Azerbaijan Unveils Caspian Seawater Desalination Strategy at COP29

Azerbaijan is utilising water from the Caspian Sea to develop alternative resources for Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, said Asad Shirinov, an advisor to the State Water Resources Agency, Trend reports.

Speaking at an event titled “Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Water Management” as part of the COP29, Shirinov highlighted the increasing water scarcity due to climate change and growing demand, stressing the importance of integrating sustainable development principles into the country’s water policies.

This approach aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of clean water and sanitation, showcasing our commitment to meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to access essential resources.

Asad Shirinov, an advisor to the State Water Resources Agency

The recently developed National Water Strategy of Azerbaijan reflects this vision. It promotes fair, efficient and sustainable water management practices, ensuring resilience against climate change. The strategy aims to secure long-term water access across various sectors, from agriculture to industrial use, by addressing vulnerabilities related to regional and climatic changes, including dependence on transboundary rivers and precipitation.

Significant reforms have been implemented in Azerbaijan’s water management structures, especially post-2020. The establishment of the State Water Resources Agency and the State Water Commission has enhanced interagency coordination and facilitated a comprehensive approach to water management.

“In addition, we are working on public-private partnerships to mobilise investment, encourage technological innovation, and expand sustainable solutions. By involving the private sector, we aim to improve water use efficiency, reduce losses and implement advanced technologies like smart metering and leak detection,” Shirinov explained.

A major part of Azerbaijan’s strategy focuses on desalination, particularly utilising Caspian Sea water. This initiative aims to diversify water resources and reduce reliance on transboundary rivers, which account for over 70 percent of the country’s water supply. By investing in energy-efficient desalination processes, Azerbaijan seeks to align this solution with its sustainable development goals.

Alongside desalination, Azerbaijan is advancing water recycling and reuse programmes. By treating wastewater for agricultural and industrial use, the country aims to alleviate pressure on freshwater resources, integrating these initiatives into both urban and rural planning for efficient, safe reuse.

The approach reflects our commitment to resilience and innovation. Through desalination, recycling, and other projects, we are taking decisive steps to secure our water future in a changing climate.

Asad Shirinov, an advisor to the State Water Resources Agency

The advisor also mentioned that adapting to climate change is a key focus in creating sustainable water infrastructure. Azerbaijan is building modern reservoirs on liberated territories and restoring core water infrastructure to mitigate climate-induced threats. Potential projects like cloud seeding, rainwater harvesting and groundwater exploration are also being explored to diversify water sources and ensure resilience to rainfall variability.

The National Water Strategy includes climate risk assessments to guide resource distribution and conservation. These assessments prioritize projects addressing current vulnerabilities and future risks, ensuring effective water management practices in the face of climate change.

“Azerbaijan acknowledges the importance of international cooperation and climate finance in achieving these goals. We actively engage with global partners to secure funding and share knowledge, ensuring our adaptation strategies are both innovative and scalable. These efforts aim not only to tackle existing challenges but to pave the way for a safer, more secure tomorrow,” Shirinov concluded.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which runs until November 22, opened at the Baku Olympic Stadium on November 11. The event is the largest organised by Azerbaijan to date and is the first time the region has hosted the event in Azerbaijan.

Within COP29, the highest level event – the summit of world leaders on climate action – was held on November 12–13.

The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) on climate finance. The COP29 chairmanship has launched 14 initiatives that include linkages between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, including green energy corridors, green energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, clean hydrogen, methane reduction in organic waste, action on green digital technologies and other topics.

In addition to being a top priority that creates the conditions for action, creating climate finance will also help fulfill the 1.5°C pledge by bringing everyone together.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP stands for “Conference of Parties” and is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

A total of 198 countries are parties to the Convention. Unless otherwise decided by the parties, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.