Baku: The fact that a large portion of Azerbaijan’s water resources depends on neighboring countries brings the necessity of regional cooperation to the forefront, said the Country Manager for the World Bank in Azerbaijan, Stefanie Stallmeister, during a panel discussion on the third day of Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW2025), APA-Economics reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Stallmeister noted that as the impacts of climate change are felt more strongly in the region, cross-border water cooperation and basin-based management become increasingly important. She emphasized the crucial role Azerbaijan can play in ensuring more efficient and productive use of its existing water resources.
Among the measures being implemented, the modernization of the irrigation system under the leadership of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA), the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources is a primary focus. Stallmeister highlighted that this modernization is essential for minimizing water losses and optimizing the use of available resources.
In addition to irrigation improvements, Azerbaijan is also advancing in climate-smart agriculture. While some actions have already been taken, Stallmeister urged for more measures given the urgency of the situation. She pointed out that introducing more drought-resistant or salt-tolerant crop varieties could play a decisive role in addressing these challenges.
Stallmeister further stressed the importance of global cooperation in developing innovative seeds and technologies. She noted that institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank could be instrumental in facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering partnerships, allowing Azerbaijan to leverage international expertise and avoid starting from scratch.