Conference: 96th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev
Western Caspian University hosted an international conference entitled ‘Mountains: Cultures, Landscapes & Biodiversity’ dedicated to the 96th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
Speaking at the plenary session of the conference, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Huseyngulu Bagirov noted the invaluable role of the great leader in the history of Azerbaijan, his contribution to the establishment and strengthening of our state, as well as his work to improve the environmental situation in our country. Professor Bagirov stressed the importance of the conference in terms of discussing the problems of the field with the participation of leading researchers from around the world.
Rector, Professor Andris Leitas, noted that all the mountainous areas of the world are affected by exploitation of limited resources and the growing tourism sector. This development puts pressure on biodiversity and mountain populations. The purpose of the conference is to organize discussions of scientists, ecologists, biologists, tourism specialists and other experts interested in solving this problem in order to find new and creative solutions to these issues.
UN Resident Coordinator Gulam Isakzai, Director of the Institute of Geography of ANAS Professor Ramiz Mammadov, Member of the Royal Geographical Society UK, Vice-President of UIAA the International Climbing & Mountaineering Federation Mike Maunsell, Member of the Mountain Protection Commission of the International Climbing & Mountaineering Federation, Member of the Board of the First Albert Mountaineering Lode Beckers, Program Manager, Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the UN Food & Agriculture Organization Rosalauro Romeo, Founder of the Zukov Environmental Protection Foundation Michael Zukov’s speeches focused on the characteristics of mountain landscapes, the state of settlements, problems in this field in different countries, prospects, the importance of providing access to infrastructure, education and various services in mountainous areas, mountain protection projects.
Then the questions were answered and opinions were exchanged on the topic. The conference continued its work in sessions.
It should be noted that the conference was attended by foreign researchers from about 40 countries, as well as local experts. The conference held sessions on ‘Mountain Ecosystems, Ecological & Biological Diversity’, ‘Mountain Landscapes’, ‘Mountain Cultures’, ‘Mountain Tourism & Recreation’.
The participants stressed that the conference would lead to new scientific research, and it is important in terms of discussing the problems of the field and identifying the steps to be taken.
