Today, Azerbaijan takes an active position in ensuring global energy and environmental security, as well as in developing strategic mechanisms for the transition to a "green economy." In the "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development," approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, on February 2, 2021, "A Clean Environment and a 'Green Growth' Country" is one of the five main priorities.

In recent years, Baku State University (BSU) has been expanding its scientific research efforts in environmental protection and combating climate change. Various projects aimed at increasing environmental awareness and ecological responsibility are being implemented. BSU’s scientists, professors, and creative students are actively involved in researching environmental issues and seeking solutions within the academic and educational platform. As a center of science, innovation, and education, the University has set the goal of becoming an incubator and accelerator for student initiatives and the youth movement in the field of "green economy." BSU actively participates in promoting ideas for sustainable development and is establishing new educational programs focused on environmental education and research, as well as the promotion of ecological culture. Solutions based on energy and resource conservation are being applied, and various changes are being made through the creation of innovative eco-spaces and areas.

In 2024, BSU became a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Founded in 2005, AASHE brings together over 900 higher education institutions and non-profit organizations from 22 countries worldwide, providing faculty, staff, and students with opportunities to participate in sustainable innovation initiatives.

BSU continues to improve and develop its scientific and pedagogical potential and infrastructure for solving environmental problems. The University has an Ecology and Soil Science Faculty, consisting of five departments, and an Ecological Chemistry and Environmental Protection Research Laboratory under its Research, Development, and Innovation Excellence Center. In 2024, in cooperation with the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan, BSU established the ECOLEAD Clinic to investigate illegal actions against environmental protection, prevent legal violations in this field, and share collected knowledge and data.

BSU students are working on projects in the fields of "green energy" and "green technologies" and presenting them at various international events. One such project, the "E-Agri Irrigation" project by the BSU student and young researcher team "ESST-6," won third place at the "TEKNOFEST-2024" Aerospace and Technology Festival in Antalya, Turkey. The project's aim is to create and apply cost-effective, yet high-quality smart irrigation technology, which ensures that crops receive just the right amount of water, thereby minimizing water waste and optimizing water usage.

Amid the hosting of the remarkable COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, BSU launched the "Eco Space" project, one of its new unique and innovative initiatives in this field. Opened on November 14, "Eco Space" will provide students and researchers with broader knowledge and experience in environmental protection and will also serve as a venue for various events and leisure activities.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ziyafət Əsgərov and Musa Qasımlı, Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly (NA), committee chairs Anar İsgəndərov, Arzu Nağıyev, Sadiq Qurbanov, and Şahin İsmayılov, committee vice-chairs Fariz İsmayılzadə and Jalə Əliyeva, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Elçin Zeynalov, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) academician Isaak Habibbayli, and ANAS Vice President academician Irada Huseynova, Head of Yasamal District Executive Authority Elshad Hasanov, Chair of the Yasamal District Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) Bəxtiyar Nəbiyev, guests from Serbia, South Korea, Nigeria, Iraq, and other countries attending the COP29 conference, as well as representatives from "LU-MUN Holding," "Bayramli Group," "Azecolab," and other companies, along with BSU faculty, students, and numerous media representatives.

In his speech, BSU Rector Elchin Babayev stated that, as part of the COP29, BSU has remained faithful to its tradition by launching a unique pilot project. He emphasized that "Eco Space" has several important features: “Here, we have installed an Aquaponics system, which was brought from foreign countries and equipped with the latest technologies. This system is based on the principle of regulating the interaction between fish and plants within a cycle. All products here are ecologically clean, and we also have installed a bioreactor that produces oxygen, as well as state-of-the-art digital technologies for real-time air parameter measurement and air quality assessment. The energy supply of 'Eco Space' is mainly provided by solar panels. This once again proves BSU’s commitment to ecological principles and its alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

The Rector also pointed out that "Eco Space" is primarily intended for students, master's students, and doctoral students. It will be accessible not only to BSU students but also to students from other universities, high schools, lyceums, and colleges. He noted that the project is a success and mentioned that the "public-private partnership" principle has been followed in its implementation, with several private companies actively participating in its development, including "Bayramli Group," "LU-MUN Holding," and "Azecolab." Special thanks were also given to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, whose rare plants and trees have been planted in "Eco Space."

"Eco Space" plays a significant role in teaching students how to produce "green food" with "green energy" and how to form a "green atmosphere" using innovative technologies and methods. It also provides a platform for public awareness on these issues. Created on approximately 1,000 square meters of land, "Eco Space" integrates modern technologies and ecological solutions with a unique approach. Special areas have been created here to analyze various ecological aspects of the environment and facilitate the practical application of scientific knowledge:

• The Aquaponics system, one of the modern agricultural technologies, demonstrates how to achieve high productivity through water recycling with minimal water consumption in laboratory conditions. The system integrates plant and fish cultivation and embraces the "Sustainable Agriculture" approach.
• Bioreactors that enable the production of biological substances through microorganisms or biochemical processes are used for large-scale production of bioproducts such as biomass, enzymes, antibodies, vaccines, biofuels, and other biotechnological products. The bioreactor installed in "Eco Space" supports the photosynthesis process to extract oxygen from carbon dioxide and produces biofuels, animal feed, and other biomass products in a laboratory environment.
• Photovoltaic converters (solar panels) are used in "Eco Space" to ensure energy efficiency and establish renewable energy infrastructure. The energy supply system is based on these solar panels, providing energy for special lighting, various electronic measurement devices, and mobile device charging.
• A digital eco-information system has been set up to collect and analyze environmental data and share research results through digital platforms.
• The "AQMesh" Air Quality Digital Monitoring System allows for the detection of various gases in the atmosphere, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and other harmful substances, enabling real-time monitoring of air pollution levels.
• The "Davis Vantage Pro2" Digital Weather Data System measures wind speed and direction, cooling and heating indices, temperature, humidity, pressure, and dew point, sharing these parameters on a special screen and mobile applications.

The main goals of the project include educating youth on environmental issues, enhancing cooperation between BSU’s scientific potential and environmental organizations, and conducting interactive seminars, training sessions, and practical workshops on ecology. "Eco Space" will also host environmental awareness events and ecological research programs, as well as competitions on ecological projects.

The project will not only be beneficial to BSU students but will also be open to students from schools and other higher education institutions, as well as the broader public. Through the activities at "Eco Space," extensive public awareness campaigns on environmental protection will be conducted, strengthening BSU’s social engagement.

"Eco Space" supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting quality education (SDG-4), increasing green spaces and ecological sustainability in urban areas (SDG-11), combating climate change (SDG-13), conserving and restoring biodiversity and ecosystems (SDG-15), and fostering partnerships for sustainable development (SDG-17). The project aims to be a significant example of ecological education and sustainable development practices.

Through this project, BSU aims to collaborate closely with both local and international organizations, bringing advanced environmental protection practices to Azerbaijan and enhancing the recognition of local environmental organizations globally. The project also plans to engage students in volunteer programs and other ecological activities at the local and international levels.

We believe that "Eco Space" will play a crucial role in promoting the wider use of green technologies and the application of ecological approaches in scientific research, as well as expanding connections among youth to help Azerbaijan transition into a "green growth" nation.

It is worth mentioning that "Eco Space" was developed in collaboration with "Bayramli Group," "LU-MUN Holding," and "Azecolab" within the framework of public-private partnership. Special support was provided by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Each partner is contributing resources and capabilities to ensure the long-term success and community benefit of the "Eco Space" project.