Research on SDG 15
Baku State University (BSU) is actively contributing to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, focusing on biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and ecosystem restoration in Azerbaijan and the broader South Caucasus. Situated in one of the world’s most ecologically diverse regions, BSU researchers are addressing critical challenges such as habitat degradation, deforestation, land-use pressures, and the protection of rare and endangered species.
Recent studies by BSU scholars have generated valuable scientific evidence to guide conservation policies and practices. Investigations into the algal diversity and ecological health of freshwater ecosystems in Samur-Yalama National Park have provided vital baseline data for biomonitoring and the protection of aquatic habitats. Advanced modeling techniques, such as MaxEnt, are being used to assess fire susceptibility and identify risks to threatened plant species, ensuring more targeted biodiversity protection strategies. In parallel, legal and policy-oriented research explores the protection of plant varieties and biodiversity legislation, emphasizing the need for harmonization with international standards.
BSU researchers are also engaged in cutting-edge remote sensing and AI-based vegetation mapping, enabling large-scale ecosystem monitoring, while genetic studies on species such as Pterocarya fraxinifolia highlight the importance of conserving genetically diverse refuges in the Hyrcan forests. Moreover, interdisciplinary work on soil erosion, land degradation, and forest management has provided actionable insights into sustainable land use, restoration of degraded habitats, and the socio-economic drivers of deforestation.
Together, these initiatives reflect BSU’s strategic commitment to protecting terrestrial ecosystems and enhancing Azerbaijan’s role in global sustainability efforts. By combining ecological research, legal analysis, technological innovation, and international collaboration, BSU contributes not only to the preservation of Azerbaijan’s unique biodiversity but also to the broader realization of SDG 15 at regional and global levels.
For more SDGs related articles please visit : https://www.scopus.com/pages/organization/60071969#tab=sdgs
1. Authors: Abiyev Y., Mukhtarova S., Muradova A., Markova L.M., Hasanova G.
Focus: Freshwater algal diversity and ecological health in Samur-Yalama National Park.
Methods: Field survey documenting algal taxa, ecological and water quality assessment.
Findings: Identified 46 algal taxa, with many new regional records; pristine waters had sensitive species, nutrient-enriched areas had tolerant ones.
Recommendation: Use results as baseline for biomonitoring and conservation in the South Caucasus.
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2. Authors: Teymurova V.E., Abdullayeva S., Muradova K., Aslanova M.M., Bayramli M.
Focus: Environmental challenges and their economic impacts in Azerbaijan.
Methods: Analysis of air, land, and water resource issues and their economic implications.
Findings: Pollution, land degradation, and water scarcity constrain growth; weak vocational education hinders green transition.
Recommendation: Strengthen education, human capital, and international cooperation to reduce risks and enhance competitiveness.
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3. Authors: Abiyev Y., Eker R., Acil A., Coskuner K.A.
Focus: Fire susceptibility of rare plants in Samur-Yalama National Park.
Methods: MaxEnt modeling of fire risk for 21 rare plant species.
Findings: 12.56% of park highly fire-prone; Red Book species (e.g., Alcea kusariensis, Orchis purpurea) at risk; AUC = 0.855 showed good model accuracy.
Recommendation: Integrate fire risk maps into biodiversity conservation strategies.
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4. Authors: Bougdour N., Ali I., Bakas I., Assabbane A., Imanova G.T.
Focus: Effects of landfill leachate on basil and alfalfa growth.
Methods: Experimental comparison of raw leachate, UV-treated leachate, and well water.
Findings: Raw leachate inhibited germination; UV-treated leachate improved germination, chlorophyll, and biomass.
Recommendation: Apply UV treatment for safe reuse of leachate in irrigation.
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5. Authors: Amiraslanova M.S., Həsənova-Babazade R., Musabayli K.
Focus: Vegetation mapping with AI, UAV, and satellite imagery.
Methods: Machine learning and deep learning for plant classification and feature extraction.
Findings: Accurate mapping over large areas supports biodiversity and climate monitoring.
Recommendation: Expand AI-based remote sensing tools for environmental management.
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6. Authors: Mikhnevych L.V., Luchko I., Gahramanova N., Dubova O., Myskovets I.
Focus: Comparative biodiversity conservation laws in Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
Methods: Legal analysis of national legislation and international standards.
