecological and economic benefits of ecotourism should exhibit any negative behavior in the region where he lives.
–Measures related to the protection of bioresources and living things in water basins are also important in liberated areas. What measures can be taken to prevent illegal hunting and poaching? What suggestions do you have?
– Poaching is a common problem, even in the most environmentally sensitive societies around the world. For poachers, ecological culture, environmental protection, national and moral issues are of no importance. I believe that the best option for preventing poaching and other environmental crimes would be the creation of National Parks and reserves in the territories freed from occupation. Recently, based on long-term observations conducted by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (ETSN), IDEA Public Union and the Azerbaijani representative office of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a leopard was spotted for the first time in the Kalbajar mountains. I would like to mention that until now leopards were recorded only in Hirkan forest and Nakhchivan through photo traps. This fact indicates the richness of biodiversity of that area, and it is necessary to immediately control and protect the area. The creation of National Parks in the area will have a positive effect on the development of ecotourism in the future.
-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?
-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?
This fact indicates the richness of biodiversity of that area, and it is necessary to immediately control and protect the area. The creation of National Parks in the area will have a positive effect on the development of ecotourism in the future.
-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?
The article was prepared within the framework of the project “Ecotourism standards in liberated areas” implemented by the Globalizing World Integration Public Union 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.