A workshop on the topic “The Impact of Climate Change on the Caucasus Region” was held at the Faculty of Biology
On February 17, 2026, an international scientific workshop titled “The Impact of Climate Change on the Caucasus Region” was held at the Baku State University, organized by the Faculty of Biology and the Department of Botany and Plant Physiology. The event was moderated by Professor Elshad Gurbanov, Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
The aim of the workshop was to provide a scientifically grounded analysis of the impacts of climate change on the ecosystems, biodiversity, water regime, and agriculture of the Caucasus region, to assess existing risks, and to discuss adaptation approaches within the framework of regional cooperation.
The keynote speaker was Prof. Dr. Aydin Tufakchioglu from the Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Engineering, Division of Soil Science and Ecology at Artvin Choruh University. His presentation included scientific and statistical data on rising temperatures in recent decades, changes in precipitation patterns, reduction of glacier areas, shortening of snow cover duration, altitudinal shifts in alpine and subalpine ecosystems, and emerging risks to biodiversity. The impact of these processes on river system dynamics and water resource distribution was also emphasized.
Among the participants were Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yavuz, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry; Prof. Dr. Ali Kolomuch, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Professors H. Ahmet Yolashigmaz, Sinan Guner, and Mustafa Tufakchioglu; Coordinator for International Relations Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Gultakin; Research Assistant Oguzhan Bilgili; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kuchuk; and other scholars from Artvin Choruh University.
The workshop also featured speeches and discussions by Professor Afat Mammadova, Dean of the Faculty of Biology at Baku State University; Academician Tariyel Talibov; Corresponding Member of ANAS, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor Vagif Novruzov; and other scientists, who expanded on the topic through questions and in-depth discussions.
International and local research institutions were represented at the event. Scholars and researchers from Andijan State University (Faculty of Ecology and Botany), the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, the Institute of Botany of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan State University, Ganja State University, Azerbaijan State Agrarian University, the Dendrology Garden, Karabakh University, and Baku Engineering University participated in the workshop.
Scientific discussions addressed the impact of climate change on water regimes, declining water resources, risks to agricultural productivity, intensification of extreme weather events, increased frequency of floods and landslides, and biodiversity conservation challenges. Recommendations were put forward regarding integrated water resource management, restoration of river ecosystems, protection of mountain landscapes and endemic species, implementation of early warning systems, and development of climate-resilient agricultural technologies.
In conclusion, considering the significance of the Caucasus region in terms of biodiversity, the importance of strengthening measures against climate risks, expanding multidisciplinary scientific approaches, enhancing international academic cooperation, and promoting the practical application of scientific results was emphasized.
