The FLEG II Program made its final appearance during the 7th Azerbaijan International Environmental Exhibition Caspian Ecology (AIEECE) held on November 16-18 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Among numerous participants, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR) Huseyn Baghirov and head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Malena Mard stopped by to praise the Program’s achievements.

“The EU-funded FLEG II has had a tremendous impact on the promotion of sustainable forest practices in Azerbaijan,” said Mrs. Mard.

“FLEG II made a real difference in many instances. It took the development of forestry education and public perception on forestry issues to a new level”, added Mr. Baghirov. “We see FLEG II Team in Azerbaijan as a vital partner in the promotion of sustainable forest practices, raising public awareness, supporting important legislative reforms and other activities. FLEG II activities became an integral part of forestry activities in our country and we want to see their continuation in the future”.

The information about the Program has been also available at the stand of EU , which was making its first appearance at the exhibition. The visitors were able to get a glimpse of EU-backed environmental projects in the country in the special brochure developed with the support of FLEG II Azerbaijan. As during previous years the participants favored Program’s signature publications, and our consultants discussed crucial moments of FLEG II journey in Azerbaijan with the leading forestry, educational and other experts, and international organizations. “We feel responsible for the future of our country and preservation of the nation’s natural resources. The sustainable management of its forest resources is the key to ensuring the sustainable development of Azerbaijan,” said Ayla Aliyeva, leader of the young foresters’ group in the secondary school #3 in Gakh district, Azerbaijan. The ever-growing movement, its activities and perspectives were among the top issues promoted by the FLEG II Azerbaijan during the exhibition.

Organized by the Caspian Event Organizers (CEO), AIEECE is the major environmental event in the Caspian and Caucasus region and is supported by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Public Association IDEA (International dialogue in the name of environmental protection). Alongside local governmental agencies, the exhibition featured 61 companies from 14 countries including Azerbaijan, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, and others. AIEECE demonstrates developments in the field of efficient use of natural resources, the system for the collection and disposal of solid waste, systems for sewage and rainwater treatment, micro-tunnelling, measuring and control technologies for water analysis and many others.