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Preamble

Destroying ancient primary forests for economic gain is akin to burning the Mona Lisa to cook a meal or grinding Gobustan’s ancient rocks for cement to build a house. A prolonged occupation pushed Karabakh to the brink of ecological collapse, with swathes of territory contaminated with landmines and toxic chemicals and heavy metals leeching into water supplies.


Ultimately, however, that is not destined to be Karabakh’s narrative. Sustainability has become a byword for the post-liberation environment. Baku illustrates the region’s actual value. By tapping the region’s latent potential for renewables, Azerbaijan is emerging as a clean energy superpower.

Karabakh’s tree cover, once home to a vast range of biodiversity and botanical wonders, was subject to the unregulated exploitation of Karabakh’s forests for almost three decades. Then came The Patriotic War, and Yerevan renewed its commitment to wreaking ecocide on an already decimated landscape. On November 14, 2020, Britain’s The Guardian reported that:

Villagers outside Nagorno-Karabakh set their homes on fire Saturday… Residents of the Kalbajar district in Azerbaijan, which has been controlled by Armenian separatists (in fact, Armenian forces – author’s note) for decades, began a mass exodus this week after it was announced that Azerbaijan would regain control on Sunday… In the Kalbajar village of Charektar, on the border with the district of Martakert (Aghdere – author’s note), which will remain under Armenian control, at least six houses were on fire on Saturday morning, with thick plumes of smoke rising over the valley, according to an AFP journalist. “This is my house, I can’t leave it to the Turks,” as Azerbaijanis are often called by Armenians, one resident said as he threw burning wooden planks and rags soaked in gasoline into an empty house. Everybody is going to burn down their house today... [I]

As conflict erupted, Yerevan began laying waste to the land with ever more desperation. They reached for ecocide in a last-ditch effort to retain their grasp. Within 24 hours of hostilities taking hold across the former Line of Contact, parts of Karabakh were lit up. Considering that, it would perhaps represent a supreme irony that, almost exactly three years after an act of defiant, wanton ecocide, in December 2023, Armenia agreed not to block Azerbaijan’s candidacy to host COP29, the United Nations Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC. [II]
Indeed, part of the Azerbaijani narrative in hosting COP29 came to a backdrop of the urbicide of Aghdam, Shusha, Lachin and other cities of Karabakh.

Elsewhere came the deliberate clearance and burning of forests, pollution of waters, destruction of flora and fauna, and ruthless pursuit of profit from natural resources. Of the latter, President Ilham Aliyev noted: “Of course, the illegal exploitation of our natural resources is an undeniable fact. We have the names of the companies. If the companies that illegally exploited our gold and other deposits do not pay compensation, this issue will go to court. If they do not deliver this compensation, all the cases will go to international courts….” [III]

The issue of responsibility for Armenia’s ecocide and urbicide comes at a moment when our planet is facing unprecedented pressures through multiple crises relating to climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity and ecosystem loss and pollution. For Azerbaijan, these transgressions have served to decimate a delicate ecological balance. The illegal business and exploitation of resources, coupled with wanton destruction, has created substantial economic damage. The Armenians left behind a cornucopia of environmental issues that will endure for generations.

Azerbaijan is the 113th nation in the world by landmass. The country’s almost 10.5 million citizens represent a mere 0.13 per cent of the global population. Yet, the country punches well above its weight in economic terms, ranked 82nd in the world by GDP (nominal) according to International Monetary Fund estimates for 2024. These metrics mean that it is not a significant polluter. According to EU4Climate: ‘Azerbaijan contributes only 0.15 per cent of total global greenhouse gas’. [IV]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the Leaders’ Summit of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku. Baku, Azerbaijan. November 12, 2024.


