National Scientific Conference on the Conservation of Biodiversity in the Western Region Held in Ganja
A national scientific conference on the theme "Biodiversity of the Western Region of Azerbaijan: Review of Current Approaches and Future Opportunities" was held at the Ganja Branch of ANAS, co-organized by the Ganja City Executive Authority, the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, and the Ganja Botanical Garden.
The conference was dedicated to the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” and COP29.
The scientific forum brought together scholars and researchers from research institutions and higher education institutions in Ganja, Baku, and Nakhchivan.
Before the event, participants visited an exhibition showcasing the achievements of scientific institutions in Ganja involved in environmental issues.
The conference, held in the grand assembly hall of the Ganja Branch of ANAS, began with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan and a moment of silence in memory of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of the country.
The event moderator, Professor Aynur Bayramova, Head of the Plant Resources Department of the Botanical Garden of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, expressed gratitude to the guests on behalf of Ganja scientists. She highlighted the comprehensive program of the conference, noting that it addressed pressing ecological issues relevant to both the western region and other parts of the country, vital for human life and activity.
Academician Fuad Aliyev, Chairman of the Ganja Branch of ANAS, opened the conference with a welcoming speech. He emphasized that hosting the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan was another success for the country on the international stage. He underlined Azerbaijan's growing influence in addressing global ecological and climate change challenges. Academician Aliyev called on scholars and researchers to contribute to solving pressing environmental problems and wished success to the conference participants.
The conference continued with the screening of a short documentary prepared by the Ganja Branch of ANAS. The film highlighted the activities of scientific research institutions in Ganja, including the Botanical Garden, in addressing the region's ecological challenges.
Yadigar Badalov, a department head of the Ganja City Executive Authority, conveyed greetings from Ganja City Executive Head Niyazi Bayramov and wished success to the forum. He pointed out that the conference's themes aligned with COP29 topics and praised scientists' contributions to the conservation of nature and biodiversity.
Notable speakers included:
- Associate Member of ANAS and Head of the Botany Department at Ganja State University (GSU), Vagif Novruzov;
- Director of the Ganja Botanical Garden, Nizami Naghiyev;
- Professor Sevda Ahmadova, Head of the Ecology and Environmental Protection Department at GSU;
- Associate Professor Imran Gasimov, Director of the Bioresources Institute; and
- Fuad Guliyev, Director of Goygol National Park.
They discussed the need for collective efforts by scientists to address pressing ecological challenges both in Azerbaijan and globally.
In the plenary session, presentations were delivered by:
- Professor Nizami Seyidaliyev from the Azerbaijan State Agricultural University on “The Impact of Thinning Intervals on Cotton Structure Indicators”;
- Professor Aladdin Taghiyev from the Plant Protection and Technical Crops Research Institute on “Evaluation and Selection of Cotton Varieties and the Development of New Varieties”;
- PhD Teyyub Pashayev, Head of the Nakhchivan Botanical Garden Department, on “The Activities of the Nakhchivan Botanical Garden”;
- Chief Agronomist Ilgar Guliyev from the Ganja City Housing and Utilities Department on “Greening Initiatives in Ganja”;
- Engineer Elnara Isayeva from the Bioresources Institute on “Global Climate Change and Its Impact on Vegetation”;
- Student-researchers Rana Zeynalova and Elgun Mahmudov from ADAU, and Shola Mirzayeva from GSU.
The conference then continued with six thematic sections:
- “Study and Efficient Use of Medicinal Plants”
- “Current Status and Utilization of Biodiversity in Azerbaijan’s Western Region”
- “Endangered Plants and Modern Biotechnology”
- “Introduction and Reintroduction in Biodiversity Conservation”
- “Global Climate Change and Its Impact on Flora”
- “Landscape Design and the Preservation of Greenery in the Country”
Discussions and exchanges of ideas followed the presentations.
At the conclusion, a resolution was adopted and presented by Associate Professor Ramida Guliyeva from the Botanical Garden. Active participants, mostly young researchers, were awarded certificates for their contributions to the event.
Over 40 scientific articles were submitted for the conference on the theme “Biodiversity of the Western Region of Azerbaijan: Review of Current Approaches and Future Opportunities.”