Azerbaijan uses Caspian Sea Water for Sustainable Solutions to Combat Water Scarcity at COP29

Azerbaijan is utilizing water from the Caspian Sea to develop alternative water resources for Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, Azernews reports that this was stated by Asad Shirinov, an advisor to the State Water Resources Agency, at the COP29 event titled "Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Water Management.

Shirinov highlighted the growing challenge of water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and increasing demand. He emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable development principles into the country’s water policies.

“This approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly clean water and sanitation, ensuring we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to access essential resources,” Shirinov said.

Azerbaijan’s recently developed National Water Strategy aims to promote fair, efficient, and sustainable water management practices, ensuring resilience against climate change and securing long-term water access across multiple sectors, including agriculture, industry, and urban development. The strategy addresses vulnerabilities related to regional climatic changes and the country’s dependence on transboundary rivers and precipitation.

Post-2020, Azerbaijan has made significant strides in reforming its water management structures. The establishment of the State Water Resources Agency and the State Water Commission has enhanced interagency coordination and facilitated a comprehensive approach to water management.

Shirinov also discussed the importance of public-private partnerships in mobilizing investment, fostering technological innovation, and improving water efficiency. "By involving the private sector, we aim to improve water use efficiency, reduce losses, and implement advanced technologies like smart metering and leak detection," he explained.

One of the cornerstones of Azerbaijan’s strategy is "desalination", particularly using Caspian Sea water. This initiative is aimed at diversifying the country’s water sources and reducing reliance on transboundary rivers, which currently supply more than 70% of Azerbaijan’s water. With a focus on energy-efficient desalination processes, Azerbaijan is aligning its water resources strategy with its broader sustainable development goals.

In addition to desalination, Azerbaijan is advancing water recycling and reuse programs. By treating wastewater for agricultural and industrial use, the country hopes to alleviate pressure on its freshwater resources, ensuring both urban and rural areas benefit from efficient, safe water reuse.

“The approach reflects our commitment to resilience and innovation. Through desalination, recycling, and other projects, we are securing our water future in a changing climate,” Shirinov added.

The country is also working on modern water infrastructure, including the construction of new reservoirs in liberated territories and the restoration of key infrastructure. Furthermore, potential initiatives such as cloud seeding, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater exploration are being explored to diversify water sources and ensure resilience to varying rainfall patterns.

Azerbaijan’s National Water Strategy includes climate risk assessments to guide water distribution and conservation, ensuring the country can address both current and future challenges.

“Azerbaijan acknowledges the importance of international cooperation and climate finance in achieving these goals. We actively engage with global partners to secure funding and share knowledge, ensuring our adaptation strategies are both innovative and scalable,” Shirinov concluded.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), being held in Baku from November 11 to 22, is the largest climate-related event Azerbaijan has ever hosted. During the conference, leaders from around the world are discussing critical issues related to climate finance, energy, and sustainable development.