SAVING MODE ON

The global trend of desertification, leading to a scarcity of freshwater for water supply and irrigation, has become increasingly pertinent for Azerbaijan in recent years. The series of severe droughts observed since 2018, coupled with the shallowing of the main water arteries—the Kura and the Araz—have diminished reserves in reservoirs. Experts now rank Azerbaijan among the top 20 countries worldwide grappling with acute water shortages. Approximately 70 percent of the nation's fresh water is allocated to agriculture, where significant losses occur within water canals. Consequently, initiatives to construct primary irrigation canals are underway, alongside the introduction of advanced economical irrigation systems and the preparation of a Caspian Sea desalination project.

Gloomy Forecasts

A UNESCO report released a year ago indicates that merely 3-4 percent of global water resources are presently viable as a source of freshwater, and these reserves are depleting. An estimated 26 percent of the global population lacks access to potable water. The worldwide irrigation system faces similar deficits, adversely affecting food security, particularly in developing nations.

Global climatic shifts over the past decade have hastened desertification in the South Caucasus countries. Currently, Georgia accounts for 62 percent of total water resources, Armenia for 28 percent, and Azerbaijan for a mere 10 percent. Over the past two decades, Azerbaijan's water balance indicators have receded by 15-20 percent. The most pronounced water scarcity for irrigation and supply occurred between 2018 and 2022. Following several arid seasons with scant precipitation, the flow from the Greater Caucasus mountain rivers has significantly reduced, leading to the shallowing of the Kura and, to some extent, the Araz river basins—Azerbaijan's primary water sources. In the past five years, the water volume entering the Mingachevir reservoir has plummeted by up to 50 percent. While the reservoir welcomed 823 million cubic meters of Kura water in 2018, this figure dwindled to 455 million cubic meters in 2022, attributable to decreased rainfall and diminished inflow from trans-boundary rivers. "Approximately 75 percent, that is, the bulk of Azerbaijan's water resources, originate beyond the republic's borders," stated Ahliman Amiraslanov, Chairman of the Health Committee of Milli Majlis, during parliamentary hearings focused on the green agenda and clean drinking water access.

The reduction in water availability within trans-boundary rivers stems not solely from global climatic adversity but also from a man-made and anthropogenic factor—the escalating water shortage in trans-boundary rivers due to neighbouring countries' excessive water extraction for irrigation—Türkiye, Iran, Russia, and Georgia. Situated downstream of the region's principal rivers, Azerbaijan confronts the challenge of trans-boundary river depletion. In conjunction with perennial droughts, reservoir water levels are falling, posing grave risks to water users in the Kura-Araz basin. This detrimental effect was most acutely felt in the low-lying districts of Salyan and Neftchala. At the peak of the crisis, the Kura River's level receded nearly two meters below sea level, severely disrupting water supply and irrigation for agricultural territories in the adjacent Aran region and causing salinization in the Kura delta's riverbed due to seawater influx. Experts warn that if these adverse trends continue, river water availability in Azerbaijan could diminish by 20-25 percent by 2070.

Water Innovations

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Azerbaijan ranks among the top 20 nations globally that are most afflicted by water shortages. Despite maintaining relative stability in urban drinking water supply, the agricultural sector—where approximately 70 percent of all freshwater is utilized—remains highly vulnerable to crises. It is noteworthy that amidst population growth and efforts to address food security in Azerbaijan, the acreage dedicated to crop rotation has markedly expanded in recent years. From around 1 million hectares cultivated with various crops in the country's crop production sector in 2010, this figure surged to 1.7 million hectares by 2020. This represents an increase of over 70 percent in the area of irrigated land, a trend that persists. The situation is exacerbated by the significant depletion of the irrigation infrastructure's capacity, with substantial losses occurring in dilapidated main water canals and earthen ditches. Concurrently, due to inefficient irrigation practices, considerable losses in the fields contribute to soil salinization. A staggering 3.61 million hectares of land, or 41.8 percent of the republic's land fund, are affected by severe erosion and dehydration to varying degrees.