Findings: Ukraine focuses on national parks; Azerbaijan integrates traditional knowledge; gaps in harmonization exist.
Recommendation: Strengthen legal alignment with global standards and promote cross-border cooperation.
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7. Authors: Ayazoglu R.A., Alisoy G.T., Akbulut S., Ağirman Aydin T.
Focus: Nonlinear parabolic equations with p(·)-Laplacian.
Methods: Analytical method proving global existence and decay of solutions.
Findings: Established precise decay estimates before extinction time.
Recommendation: Apply method for solving broader nonlinear differential equation models.
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8. Authors: Karimova T.
Focus: Legal protection of plant varieties in Azerbaijan.
Methods: Analysis of national legislation and international treaties (e.g., UPOV).
Findings: Azerbaijan applies sui generis protection but has legislative gaps.
Recommendation: Reform laws to align with best practices and strengthen IP protection.
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9. Authors: Togola A., Yusifova M., Sadigova N.A., Akhundova A., Karimova L.R. +5
Focus: Ecological condition of arid forests in Ajinohur foothills.
Methods: Field surveys (2021–2022) and GIS-based mapping.
Findings: Only 7.2% of forests unaltered; heavy modification due to agriculture; lowland forests most degraded.
Recommendation: Implement urgent restoration and sustainable land-use policies.
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10. Authors: Rahimli S.
Focus: Soviet Russia’s aggression against the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR).
Methods: Historical and legal analysis under international law frameworks.
Findings: Aggression violated 1907 Hague Convention; annexation did not erase ADR’s international legal status.
Recommendation: Recognize continuity of ADR and strengthen legal narratives of sovereignty.
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11. Authors: Ayazoglu R.A., Akkoyunlu E.
Focus: p(·)-Laplace equations with nonstandard nonlinearity.
Methods: Mathematical analysis with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition.
Findings: Proved global existence of weak solutions; identified extinction/non-extinction conditions.
Recommendation: Extend framework to multidimensional and applied models.
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12. Authors: Ibadullayeva S.J., Huseynova I.M.
Focus: Plant diversity and conservation in Azerbaijan.
Methods: Flora analysis, land-use mapping, and rare species documentation.
Findings: Nearly 5,000 taxa recorded; 20% need protection; ~800 species highly threatened.
Recommendation: Prioritize conservation in Talysh, Nakhchivan, and Caucasus regions.
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13. Authors: Maharramova E., Huseynova I., Kolbaia S., Gruenstaeudl M., Borsch T.
Focus: Genetic diversity of Pterocarya fraxinifolia in South Caucasus.
Methods: Genetic and phylogeographic analysis across Colchis and Hyrcan refuges.
Findings: Hyrcan populations more diverse; species colonized northwest from southeast pre-LGM.
Recommendation: Prioritize Hyrcan populations for conservation.
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14. Authors: Bayramov E.R., Buchroithner M.F., Bayramov R.V.
Focus: Vegetation recovery and erosion risks along BTC and SCP pipelines.
Methods: NDVI satellite analysis and USLE erosion modeling.
Findings: Vegetation recovery in 5.40 km²; erosion mostly low but some hotspots persist.
Recommendation: Continue monitoring pipeline corridors for vegetation and soil stability.
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15. Authors: Shakhmurov V.B., Sahmurova A.
Focus: Singular perturbation in parabolic differential-operator equations.
Methods: Mathematical modeling with applications to phytoremediation.
Findings: Established uniform well-posedness of parameter-dependent problems.
Recommendation: Apply framework for environmental and biological system modeling.
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16. Authors: Rustamov R.B., Salahova S.E.
Focus: Climate change impacts on flooding in Azerbaijan.
Methods: GIS and satellite-based flood pattern analysis.
Findings: Strong correlation between climate change and increasing flood frequency/severity.
Recommendation: Strengthen flood monitoring and integrate climate change adaptation.
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17. Authors: Noack F.A., Hidayatov A.
Focus: Deforestation drivers in Talysh Mountains.
Methods: Socio-economic and environmental assessment.
Findings: Illegal logging and fuelwood dependence drive forest loss; poor governance exacerbates.
Recommendation: Provide property rights, alternative energy, and income to reduce deforestation.
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