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Azerbaijan reaffirms commitment to Rio Trio initiative for Global Sustainability
Reuters
Azerbaijan is steadfast in its efforts to transform the vision of the Rio Trio Initiative into concrete achievements, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev stated at the High-Level Opening of "From Riyadh to Belem: The Rio Trio Initiative for Public-Private Action," held during UNCCD COP16.
The Rio Trio Initiative is a groundbreaking partnership uniting Azerbaijan, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia to advance global sustainability. This collaboration aims to align the presidencies of three major UN conventions: Azerbaijan with the UN Convention on Climate Change, Colombia with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and Saudi Arabia with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
“These interconnected challenges demand integrated responses,” Babayev emphasized. “The Rio Trio Initiative exemplifies our commitment to harmonized strategies that maximize impact. Azerbaijan is prioritizing nature-based solutions, such as establishing the first marine protected area in the Caspian Sea to safeguard critical ecosystems.”
Focus on Water as a Climate Solution
Babayev highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts under its COP29 presidency, which have centered on integrated approaches to climate action. He underscored water as a critical nexus linking climate, biodiversity, and desertification crises.
“Water is at the core of addressing land degradation and desertification,” he said. “The declining Caspian Sea levels illustrate the urgency for sustainable water management. Under the COP29 presidency, the adoption of the Baku Declaration on Water for Climate Action was a landmark achievement. Endorsed by nearly 50 countries and non-state actors, it commits signatories to integrate water-related measures into national climate policies.”
Enhancing Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing
Babayev called for leveraging harmonized data, knowledge-sharing platforms, and indigenous wisdom to develop effective strategies. “Combining indices, maps, and national biodiversity strategies will improve accountability and streamline policy outcomes,” he noted.
He urged international cooperation to promote sustainable land use practices, increase water efficiency through nature-based solutions, and scale up restoration efforts to combat land degradation.
“Azerbaijan remains committed to turning the Rio Trio Initiative into actionable results that benefit both people and the planet,” Babayev concluded.
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