Anar Guliyev: Mine clearance - integral part of territorial planning

Eliminating the mine threat in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan is not only a humanitarian and security issue, but also an integral part of urban planning, territorial planning, and long-term regional development, Olaylar informs, citing the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, based on statements by Chairman of the Committee Anar Guliyev during a panel discussion at the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku.

He noted that in large-scale post-conflict recovery processes, a transition is required from a "clearance first, construction second" approach to an integrated model.

Guliyev added that the practical expression of this approach was the development and delivery of the General Plan for the region, covering approximately 13,600 square kilometers of territory and uniting 12 cities, 11 towns, and 286 villages.

He stated that more than 30 schools and preschool educational institutions are operational in the settlements, with over 2,100 students enrolled at Karabakh University.

He also reported that cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) plays an important role in the development of territorial planning.