Photo: The Azerbaijan State News Agency

Despite this, the broader dangers to the country are abundantly clear. Its physical and geographical characteristics make it highly sensitive to climate change. Extreme weather events, such as flooding, drought and heat stress, will increase. Due to its downstream location in the Kura Basin, Azerbaijan is susceptible to transboundary climate risks. Some 70 per cent of the country’s water resources flow through polluting neighbouring countries. [V]

Any adaptation action is inevitably linked to global and transboundary issues in tandem with the widespread ecocide witnessed in Karabakh. That is part of a broader picture. Accumulated and reviewed over decades, science tells us that our planet is changing in ways that will profoundly impact all humankind. Over the last year, temperatures in some areas of the ocean reached record highs, and ice in the Arctic shrank to its smallest size on record, faster than most models had predicted it would. These are facts.

Baku resolved to act now. During a June 2024 address, President Aliyev noted: “…we are trying to demonstrate maximum responsibility and, at the same time, to build bridges between different parts of the international community. One of the most important results will be putting down mutual accusations and stopping each other from blaming each other for what is happening. We need to join our efforts, put down all these claims, and concentrate on the agenda, which will help us live on this planet, not only for us but also for our children and grandchildren.” [VI]
In the context of a global race toward global sustainability, that represented a steep challenge. During an era when the nation is reshaping 20 per cent of its territory following the protracted occupation while simultaneously orchestrating the return of almost a million of its displaced, his statement was indeed resolute.

Global understanding of, and outcry over, the dire state of our climate and environment is louder than ever before — parties across the political spectrum claim to be climate leaders. Overt denial is on the way out. Yet, when it comes to slowing the course of the climate and nature crises, despite a growing number of pledges, policies and summits, change has remained frustrating and incremental. Nature is being destroyed at an unprecedented rate. We stay on course for a catastrophic warming. What is holding us back? Undeniably, a lack of clarity has shaped the slow response of our governing institutions, and the intricate connections between financial power, economic injustice, and ecological crisis have created a tragic myopic lethargy.

Baku lacked neither ambition nor self-regard, believing it could pull the rest of the world along through the power of example. Under the Paris Agreement, which Azerbaijan signed on April 22, 2016, and ratified on January 9, 2017, the country committed voluntarily to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. [VII]

In May 2023, Azerbaijan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office and other International organisations in Geneva reported that the nation’s existing target is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2050, against 1990 levels. [VIII]

Baku launched a strategic roadmap for developing the national economy and 11 key sectors, with medium and long-term goals for reforms and sustainable growth. The bold statement of intention represented by Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development aimed to mainstream environmental concerns into economic development, minimise environmental pollution and improve environmental protection, make efficient use of natural resources, utilise renewable energy sources and achieve energy efficiency. [IX]
The Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency was established in September 2020 under the Ministry of Energy. The nation backed this with a swathe of initiatives, including its far-reaching May 31, 2021, law On the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Electricity Generation. [X]

Framed within the EU4Energy programme Phase One, legislation on Rational use of energy resources and energy efficiency was followed by Azerbaijan’s National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency and a roadmap that targeted accelerated adoption of eco-design and labelling requirements for products using energy. Added to these are regulations governing technical norms and standards for energy efficiency in buildings, which align with European Union standards. Also, published in 2021, Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-economic Development framed a fifth priority as ensuring a clean environment and establishing a country at the vanguard of green growth. [XI]

Pursuing these, the nation has built strong partnerships with the European Union, its EU4Energy Initiative, and other international institutions. It supported the fight against climate change by joining the Global Methane Promise and supported the creation of the Energy Efficiency Fund. Elsewhere, according to Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, speaking during a trilateral meeting in Baku in December 2023, there are steps underway to develop the ambitious Caspian-Black Sea-Europe, Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe system. [XII]

According to figures published by Report Information Agency, this will export some 5 GW of green electricity and green gas along the Azerbaijan-Central Asia-Europe green energy corridors, transporting clean energy from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. [XIII]

President Aliyev reflected that his nation’s commitments are: “tangible… our unwavering dedication to advancing the cause of green energy.” [XIV] By 2026, Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sources will constitute 24 per cent of the installed capacity, with a more ambitious target of 30 per cent by 2030. [XV]
Ambitious plans for Karabakh’s revival provide critical impetus, energising Baku’s mandate to spearhead global efforts to deliver on climate action, green development and nature. The nation is intent on illustrating what it means to lead. It would be impractical not to recognise that humankind’s oil-based society depends on non-renewable resources. From the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the pursuit of energy has required the relentless exploration of pristine bioregions. Yet, as University of Arizona professor emeritus of natural resources and ecology and evolutionary biology Guy McPherson stated: “If you really think that the environment is less important than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money.”