To address these challenges, plans are in place to deploy electronic systems for monitoring water resource usage, and initiatives are being launched to seal irrigation canals through concreting and application of polymeric materials. Modernization of irrigation systems is already in progress at approximately fifty agrarian parks and several large grain farms, which collectively house about 80 percent of the beer, aerosol, fine-dispersed, and other efficient irrigation systems.

These innovations are set to expand further. In line with a presidential decree, grain farms will receive additional subsidies for five years, contingent on their adoption of modern irrigation systems. Consequently, the state subsidizes roughly 40 percent of the cost for beer and other efficient irrigation systems, with the balance financed through concessional loans. FAO specialists and various international donor organizations are actively participating in projects aimed at introducing cost-effective irrigation solutions. Notably, the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan and bp-Azerbaijan have concurred on jointly executing three water projects, cumulatively valued at ₼2.6 million.

Reconstruction of Old Canals

The state invariably assumes the principal role in addressing the nation's irrigation quandaries, as evidenced by the extensive project to refurbish the Shirvan Irrigation Canal. Inaugurated in 1958 and ranking as the country's second-largest water system, the Shirvan canal emanates from the Mingachevir reservoir. Its reconstruction and modernization to meet contemporary standards will enable more judicious utilization of water resources. The upgrade will enhance domestic water delivery to communities and irrigation water provision to 230,000 hectares of land. Post-modernization, the canal's length will surpass 200 kilometres, forestalling the loss of approximately 346 million cubic meters of water and ameliorating the ecological state of the desiccated Lake Hajigabul. In mid-April, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev participated in a ceremony initiating the modernization efforts in the Hajigabul district. "Of the infrastructure projects undertaken in Azerbaijan in recent years, this initiative holds particular significance, given that the Upper Shirvan irrigation canal has operated for many years. Over time, the canal bed has deteriorated significantly, inevitably resulting in substantial water losses," stated the president. He emphasized that whereas the canal previously served eight districts, post-reconstruction, it will extend to two additional districts. Moreover, the expanse of irrigated lands will broaden, and the ecological conditions across extensive territories will see enhancement.

Ilham Aliyev also revisited the directive concerning the construction of the Garabagh Canal. A feasibility study is imminent, followed by the development of a new project: "Commencing next year, we should initiate the construction of the Garabagh Canal, which will span 115,000 hectares of irrigated lands across nine districts."

In alignment with an established program, the forthcoming years will witness the construction of over 10 reservoirs in Azerbaijan, facilitating the irrigation of upwards of 500,000 hectares of land. The construction of the Yengijin reservoir in the Gabala district is already in progress, with its resources poised to irrigate 10,000 hectares of arable land upon completion.

Released Infrastructure

Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 conflict and the ensuing assertion of sovereignty over the entire resource base of formerly occupied territories have mitigated the severity of the water crisis. New reservoirs are under construction, water pipelines are being installed, and water infrastructure is being developed to capitalize on the abundant water potential of the Lesser Caucasus region. The districts of Kalbajar and Lachin are particularly promising, housing the mountainous sources of 10 principal rivers of Garabagh. The water base is further bolstered by the Araz River's robust flow, which replenishes the Khudaferin reservoir, boasting a capacity exceeding 1.6 billion cubic meters. Future plans include the construction of the Khakarichai and Bergushadchai reservoirs and canals in Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur.

"Some time ago, the Khachinchay reservoir was inaugurated in the Aghdam district, the Kondalanchai reservoir in the Fuzuli district is slated for opening shortly, and the Zabuhchai reservoir is currently under construction," remarked Ilham Aliyev.

The unanimous selection of Baku as the host city for COP29 stands as a testament to the international community's profound respect and confidence in Azerbaijan, acknowledging the nation's contributions to environmental preservation, notably in addressing water-related challenges. The primary objective at present is to maximize the judicious use of water resources, with the systematic execution of infrastructure projects aimed at resolving this issue.