"In the Republic of Azerbaijan, the ecological toll from nearly 1.5 million landmines planted across the liberated territories during the former occupation has been devastating," Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), said at the event themed Clearing the Path: Combating Mine Threats for Climate Stability and Sustainable Development" organized within the framework of COP29, APA reports.
ANAMA chairman noted that these landmines and ERW have stripped the land of its once-rich biodiversity, contaminating fertile soil, harming agricultural productivity, and obstructing essential conservation efforts: "These explosive devices don’t discriminate. When detonated, whether accidentally or during demining operations, they spill pollutants, introducing heavy metals and other toxins into the soil and air. This chemical contamination poses long-term risks to plant life, wildlife, and agriculture, complicating reforestation and the restoration of arable land."
"Demining is not just about safety; it is a cornerstone for climate resilience and sustainable development. As we clear more than 170,000 hectares of contaminated land, we open the path for ecological restoration, biodiversity renewal, and sustainable agriculture. These cleared areas allow for the rebuilding of critical infrastructure and support the return of displaced populations. Despite the scale of this investment, international contributions account for just 4.4% of total funding. It is vital to increase global support to ensure the comprehensive clearance of mines in our country and to address the far-reaching environmental impacts of these threats," Vugar Suleymanov added.
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