Through those aforementioned initiatives, Baku is priming an energy transition driven by the country’s growing economy, increasing energy demand, and concerns about climate change. The nation is curtailing emissions, pursuing fresh options, adopting a holistic approach to energy transition, and considering technical, economic, social, and environmental factors. To understand the scope of this commitment, however, we must move beyond administrative frameworks and lofty goals and focus instead on the emerging practical steps.

Liberation presented something of a blank slate — a fresh start. Karabakh has become a laboratory for the future. It is one that President Aliyev seized upon. Washington’s Foreign Policy Magazine reported on February 27, 2024: ‘Baku has pledged to prioritise environmental and climate concerns during this process and has committed to a net zero carbon emissions target in Karabakh by 2050 when the reconstruction is expected to be completed…’ [XVI]

It seemed an extraordinary pledge amid a process where approximately one-fifth of the nation’s territory is undergoing restoration. Instead of shying away from the challenge, however, Baku viewed this as an opportunity to showcase a commitment to sustainable development and climate action, aiming to establish the region as a beacon for transition to low-carbon. “The Great Return will be green. We want to focus on the future and what we can improve,” Umayra Taghiyeva, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources, told Foreign Policy. [XVII]
Crucial decisions for the future of our planet were made at the closing plenary session of COP29. Baku, Azerbaijan.
November 23, 2024.

Photo: COP 29
Azerbaijan’s ambitious plans were outlined in its latest National Climate Action (NCA) report, submitted under the United Nations climate process. While setting zealous targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2050, compared to 1990 levels, it committed ‘…to revitalise the territories liberated from occupation’. The NCA emphasised implementing climate-smart agricultural technologies, improving land management practices and reducing Greenhouse Gas Protocol emissions from agricultural activities. This was coupled with creating protective forest belts, wide reforestation, adopting efficient irrigation techniques, and promoting organic farming. Smart Cities and Smart Villages are central to meeting demanding targets. The plan established bold energy efficiency requirements for construction, required rooftop solar systems, energy-efficient technologies, and the integration of green infrastructure — such as parks, green roofs and urban forests — along with charging stations for electric vehicles that will encourage clean transport options.
One crucial element underscoring the NCA was Baku’s Plan for the Creation of a Green Energy Zone in the Liberated Territories of Azerbaijan for 2022- 2026, a detailed strategy on energy infrastructure, renewable energy production, energy efficiency and green technologies. [XVIII]

A central component of a net zero zone is renewables. By 2030, Azerbaijan is projecting that at least 30 per cent of its energy capacity will be drawn from renewable sources, [XIX] with significant contributions from solar and wind power projects in Karabakh. At the heart of the Green Energy Zone is a solar power plant in the Jabrayil region, the continued evolution of the Khudafarin and Giz Galasi hydropower stations — together boasting a combined capacity of 140 MW — and emphasis on wind in the Lachin-Kalbajar region. These will be part of the national grid.

The vision for a net zero Karabakh is ambitious. It also comes with searing challenges and requires significant infrastructure, technology, and human resources investment. The Green Energy Zone embraces public-private partnerships and attracts investment to meet ambitious targets. According to the United States Department of State’s 2024 Investment Climate Statements, this approach provided mechanisms for renewables, including guaranteed tariffs, frameworks for foreign investment, and fertile ground for scientific research and technology.

