17:09 - 1.10.2025

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October 1, Fineko/abc.az. Azerbaijan is facing severe water shortages, with about 70% of country's water resources coming from transboundary sources, making it particularly vulnerable to climate change and dependent on cooperation with neighboring states.

ABC.AZ reports that World Bank's country manager for Azerbaijan, Stephanie Stalmeister, stated about this on the third day of the Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW2025).

She added that global climate challenges require a multilateral approach, and both regional cooperation and internal reforms in water resources management are vital for Azerbaijan.

"Given that 70% of the water comes from transboundary sources, the country depends on the water resources of other states, which makes regional cooperation important," Stalmeister said.

She stressed that Azerbaijan is modernizing irrigation systems and developing climate-resilient agriculture in order to use water efficiently. But more needs to be done - to introduce drought- and salt-tolerant plant varieties, to make more active use of new technologies, and to expand international cooperation.

"Organizations such as the WB or the ADB can help in sharing knowledge and establishing partnerships," Stalmeister noted.