COP29 president engages with South Sudan's minister on water scarcity issues

Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and COP29 president-designate, discussed critical water scarcity challenges with Pal Mai Deng, South Sudan's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.

The conversation, highlighted on COP29's official X page, focused on the pressing issues of water management and resource allocation, particularly in regions facing severe water shortages, Caliber.Az reports.

Both ministers emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges in the context of climate change and sustainable development.

“The COP29 Presidency met with Pal Mai, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation for the Republic of South Sudan. Water is at the heart of climate change and COP29 will include a strong focus on the topic, including through the COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action and thematic day focused on water,” the post reads.

The COP29 Presidency met with Pal Nyoai, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation for the Republic of South Sudan. Water is at the heart of climate change and COP29 will include a strong focus on the topic, including through the COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action and… pic.twitter.com/Z11wU8zd8J

— COP29 Azerbaijan (@COP29_AZ) October 11, 2024

From 2025 to 2027, Azerbaijan aims to create an electronic atlas of water resources using geographic information systems (GIS) data. This initiative is outlined in the National Strategy on Efficient Use of Water Resources, recently approved by President Ilham Aliyev.

The strategy includes the development of a GIS model, the digitization of existing maps, and web mapping. It also plans to integrate data related to water and associated infrastructure into the GIS system. The ultimate goal is to produce a comprehensive electronic atlas that will enhance the management and utilization of the country’s water resources.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve data accessibility and facilitate more effective decision-making regarding water resource management in Azerbaijan.

By Vafa Guliyeva