An opportunity to forge a groundbreaking renewable energy powerhouse is apparent with a broad legal framework, liberation secured, and the embattled region being cleared of landmines and UXO. As a whole, Elnur Soltanov, Chief Executive Officer of COP29 and Deputy Minister of Energy noted that the zone presents a blueprint for future power stations. Instead of an old-fashioned 20th-century, clunky, polluting industrial-scale generating plant, this new dynamic will see solar, wind, pumped hydro and battery projects across a region collectively provide a steady supply of clean power delivered to the national grid. Soltanov portrays Azerbaijan as connecting multiple renewable energy projects and electricity storage, capitalising on economies of scale to provide cheap, reliable, and clean electricity to communities and businesses. [XX] It is the future now.
Evidence of that towering ambition is already emerging. Emin Huseynov is Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavend districts. Under his purview, for example, Fuzuli’s population is projected to reach 50,000 by 2040. “You know, there are massive plans for almost all Karabakh’s cities… I believe there is a good investment horizon for investors,” stated Huseynov. “That’s why there are jobs being created every day, even as we speak, and that, I think, gives us hope with a supply of jobs and, of course, the human capital available. We can play a coordinating role, matchmaking, identifying suitable, sustainable jobs for returning IDPs.” [XXI]

At the heart of a once decimated town, a Karabakh Revival Fund driven 22.5 hectares central park is beginning to take shape. Included within the framework of the city’s master plan are its recreation and picnic areas, sports facilities, amphitheatre, cafes, restaurants, and other facilities, which are driven in accordance with local terrain and environment. These will be powered using solar energy.
“We’re doing everything from scratch, and that offers an opportunity to do it right,” said Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts. [XXII]

Some 140 kilometres from Fuzuli, one finds Aghali, a conurbation at the vanguard of the new Smart Village concept. With hundreds of abandoned villages scattered across the region, some in very remote mountainous locations with just a few dozen former inhabitants, reconstructing each individually would be logistically and financially improbable. Instead, plans consolidate several villages into a larger conurbation. Aghali is bringing together the former villages of Ikinci Aghali and Uchuncu Aghali, along with IDPs from nearby Birinci Aghali.
Interview with Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts

An ultra-modern newly constructed secondary school. Aghali village, Zangilan district, Azerbaijan.


Photo: The Azerbaijan State News Agency

There has been a village at Aghali for time immemorial, but what we witnessed in 2024 is unlike anything seen before. From a pristine central square, spurs of turquoise roofed bungalows fan out. Each family home is topped with a bank of solar panels. A nearby, state-of-the-art hydropower plant tops up the energy they generate. By May 2024, some 860 people had been ushered back. Hundreds more are expected.

This village in southwestern Azerbaijan represents a 21st-century template, one of many towns and villages that will welcome returning IDPs by 2026. All will be underpinned by the same visionary commitment to clean energy and net zero.

From Fuzuli to Aghali, there is abundant evidence that Karabakh is emerging as a totemic example of humanity’s green trajectory. The region has become a test bed for the possibilities that lay ahead. Karabakh possesses the potential to become a superconductor. According to the Caspian News, estimates put the renewable energy potential of Azerbaijan as a whole at 37,000 MW. [XXIII]

Around a quarter of that can come from the power-packed liberated territories. To achieve this, Baku has enlisted heavy-hitting international experts, including renowned consulting firms. Soltanov noted that the nation is becoming more energy-independent, secure and resilient. He predicted that the pursuit of abundant, low-carbon energy would boost economic prosperity, attract investment and support Karabakh’s emergence as an industrial heartland, reinvigorating its employment markets. [XXIV]
Arguably, the most apparent contributor to that vision is wind power. Due to its sweeping Khazri and Gilavar, Baku is known for its harsh, windy weather. The former is a cold northern wind that sweeps off the Caspian Sea. It clashes with the latter, a warmer, gentler Zephyr. These powerful forces combine to create Baku’s moniker of ‘the windy city.’ These currents play a critical role in the energy transition of both Azerbaijan and the wider Caspian region. The World Bank’s Offshore Wind Roadmap for Azerbaijan estimated potential for 35 GW of fixed foundation wind capacity in shallow areas of the Caspian and as much as 122 GW of floating capacity in deeper waters. [XXV]

WindEurope and the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance the deployment of onshore and offshore wind energy. [XXVI] In January 2022, The National reported on a $300 million Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant, a 240 MW pilot project, in conjunction with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power.[XXVII] In June 2024, the same newspaper recorded an agreement to develop up to 10 GW with the UAE’s Masdar Renewable Energy.[XXVIII] The Emirati firm is developing solar and wind projects with a combined capacity of 4 GW in Azerbaijan, with an additional 6 GW in a second phase.

