IOM launches integrated rural development project for IDP communities in Azerbaijan

The four-year project aims to provide safe and consistent water supplies for over 8,000 families in eight districts through the renovation of 40 kahrizes, a traditional, sustainable water supply system. Building upon IOM’s successful past experiences and unique expertise, the project’s activities will not be limited to the rehabilitation of kahrizes only, but will also support the Government of Azerbaijan to establish a national master plan for kahriz revitalization; strengthen the local capacity of kahriz engineers and kankans (kahriz technicians); and support IDPs’, especially women IDPs’, small business start-ups through assistance to the creation of micro and small enterprises. IOM’s intervention strategy will put women at the centre of the project’s focus as primary beneficiaries and thus managers of water supplies.

“While the environment has always played an impact on people’s mobility and where populations concentrate, we are only now beginning to better understand the complex relationship that exists between the environment, climate change, and migration. As a pioneer of kahriz rehabilitation in Azerbaijan, we are thrilled to be able to continue our work in this field and to benefit thousands of rural families across Azerbaijan,” said Serhan Aktoprak, Chief of IOM Mission in Azerbaijan.

Kumok Park, Country Director of KOICA Azerbaijan, said: “People should be the centre of our development work. Economic and social progress should be achieved for the prosperity of humanity. Peace should be in place and sustained in pursuing this prosperity. Kahriz project is perfectly in line with the KOICA’s 3P (People, Prosperity and Peace) philosophies and I am pleased that KOICA could support this project, working together with IOM.”

This project will also contribute to Azerbaijan’s efforts to follow through on the principles of the upcoming Global Compact on Migration (GCM) and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through:

• Provision of water for domestic and agricultural needs which has a direct impact on poverty reduction and food security – SDG 1.
• Empowering and involving women in the decision-making process, increasing their role in the community regarding leadership – SDG 5.
• Rehabilitation of eco-friendly and sustainable water supply systems, kahrizes and enhanced access to safe drinking water – SDG 6.

For more information, please contact Hwahyun Kim at IOM Azerbaijan, Tel: +994 (0)12 465 9071 (ext. 28), Email: hwakim@iom.int