Mukhtar Babayev calls on Turkic world to strengthen cooperation on nature conservation

Countries of the Turkic world should combine traditional knowledge with modern approaches to preserve biodiversity, protect natural heritage and enhance climate resilience, Azerbaijanchr("39")s Presidential Representative for Climate Mukhtar Babayev made the remarks at the 4th Climate Week (CW4) in Baku, Olaylar informs.

According to him, the peoples of the Turkic world have lived for centuries surrounded by mountains, forests, steppes, rivers and wetlands, passing down knowledge from generation to generation on the management of land and water resources, agriculture, livestock, forests and local ecosystems.

"This knowledge should not be viewed solely as part of our cultural heritage. It can also help address today"s challenges in biodiversity conservation, land management and climate resilience," Babayev said.

He stressed the importance of cooperation in protecting the Hyrcanian Forests, a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage site shared by Azerbaijan and neighboring countries.

"Their protection demonstrates the importance of bringing together science, protected-area management and local knowledge," the presidential representative said.

Babayev also noted that following the establishment of two new national parks, Azerbaijan now has 12 national parks, while specially protected natural areas cover more than 10.5% of the country"s territory.

According to him, the countries of the Turkic world can expand cooperation on nature conservation based on their accumulated experience of cultural interaction.

"Our national parks can cooperate directly. Our scientists and inspectors can conduct joint research, training and biodiversity monitoring," he added.

Babayev stressed that combining cultural heritage with nature conservation would help strengthen the protection of unique landscapes and traditions, as well as enhance their international recognition.