15:39 - 2.09.2025

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September 2, Fineko/abc.az. Azerbaijan’s underground freshwater reserves have fallen from approximately 10 billion cubic meters to 8 billion, Rafig Verdiyev, Head of Department at the State Water Use and Protection Control Service (SIMDNX), said during the panel discussion “Water Security in the Context of Climate Change” held as part of the closing ceremony of the UN Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change “LCOY Azerbaijan 2025.”

According to ABC.AC, he noted that Azerbaijan’s current underground freshwater reserves stand at 8.4 billion cubic meters: “Thus, the country’s renewable freshwater reserves amount to 26.2 billion cubic meters. However, 25% of water from natural sources is being lost.”

Verdiyev also emphasized that over the past 34 years, inflows through Azerbaijan’s main water artery, the Kur River, have decreased by 9%.