Research on SDG 11
Introduction:
Baku State University (BSU) actively contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Urbanization in Azerbaijan has accelerated over the past decades, bringing challenges such as rapid population growth, environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and pressure on natural resources. Addressing these issues requires evidence-based strategies that integrate urban planning, environmental protection, and technological innovation.
Researchers at BSU employ interdisciplinary approaches combining geospatial analysis, remote sensing, machine learning, and environmental science to study urban growth, land use changes, and infrastructure development. For instance, satellite imagery and UAV-based monitoring have been applied to map vegetation, track urban sprawl, and assess the impacts of infrastructure expansion on local ecosystems. Similarly, fuzzy inference systems and GIS-based modeling are used to identify key urban landmarks and tourist clusters, which inform sustainable city planning and regional economic development.
BSU’s studies also explore environmental risks associated with urbanization, including air and noise pollution, waste management challenges, and water quality degradation. By analyzing industrial emissions, transportation noise, and urban wastewater, researchers provide actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners to mitigate risks and enhance the quality of life in cities. Furthermore, integration of smart technologies such as Cyber-Physical Systems, IoT, and digital twins demonstrates BSU’s commitment to advancing sustainable, data-driven urban solutions that align with global SDG 11 targets.
Through this comprehensive research, BSU contributes to developing resilient and inclusive urban communities, supporting policy design, technological innovation, and sustainable development strategies in Azerbaijan’s cities.
For more SDGs related articles please visit : https://www.scopus.com/pages/organization/60071969#tab=sdgs
1. Authors: Yetirmishli G.J., Kazimova S.E., Samedzade A.V.
Focus: Geodynamic features and seismic risks in the Bulla-Deniz gas field.
Methods: Seismic tomography, GPS monitoring, drilling data.
Findings: Identified deep structural anomalies, active faulting, and complex tectonics impacting hydrocarbon extraction.
Recommendation: Use results for safer, more efficient gas resource management.
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2. Authors: Aliyev A.A., Nurubeyli T.K., Haziyev Y.H., Najafov E., Mammadov F.I.
Focus: Reducing noise pollution from transportation systems.
Methods: Acoustic modeling, case studies (Germany, Japan, U.S.).
Findings: Low-noise surfaces, sound barriers, and electric vehicles reduce noise by 15–25 dB.
Recommendation: Integrate multi-method approaches for cost-effective urban noise reduction.
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3. Authors: Mammadzada V.T., Aliyeva M.M., Rzayeva A.L., Nasirova A.I., Mammadova R.N.
Focus: Biological activity and self-healing capacity of urban soils in Lankaran.
Methods: Enzymatic activity tests, microbial population analysis.
Findings: Decline in microbial counts with depth; dominance of non-spore-forming bacteria and actinomycetes; moderate humus decrease.
Recommendation: Monitor soil microbiota for sustainable land management.
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4. Authors: Aliyev E.R., Rzayeva I.R., Aliyeva A.A., Aghayev F.
Focus: Identifying anchor objects in tourism clusters using fuzzy inference.
Methods: Voronoi diagrams, fuzzy logic (alternative-based & MATLAB-based).
Findings: Consistent identification of central, attractive anchor sites.
Recommendation: Apply fuzzy logic tools to support regional tourism planning.
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5. Authors: Amiraslanova M.S., Babazade R.A.H., Musabayli K.K.M.
Focus: Vegetation mapping using satellite/UAV imagery with AI.
Methods: Multispectral imagery, ML and DL algorithms.
Findings: Accurate automatic plant species classification across scales.
Recommendation: Apply in urban planning, agriculture, biodiversity, and climate monitoring.
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6. Author: Hashimova L.F.
Focus: Cultural heritage protection and human rights.
Methods: Analysis of legal literature, international law, and court practices.
Findings: Heritage damage = violation of cultural rights; stronger role of human rights in protection.
Recommendation: Strengthen international legal instruments for heritage safeguarding.
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7. Author: Dostiyev T.M.
Focus: Development of medieval Muslim cities in Azerbaijan.
Methods: Historical and archaeological analysis.
Findings: Growth during Islamic/Seljuk periods; uneven Mongol impact; stagnation by 16–17th centuries.
Recommendation: Use insights to deepen understanding of Azerbaijan’s urban cultural history.
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8. Authors: Artunov N.B., Pashayev N.A., Gasimova E.
Focus: Urban growth in Shaki City (2016–2023).
Methods: Satellite imagery, machine learning.
Findings: Expansion of settlements, slight forest cover decrease.
Recommendation: Apply remote sensing and ML for monitoring urban change.
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9. Author: Nasib K.
Focus: Role of space technologies in disaster management.
Methods: Remote sensing, satellite data analysis.
Findings: Satellites improve prediction, coordination, recovery.
Recommendation: Expand space-based monitoring for resilient disaster response.
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10. Authors: Badalova A.N., Ismatova H.R., Jafarova N.R., Guliyeva S.H.
Focus: GIS & satellite use for natural/man-made risk monitoring.
Methods: Multi-temporal imagery, DEM analysis.
Findings: Identified high-risk flood, landslide, and desertification zones.
Recommendation: Apply GIS for early warning and risk prevention.
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11. Authors: Gadirova E.M., Abdullayev V.H.
Focus: Sorption properties of rutile-phase TiO₂ nanoparticles for water purification.
Methods: Sol-gel synthesis, XRD, Varian Cary 50, adsorption modeling.
Findings: Weak phenol adsorption despite photocatalytic potential.
Recommendation: Improve TiO₂ modification for Smart City environmental use.
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12. Authors: Huseynli A.M., Bayramov G.I.
Focus: Industrial wastewater ecotoxicants from petroleum processing.
Methods: Spectral and analytical methods.
Findings: Harmful pollutants present even within discharge limits.
Recommendation: Strengthen monitoring and treatment for wastewater safety.
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13. Author: Piriyev R.H.
Focus: Ultra-low frequency (ULF) signals in earthquake prediction.
Methods: Comparative analysis of past and recent seismic data.
Findings: ULF signals promising for ±100 km epicenter forecasting.
Recommendation: Expand ULF monitoring networks for seismic prediction.
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14. Authors: Mammadova S.V., Rostamnia S.
Focus: Air pollution sources in Azerbaijani cities and nanotech solutions.
Methods: Ecological data, nanomaterials (adsorbents, catalysts).
Findings: Industrial and transport emissions dominate pollution; nanotech effective for control.
Recommendation: Promote green nanotechnology for urban air quality improvement.
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15. Authors: Abdullayev V.H., Ragimova N.A., Abuzarova V.A., Hajiyeva V.M.
Focus: Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) integration with IoT, AI, and Digital Twins.
Methods: Theoretical analysis, case applications.
Findings: CPS–IoT integration supports high-quality development.
Recommendation: Advance CPS adoption for smart infrastructure and industry.
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16. Authors: Hajiyeva S.R., Aliyeva T., Yusifova M.M.
Focus: Severe pollution of Boyuk Shor Lake, Absheron.
Methods: Laboratory analysis of water, sediments, and soils.
Findings: Extremely high hydrocarbon, heavy metal, and particle levels.
Recommendation: Urgent restoration and ecological rehabilitation needed.
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17. Authors: Abdullin T.M., Sabirzyanov R.G., Gilmanshin I.R., Kashapov N.F., Gilmanshina S.I.
Focus: Waste disposal challenges and plasma gasification.
Methods: Comparative analysis of destruction vs. thermal destruction.
Findings: Traditional MSW methods ineffective; plasma gasification more promising.
Recommendation: Invest in plasma-based waste management systems.
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