"The impact of global climate change on mountain ecosystems and glaciers remains a focus of international attention," Azerbaijan's Deputy Prime Minister Teymur Musayev said while addressing a High-Level Event on "Financing Adaptation, Mitigation, Loss and Damage, and Monitoring of Glaciers," APA reports.
He noted that the rapid melting of glaciers directly threatens the water security of billions of people.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that for centuries, mountain communities have lived in harmony with nature, providing water resources to billions of people living downstream, but today this balance is being disrupted:
"Permafrost thawing, landslides, and devastating floods are becoming more frequent. Taking this reality into account, Azerbaijan made the challenges faced by mountainous regions one of its key priorities during its COP29 Presidency. At the World Leaders Climate Action Summit held in Baku, important steps were taken together with Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia to advance the mountain agenda, and the protection of mountain ecosystems was brought to the forefront of global discussions within the framework of the UNFCCC."
Teymur Musayev also devoted considerable attention to scientific observations and figures in his speech. He noted that the Caucasus Mountains are vital water towers for Azerbaijan:
"The first official data on glaciers in the Gusarçay basin date back to 1890, and field observations conducted in recent years show that the melting process has accelerated significantly. According to the results of satellite observations by Azercosmos, the area of glaciers in the Azerbaijani part of the Greater Caucasus decreased by 9% between 2017 and 2025. In addition, continuous studies conducted in the Gusarçay basin over the past 19 years have revealed a declining trend in the share of snow cover in water resources, which clearly demonstrates the consequences of climate change."
Referring to Azerbaijan's initiatives within the framework of COP29, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the "COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action" and the "Baku Dialogue on Water," adopted with the support of more than 70 countries and approximately 100 stakeholders. It was noted that these platforms create conditions for sustained and coordinated actions to protect mountain ecosystems and glaciers.
In conclusion, Teymur Musayev stressed that scientific knowledge and monitoring alone are not sufficient and that these processes must be supported by adequate and long-term climate financing. Emphasizing the importance of implementing the Baku Finance Goal, introducing early warning systems, and applying satellite technologies, the Deputy Prime Minister called on the international community to cooperate closely to protect mountain ecosystems and ensure environmental sustainability for future generations.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on TikTok
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on X
