The Initial National Adaptation Plan (NAP) sets out short-term priority actions programmes to 2025-2026 and medium-term priority actions to 2027-2030. The objectives of the NAP are: (i) to reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, by building adaptive capacity and resilience; and (ii) to facilitate the integration of climate change adaptation in a coherent manner into relevant new and existing policies, programmes and activities, in particular development planning processes and strategies, within all relevant sectors and at different levels, as appropriate. The plan also addresses gender, traditional and local knowledge, children and youth considerations. The NAP identifies, based on current assessments, that the sectors most acutely vulnerable to climate change encompass water resources, agriculture, public health, climate-related hazards and disasters, as well as coastal and mountain ecosystems. In response to these vulnerabilities, the initial NAP document has been designed to serve as a strategic framework that informs the planning, coordination, and execution of adaptation measures across all levels of governance, society, and ecological systems; offers structured guidance for embedding adaptation priorities into policies, programs, and activities; and ultimately strengthens resilience against the anticipated impacts of future climate change. The NAP promotes capacity building for climate resilience and adaptation in priority sectors including water, agriculture, coastal areas, and others. To achieve sustainable and equitable management of water resources, ensuring their availability for current and future generations while safeguarding the environment, adaptation measures include: the institutional reform; effective implementation of the National Water Strategy; modernization of water infrastructure for improved water supply, distribution, and sanitation systems; water use efficiency; and effective management of water resources in response to changing conditions. Regional cooperation on water management will be strengthened to ensure long-term water security in the South Caucasus. The development of efficient irrigation systems and water management practices, leading to increased agricultural productivity and food security, will be promoted. Drought-resistant crops and climate-smart agricultural practices will be applied to optimize water consumption. Urgent measures will be taken to prepare the agricultural sector for the rapidly changing environmental conditions. Financial support will be provided to farmers to implement new climate-smart agricultural practices. Climate adaptation actions will be implemented in the agriculture sector for the restoration, increase and protection of soil fertility; reduction of the risks caused by extreme weather or pests or diseases; and the conservation of biodiversity in areas around agricultural lands. The resilience of Caspian sea coastal zone to climate change will be increased through strengthened coastal zone managent; enhanced adaptation of communities living in coastal areas; strengthened capacity of national parks and other protected areas against coastal changes; protection of habitats of fish stocks; and restoration of polluted areas. Mountain ecosystems' resilience will be increased by creating new and expended specially protected areas; developing management plans; mainstreaming biodiversity into development plans for mining, tourism, fisheries, agriculture and forestry sectors; developing risk management plans and integrating them into land use plans; and updating existing legal frameworks.
Azerbaijan · 2024-01-01