The formerly occupied territories also have enormous untapped wind potential, concentrated primarily in Kalbajar and Lachin. Those regions boast average yearly wind speeds of 10 m/s. [XXIX]

Baku’s Ministry of Energy released data indicating wind potential of 2,000 MW. [XXX] However, this story goes beyond Megawatts and Gigawatts. According to WindEurope, each new wind turbine generates an average of €13 million in economic activity.[XXXI] Building wind farms is not just good for the planet; they come with significant socio-economic benefits. With up to a million people ready to return to their homeland, good-paying jobs are required. One University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute study noted that each wind farm averages between seven and 11 employees per 100 MW of capacity across managerial positions, turbine technicians and support staff.

Every 24 hours, enough sunlight touches the Earth to provide energy for the entire planet for 24 years. Just as Karabakh can be windswept, it is also bathed in an extraordinary number of sunshine hours. According to the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation, its solar potential is between 3,000 and 4,000 MW.[XXXII]
Global capacity doubled in a mere three years from 2018, bringing the world’s solar fleet to one terawatt by April 2022. The South Caucasus is not as sun-baked Africa or as the sun-drenched Middle East, but Karabakh possesses enormous photovoltaic potential. Across Karabakh, solar radiation per square metre of horizontal surface is estimated to be between 1,600 and 1,700 KW per hour per year. [XXXIII] The Eastern Zangazur Economic Region — encompassing Kalbajar, Lachin, Gubadli, Zangilan and Jabrayil — offers an intriguing insight into a brighter future. In February 2024, BP announced Project Sunrise, Azerbaijan. Within this, Lightsource BP highlighted plans to develop the $200 million, 288 MW Shafag solar power plant in Jabrayil.[XXXIV] In tandem with that, Caliber reported that Nobel Energy had launched plans for a $117.6 million, 100 MW solar array in Jabrayil.[XXXV]

Again, one can measure this shift to renewable energy production, but one can also view these in terms of socioeconomic potential, especially through employment. Freeing Energy published figures showed that commercial solar installations generate around 19.1 jobs per megawatt, based on data produced by the United States Solar Foundation National Solar Job Census. Karabakh’s focus on solar energy will cut energy bills, create good-paying jobs, advance environmental justice, support conservation, and raise climate resilience. A generation ago, Karabakh’s economy was dominated by agriculture and light industry. Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communications, noted that we are in a very different world. Younger returnees can look forward to becoming part of a dynamic new economy, many were employed within a clean energy workforce that was unthinkable for their parents and grandparents. [XXXVI]

Of all Karabakh’s renewables potential, none is primed to play a more significant role than hydropower. Hydropower is by far the largest renewable worldwide, producing over twice as much energy as wind and over four times as much as solar.
Interview with Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Soltanov observed that 25 per cent of Azerbaijan’s freshwater sources are in Karabakh. Some 2.56 billion cubic metres of water are generated annually along water bodies like the Tartar, Bazarchay and Hakari.[XXXVII] During the occupation, some 36 hydropower plants allowed the territory to meet electricity demand. It was one of the few areas where the illegitimate so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic did not depend on Yerevan to prop it up.

Liberation has literally opened the floodgates to a swathe of fresh investment. Between 2021 and 2023, hydro facilities with 170 MW capacity were constructed across Karabakh and East Zangazur.[XXXVIII] By the end of 2024, these will generate 270 MW, with capacity expected to surge to 500 MW over the ensuing years.
In April 2023, News.az reported that Soltanov had announced plans for 60 new hydroelectric projects. [XXXIX]

That enhances the nation’s position as an emerging green energy power. Along with geothermal, primarily in Kalbajar, and SOCAR and Masdar entering into a partnership on green hydrogen projects in the territory, the future is indeed bright. Azerbaijan’s overarching vision involves generating approximately 19 GW by 2037. [XL]

That is aligned with a commitment to see Karabakh become a hub for green growth.Some seven centuries ago, Venetian merchant, explorer and writer Marco Polo travelled through Asia along the Silk Road. In Baku, he marvelled over a spring from which gushes a stream of oil in such abundance that a hundred ships may load there at once.

