Baku: Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union, spoke with Euronews about the organization's commitment to addressing environmental challenges in Azerbaijan and beyond. The IDEA Public Union was established to tackle pressing environmental issues, including climate change and biodiversity conservation.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Euronews featured a reportage on IDEA's activities, highlighting the organization's comprehensive approach to environmental and ecological issues. Leyla Aliyeva emphasized that ecology extends beyond conservation efforts and involves lifestyle changes and cultural impacts on the environment. She noted Azerbaijan's achievements in expanding national parks and announced the planned opening of the Garabagh National Park, which will increase the country's protected areas to approximately 30% of its territory.

Aliyeva expressed concern over the Caspian Sea's declining water levels and pollution, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to preserve the sea as a shared resource. She underscored the need for action over discussion, encouraging individuals to make a difference through positive efforts.

In the reportage, Arzu Babayeva from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources stated the urgency of addressing global environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss and climate change. Babayeva highlighted the historical expansion of protected areas in Azerbaijan, which now includes 12 national parks and numerous reserves and sanctuaries.

The role of local organizations like IDEA in supporting government efforts was emphasized, particularly in projects such as the reintroduction of bison to Azerbaijan and the conservation of the Caspian Sea. Elshad Asgarov of WWF Azerbaijan discussed the successful reintroduction of Caucasian bison, while Elnur Safarov of CASPISNET outlined initiatives to tackle microplastic pollution in the Caspian Sea.

The news story concluded by noting that these environmental challenges raise broader issues of international partnership and responsibility, with implications for the planet's future.