The National Programme on Environmentally Sustainable Socio-economic Development is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The goal of this National Program is to ensure ecosystem conservation, increase in economic potential and sustainable use of natural resources in order to meet the needs of present and future generations. The objectives of the National Program are: (I) efficient management of economic and human potential to improve environmental quality; (II) technological development to stimulate the well-being of present and future generations; (III) guarantee representatives of the same and different generations on the principles of fairness; and (IV) conservation of biodiversity, ecosystems and the systems that can provide human activities. Agricultural, fisheries and forestry development will be ensured in an environmentally sustainable manner. Strategies will be developed to stimulate efficient use of water resources, ensure soil conservation and increase soil fertility. The use of forest products such as fruits, medicinal and other plants will be increased. Fisheries management will be developed through reproduction and breeding of fish resources in inland rivers and in the Caspian Sea. Biodiversity conservation will be ensured through monitoring flora and fauna, particularly endangered species. The use of economic potential and natural resources will be planned to develop different sectors of the economy and create new jobs. Employment opportunities will be created in the forestry sector to promote forest villagers. Furthermore, working conditions will be improved to meet the ecological, and sanitary-hygienic requirements. Family farms and their associations will be supported with funds allocated for the sustainable development of agriculture. Local and alternative water resources will be developed in accordance with the water quality standards to improve the quality of drinking water. Key basins will be monitored regularly to provide stability in water ecosystems. Regional and international cooperation will be strengthened in the fields of pollution prevention in the transboundary rivers and sustainable use of water resources. Water recycling in industrial and other facilities will be expanded to eliminate water shortages. In addition to that, gas-dust storage facilities in industrial enterprises will be reconstructed or if needed, replaced for pollution control. Green areas will be expanded in urban areas to improve the quality of atmospheric air. In order to enable more efficient agricultural systems, treatment and recultivation of oil polluted soils will be continued to increase soil quality. Moreover, the conditions of existing drainage-collector and irrigation networks will be improved. Land improvement will be ensured through draining natural artificial ponds and wetlands formed as a result of natural and anthropogenic factors. Forest management and conservation will be strengthened by taking measures against illegal logging, enhancing recreational and tourism activities, expanding forest areas available for new cultivation methods, and taking phytosanitary measures. Waste management will be strengthened with a special emphasis on disposal of hazardous industrial waste. Research and development studies will be carried out to make contribution to the environmentally sustainable economic and social development. Appropriate measures will be taken to prevent erosion and desertification. Chemical fire fighting stations will be established to cope with forest fires. Integrated pest management will be strengthened to meet the phytosanitary requirements in forests. Climate change adaptation measures will be taken through environmental impact assessment to protect environment and public health.
Azerbaijan · 2003-01-01