Azerbaijan was the birthplace of the modern oil industry. Feeding energy-hungry consumers across the world continues to be important. Yet, there is an increasing inevitability that oil and gas will be superseded. When fully exploited, Karabakh will serve as a giant battery. With Azerbaijan’s existing network of high-voltage power lines linked to neighbouring countries — Türkiye, Russia, Iran and Georgia — the potential for green energy export is palpable. Including the Jabrayil Energy Junction Project, connecting Nakhchivan to the national grid, Azerbaijan will be a significant element in the Caspian-Black Sea-European Union Green Energy Corridor.

Baku has signed a memorandum of understanding with Georgia, Romania and Hungary that will forge a 1,100-kilometre, 1 GW subsea cable under the Black Sea. [XLI] The European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, stated that the European Union will allocate €2.3 billion to the Black Sea submarine electricity cable between Georgia and the European Union.[XLII]

In December 2023, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) announced the creation of a division named SOCAR Green. [XLIII] It will nurture large-scale investments into solar and wind, green hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage. SOCAR Green will manage a pipeline of projects already underway, especially in Karabakh. Azerbaijan has emerged as a reliable, long-term energy partner for the European Union and other leading importers. Against a background of revolutionary changes, the growth of a vibrant green economy across Karabakh, East Zangazur and Nakhchivan holds the potential to accelerate the global transition that we all need.

The planet’s safety is now widely recognised as being among the core supranational values that must be protected. Azerbaijan has been a victim of heinous urbicide and ecocide but has refused to cast itself as a victim. Rising above the healing process, the South Caucasus nation is recasting itself as a beacon of 21st-century progress. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly’s Sustainability Week in New York in April 2024, Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov observed that there is no misnomer in Azerbaijan’s status as a reliable oil and gas supplier while concurrently leading global initiatives that accelerate the transition. [XLIV]

He made note that Baku is currently working with a smörgåsbord of energy companies on 28 GW of green energy, hydrogen and green ammonia projects. President Aliyev’s shrewd effort to transform Karabakh, Eastern Zangazur and Nakhchivan into a Green Energy Zone underscores a vital transfiguration. In forging a modern economic strategy that places the nation on course towards green energy independence, bolstering its energy mix, putting science and innovation at the heart of plans to grow and decarbonise and accentuate strengths in the fight against climate change, Azerbaijan is reaching for the future. That vision could not come at a more vital moment.

In August 2024, an article in New Scientist warned that: ‘For the first time, climate scientists have explicitly said it will be impossible to limit peak warming to 1.5°C. Now our focus should be on taking action, not meaningless platitudes and slogans’.[XLV] At a deeply challenging time for the world – amid a series of interlocking crises spanning conflict, climate, poverty, debt and a biodiversity crisis – Azerbaijan has recognised it has within its remit both an opportunity and an important obligation to lead through example.
THE RESILIENT BEAUTY

Even in the face of war, occupation, and decades of relentless exploitation, the land of Karabakh stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature. Wounded but not defeated, its mountains, rivers, and forests have shown a remarkable ability to heal.

Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable development extends beyond renewable energy, to the restoration of its natural landscapes and water resources. Just as solar, hydro and wind projects are shaping Karabakh’s energy future, efforts to rehabilitate its rivers, forests, and reservoirs are ensuring ecological balance and sustainability. Now, with Azerbaijan taking decisive steps to restore and protect its natural environment, the revival of Karabakh’s breathtaking landscapes is well underway.

For three decades, uncontrolled deforestation, illegal mining, and environmental neglect left deep scars on this once-pristine land. Rivers were polluted, forests stripped bare, and fragile ecosystems disrupted by reckless exploitation.

Yet, when the occupation ended, Azerbaijan halted the destructive exploitation and launched extensive efforts to rehabilitate the land. Reforestation projects, stricter environmental protections, and the restoration of water sources have begun reversing the damage, allowing Karabakh’s flora and fauna to flourish once again.

