Baku:Azerbaijan is set to develop a National Action Plan for the years 2028 to 2035 aimed at combating air pollution. President Ilham Aliyev has issued an order to this effect, tasking the State Commission on Climate Change and Atmospheric Air Protection with drafting the plan.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the commission, established by a presidential order in 1997, is required to prepare and present the draft plan to the President by November 1, 2027. The plan aims to implement systematic and coordinated measures to prevent atmospheric air pollution and improve air quality.

The drafting process will incorporate priorities from the "Azerbaijan 2030 National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development," align with the Paris Agreement, and consider outcomes from COP29, among other frameworks. It will address the current state of air quality, sources of pollution, and the impacts on human health and the environment. Enhanced monitoring systems and mechanisms for inventorying harmful emissions will be part of the strategy.

Additionally, the plan will explore reducing emissions across key economic sectors, improving environmental standards, and integrating advanced technologies and digital monitoring. Consideration of air quality in urban planning, zoning based on pollution levels, and creating additional action plans for highly polluted areas will also be included.

The use of economic incentives, green financing, and public-private partnerships will be considered, alongside expanding public access to air quality information. The draft will also assess the involvement of international organizations and local expertise to utilize advanced international practices in tackling air pollution.

The Cabinet of Ministers is tasked with addressing issues arising from the order.