On World "Soil" Day, in connection with the 50th anniversary of AzMİU, a special event titled “Protection of Soil Ecosystems” was held with the support of the Faculty of Water Management and Engineering Communication Systems and the Sustainable Development Center of Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzMİU).
AzEdu.az reports that the event aimed to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 15 – “Life on Land”, as well as SDG 6 – “Clean Water and Sanitation” and SDG 13 – “Climate Action” targets.
The main objective of the event was to increase public awareness about the protection of soil resources, soil degradation, erosion, pollution, and the impact of climate change on soil ecosystems, to create a scientific discussion platform between students and specialists, and to promote sustainable approaches in soil management at the national level. This initiative is also consistent with AzMİU's sustainable development agenda in terms of supporting sustainability-oriented teaching and research activities within the framework of SDG 4 – “Quality Education”.
The event was opened with an introductory speech by the Dean of the Faculty of Water Management and Engineering Communication Systems, Associate Professor Elgiz Hasanov. He conveyed the relevance and importance of the event for the University to the guests, professors, and teaching staff. At the event, Jeyhun Pashayev, Director of the State Nature Reserve of the Mud Volcanoes Group of Baku and Absheron Peninsula, delivered a presentation on the topic “Specially Protected Natural Areas and their Potential for Ecotourism”.
During the meeting, topics such as efficient management of soil resources, application of innovative land reclamation and water management technologies, agro-ecological solutions, soil restoration potential of regions, and sustainable protection of soil ecosystems were discussed.
At the event, Associate Professor Konul Gafarbayli from the Department of Land Reclamation and Water Management Construction (STT) delivered a speech, sharing her views on the importance of ecosystem-based approaches in the management of soil and water resources, climate resilience, and strengthening soil conservation policies at the national level. The specialist emphasized that soil health is crucial not only for agriculture but also for water resources, biodiversity, climate resilience, and overall ecological stability.
Within the framework of the event, presentations with student participation, expert speeches, and interactive Q&A sessions were organized, providing extensive information on modern scientific approaches to soil conservation, ecosystem-based management models, global SDG indicators, and international trends.
The World Soil Day event organized by AzMİU is of significant importance for increasing environmental awareness in the country, sustainable management of soil and water resources, strengthening teaching and research activities integrated into the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and further solidifying the university's position in global academic assessments for sustainable development.