Lachin, with its rolling hills and dense forests, once suffered from rampant illegal logging. Now, conservation efforts are in place to protect its woodlands, and biodiversity is gradually returning. As a green gateway to Karabakh, it offers panoramic views that stretch across untouched landscapes, symbolising resilience and renewal.

Kalbajar, known for its majestic mountains rich in gold, bore the brunt of unregulated mining, which ravaged its lands and poisoned its waters. Today, however, the region’s famous Isti Su hot springs, long celebrated for their healing properties, remain a sanctuary of solace and rejuvenation. With sustainable resource management and ecological restoration efforts underway, Kalbajar’s rugged beauty is reclaiming its former splendour.

Shusha, perched high on its imposing cliffs, is not only the cultural heart of Karabakh but also a guardian of its natural heritage. Often referred to as the “conservatory of the Caucasus,” this city, long celebrated for its rich musical traditions, is witnessing a resurgence of flora and fauna along its ancient fortifications. Its breathtaking landscapes, once threatened by neglect, are now being preserved, ensuring that its harmony with nature endures for generations to come.

Gubadli, with its ancient sculptures and fertile lands, is a cradle of civilisation where history and nature intertwine. Decades of exploitation left its forests diminished and its biodiversity at risk. Yet, with the return of careful stewardship, life is beginning to thrive again. The remnants of past cultures, embedded in the earth, now stand alongside a landscape that is gradually being revived, reminding us that nature and heritage are inseparable.

Each district of Karabakh - from the serene valleys of Zangilan and the fertile plains of Fuzuli to the historic ruins of Aghdam - contributes to a grand mosaic. These regions, once scarred by destruction, are now symbols of renewal. The rivers that were polluted by industrial waste now run clearer, supporting the return of wildlife. The vast pastures, once depleted, are regaining their lush greenery. The ancient forests, though wounded, are beginning to recover.

Karabakh’s beauty is more than just a spectacle—it is a story of endurance, restoration, and revival. The scars of conflict remain, but they are now overshadowed by the vibrant resurgence of life. This land, once stripped of its natural endowment, is healing, proving that with dedication and care, nature can rise again.

This remarkable transformation is not just a local victory; it is a global testament to the power of conservation, the importance of sustainable stewardship, and the unbreakable bond between people and their natural environment.

The rebirth of Karabakh’s natural splendor is a reminder that even in the face of devastation, the earth has the capacity to heal—if given the chance.

Photo: Lyokin Photography

Rising above the clouds, a misty mountain in the Lachin District dominated by lush pastures where livestock graze peacefully. This breathtaking landscape reflects the harmony of nature and rural life in Karabakh.


Photo: Lyokin Photography

Slender trees rise from glistening waters in the Lachin district, forming a mesmerising collage that captures the tranquil and untouched beauty of Karabakh’s natural bounty.


Photo: Lyokin Photography

The Sarsang Water Reservoir, nestled among lush vegetation and majestic mountains, embodies the tranquil beauty and natural bounty of the region.


Photo: Lyokin Photography

A graceful white heron stands tall amid the lush greenery of Fuzuli district, symbolising the once vital biodiversity of Karabakh, which is now slowly returning following liberation. Photo: Lyokin Photography
A migratory red-backed shrike perched delicately on a stem in Lachin district, its shrill cry can be heard in Azerbaijan each summer when it returns to breed. Photo: Lyokin Photography
These Egyptian vultures, an endangered species listed in Azerbaijan’s Red Book, stand proudly on Lachin’s landscape, symbolising revival of Karabakh’s biodiversity and the region’s wider ecological significance. Photo: Lyokin Photography
A serene river winds through the lush valleys of the Kalbajar mountains, framed by steep hills and plush vegetation, encapsulating the pristine beauty and tranquility of Karabakh.

Photo: Lyokin Photography

Built in 1976, the Sugovushan reservoir was under occupation for 28 years, causing severe water shortages and environmental damage. Its liberation restored irrigation to 96,217 hectares of farmland in seven districts, improving agriculture and ecology. Renovated in 2023, it now ensures a stable water supply and regional sustainability.


