Speech by UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva at the “Kahrizes as a source of water and life" Photo Exhibition and Conference

Mr Moon Jong Hyun, Country Director, International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Azerbaijan, 

Mr Vladimir Gjorgjiev IOM Azerbaijan Chief of Mission,

Excellencies and colleagues, 

It is a great pleasure for me today, to join you at the Photo Exhibition and Conference “Kahrizes as a source of water and life “.

Back in 1998, IOM has started with a very unique project – rehabilitation of traditional, water supply system, Kahriz- to provide safe and consistent water supply for people . Since then, IOM has rehabilitated 166 kahrizes in different regions of Azerbaijan. 

Building on lessons learnt and unique expertise, the mission currently is implementing four-year project, with financial support from KOICA , and continues to rehabilitates Kahrizes throughout Azerbaijan, but now with  new innovative technological method. The rehabilitation is done with involvement of the larger community, with specific attention being given to addressing gender, governance, and environmental sustainability issues . 

This project contributes to Azerbaijan’s efforts to fulfill three Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): 

SDG 1 - the provision of water for domestic and agricultural needs which has a direct impact on poverty reduction and food security, 

SDG 5 - empowering and involving women into decision making process, increasing their role in the community in terms of leadership, and 

SDG 6 - the rehabilitation of eco-friendly and sustainable water supply systems, kahrizes and enhanced access to safe drinking water.

A testament to the excellent work done through this joint partnership of IOM with the Government and KOICA , is the recently  won  Global Energy Award 2021.

This project and the application of new innovative technology in rehabilitation of Kahrizes  has been chosen among 2500 projects, from 180 countries, as the winner in the Category of Water. 

Dear colleagues, 

To build on this success, there are few important steps that need to be undertaken to ensure sustainable access to water .

First- Nacional strategy for water management in Azerbaijan needs to include Kahrizes as a priority in ensuring access to sustainable and  environmental friendly water; 

Second - There is a need for legalization of the Kahrizes , and a clear strategy on their management with assigned roles and responsibilities; 

Third -  Kahrizes can serve as one of the primary sources for water in newly returned territories,  before 1st war there were 330 Kahrizes that were in function;

Fourth - Government needs to take the ownership of preserving and maintaining this water structures by creating coordination body that will manage all water resources in Azerbaijan, including Kahrizes. 

Thank you.