Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

An international scientific seminar titled “The Impact of Climate Change on the Caucasus Region” was held at Baku State University (BSU) under the scientific supervision of Professor Elshad Gurbanov, Head of the Department of Botany and Plant Physiology at the Faculty of Biology, Corresponding Member of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

The main objective of the event was to provide a scientific analysis of the effects of global climate change on the natural ecosystems, biodiversity, hydrological regimes, and agriculture of the Caucasus region, to assess existing risks, and to discuss adaptation strategies within the framework of regional cooperation.

The keynote speaker of the seminar was Professor Aydın Tüfekçioğlu from Artvin Çoruh University (Türkiye). The presentation provided extensive scientific and statistical data on temperature increases observed in recent decades in the Caucasus region, changes in precipitation patterns, the reduction of glacier areas, the shortening of snow cover duration, altitudinal transformations of alpine and subalpine ecosystems, and the risks posed to biodiversity. Particular emphasis was placed on the impact of climate change on water resource distribution, river system dynamics, and the sustainability of natural landscapes.

The event was attended by Dean of the Faculty of Biology at BSU, Professor Afat Mammadova; academician Tariyel Talibov; Corresponding Member of ANAS, Professor Vagif Novruzov; Dean of the Faculty of Forestry at Artvin Çoruh University, Professor Mehmet Yavuz; Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Ali Kolomuç; professors Ahmet Yolaşığmaz, Sinan Güner, and Mustafa Tüfekçioğlu; International Relations Coordinator Hakan Gültekin; and other scholars.

Representatives of several international and local scientific research institutions also participated, including Andijan State University of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Institute of Botany of the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Botany of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan State University, Ganja State University, Azerbaijan State Agricultural University, the Dendrology Garden, Karabakh University, and Baku Engineering University.

During the scientific discussions, participants comprehensively analyzed the impact of climate change on hydrological regimes, declining water resources, potential risks to agricultural productivity, the intensification of extreme weather events, the increasing frequency of floods and landslides, and issues related to biodiversity conservation. Scientifically grounded recommendations were proposed in the areas of adaptation and mitigation, including integrated water resource management, restoration of river ecosystems, protection of mountain landscapes and endemic species, implementation of early warning systems, and the development of climate-resilient agricultural technologies.

In conclusion, it was emphasized that given the global significance of the Caucasus region in terms of biodiversity, strengthening multidisciplinary scientific approaches, expanding international academic cooperation, and increasing the practical application of research findings are of strategic importance for implementing effective measures against climate change.

SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)