Photo: The Azerbaijan State News Agency

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“Energy Minister: Azerbaijan Plans to Create About 19 GW of Power with International Energy Companies.” AzerNews website, December 5, 2023.
“Azerbaijan Plans to Export 5 Gigawatts of Clean Electricity to Europe Annually.” Report.az website.
“Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the Meeting Regarding Hosting of COP29 in Azerbaijan Next Year.” President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Official Website, December 15, 2023.
“Advancing Environmental Sustainability and Green Development in Azerbaijan.” AzerNews website, June 6, 2024.
“The Land That Was Once Nagorno-Karabakh.” Foreign Policy Magazine website, February 27, 2024.
Ibid.
“The Use of Renewable Energy Resources in Azerbaijan.” Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan website, March 6, 2024.
“Azerbaijan Launches First Renewables Auction.” European Bank for Reconstruction and Development website, April 23, 2024.
“Interview with Elnur Soltanov.” Interview by Graeme Wilson. Baku, Azerbaijan, February 13, 2024.
“Interview with Emin Huseynov.” Interview by Graeme Wilson. Baku, Azerbaijan, February 15, 2024.
“Interview with Vahid Hajiyev.” Interview by Graeme Wilson. Baku, Azerbaijan, February 19, 2024.
“Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Sign MoU to Merge Energy Systems.” Caspian News website, May 4, 2024.
“Interview with Elnur Soltanov.” Interview by Graeme Wilson. Baku, Azerbaijan, February 13, 2024.
“Offshore Wind Development Programme, Offshore Wind Roadmap for Azerbaijan.” World Bank Group, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank website, June 2022, p. XII.
“WindEurope and Azerbaijan Join Forces to Accelerate Wind Energy.” WindEurope website, March 4, 2024.
“Acwa Power Signs Deal to Develop $300m Wind Plant in Azerbaijan.” The National website, December 30, 2020.
“Masdar Explores Using Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor for Hydrogen Exports.” The National website, June 5, 2024.
“Ministry of Energy Releases Information About Energy Potential of Nagorno-Karabakh and Surrounding Regions.” Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan website, November 2, 2020.
“Renewable Energy Potential of the Liberated Territories.”Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan website.
“WindEurope and Azerbaijan Join Forces to Accelerate Wind Energy.” WindEurope website, March 4, 2024.
“Azerbaijan Strengthening Its Position in Europe’s Green Energy Market.” The Jamestown Foundation website, March 21, 2023.
“Azerbaijan’s Karabakh Region to ‘Go Green’.” Caspian News website, May 19, 2022.
“BP Announces Construction of Shafag Solar Power Plant.” AzerNews website, February 20, 2024.
“Azerbaijan Moves Toward Green Energy with Solar Plant in Jabrayil District.” Caliber.az website.
“Interview with Vusal Gasimli.” Interview by Graeme Wilson. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 24, 2024.
“Socio-Economic Development of Newly Liberated Areas of Karabakh.” Azertac website, November 11, 2021.
“Overall Capacity of Hydroelectric Power Plants in Azerbaijani Territories Liberated from Armenian Occupation to Reach 500 MW - President Ilham Aliyev.” Trend News Agency website, November 9, 2023.
“Largest Solar Power Plant in the Region - Garadagh Solar Power Plant.” News.az website, October 21, 2023.
“Energy Minister: Azerbaijan Plans to Create About 19 GW of Power with International Energy Companies.” AzerNews website, December 5, 2023.
“Georgia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Romania Sign Agreement on Black Sea Electricity Cable.” Civil Georgia website, December 17, 2022.
Ibid.
“Azerbaijan Establishes SOCAR Green LLC.” Trend News Agency website, December 28, 2023.
“Statement by H.E. Mr. Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, at the Sustainability Week of the United Nations General Assembly.” Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan website, April 19, 2024.
“The 1.5°C Target Is Dead, but Climate Action Needn’t Be.” New Scientist website, August 31, 2024.