On September 22, an international conference on “Biodiversity, soil and water resources of Shusha and adjacent territories: a look into the future” started its work in the Main building of ANAS.

At first, the memory of our martyrs who died on the way to the motherland was commemorated with a minute of silence.

Then a video clip reflecting the Karabakh realities, reconstruction work in the liberated territories, events and festivals taking place in Shusha and other liberated regions was shown and the National Anthem was sounded.

Opening the conference, Acting president of ANAS, academician Arif Hashimov wished God's mercy to our martyrs who showed heroism in the struggle for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Azerbaijani state and healing to our veterans.

Recalling that today's conference was held on the basis of the decision of the Presidium “On the action plan of ANAS on the declaration of 2022 as the “Year of Shusha” in the Republic of Azerbaijan” dated February 2, 2022, academician Arif Hashimov expressed confidence that the event will cause great interest in the scientific community, help in the selection of goals and he highly appreciated the work done to organize coordination measures against the problems caused by extreme climatic conditions.

Deputy minister of Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, professor Elchin Zeynalov noted that our liberated territories have great potential, especially the city of Shusha is distinguished by its rich heritage and is one of the cultural centers of the world. He brought to the attention statistical data on our liberated territories, which have great agrarian potential.

The deputy minister also wished success to the work of the conference, where topical issues were presented and new perspectives were discussed.

Speaking at the event, deputy minister of Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan Vugar Kerimov noted that, despite the steps taken to improve the environmental situation in the liberated territories, over the past almost 30 years, as a result of the destruction of forests, flora and fauna, including natural monuments, pollution of water resources and illegal exploitation of natural resources the ecological balance in these territories has been disrupted.

Vice-president of ANAS, academician Irada Huseynova said that the holding of today's prestigious conference, which will play an important role for the future development of scientific research in Karabakh, a few days before September 27 - Memorial Day carries a special symbolic meaning.

According to the vice-president, among the areas of research carried out by our scientists in Karabakh are works related to the study of radioecological status, biological resources and biosafety issues of individual objects, research related to water resources and solution of water related problems, research related to the monitoring of species planned to be included in the III edition of the “The Red Book2”, in addition, activities related to the restoration of the Karabakh Scientific Research Base and the plant varieties created and here for the region should be especially noted.

Along with Azerbaijan, academician Irada Huseynova spoke about Turkey, Iran, Ukraine, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, South Korea, China, Georgia, etc. she said that more than 250 theses were presented from the countries and noted that the plenary reports will also reflect the studies conducted in the region over the past year and a half.

The conference was also attended by the professor of the University of the Middle East, director of the Environment Center of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Salih Gunjel, deputy chairman of the Open Joint Stock Company of Land Reclamation and Water Management of Azerbaijan Rafig Aslanov, professor of Tabriz Medical University Aziz Eftikhari, adviser on Agriculture of Agrodairi LLC Mammadzade Nabiyev, who noted the importance of the conference and noted that the results of the event will make a great contribution to the restoration of the liberated territories.

Then, reports on “Geological study of Karabakh: a brief history and research development strategy”, “Higher plants of Shusha and surrounding areas in danger of extinction”, “Monitoring of fauna diversity of liberated territories”, “Radioecological research in liberated territories of Karabakh” and other reports were listened at the parallel section meetings held online via Zoom platform. Also, the creation of new wheat varieties for the Karabakh region and ensuring food security, water resources, longevity problems in Shusha and surrounding areas, etc. discussions were held on the topics.

It should be noted that the parallel section meetings will be continued on September 23, 2022.

science.gov.az