Unveiling Environmental Changes in Liberated Territories of Azerbaijan
The Ecology Institute of the National Aerospace Agency, a branch of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense Industry, has been conducting research on environmental issues in areas recently liberated from occupation. Bahram Aliyev, the director of the Institute, revealed that satellite data was utilized to create detailed maps reflecting changes in vegetation cover.
One striking revelation was the significant decrease in vegetation cover in Fuzuli district, from 12,454 hectares in 1989 to 8,644 hectares in 2021, signifying a loss of 3,800 hectares during the occupation period. Aghdam district also experienced a similar decline, with vegetation cover decreasing from 115,000 hectares in 1989 to 12,110 hectares in 2021.
These findings highlight the detrimental impact of the previous occupation on the environment in these territories. The ongoing research aims to raise awareness about environmental degradation and lay the groundwork for conservation efforts in the region.