The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, is hosting the eleventh day of the Conference of the Parties (COP29), which is filled with various climate-related events.
Blue Zone Events
The Blue Zone will launch its activities for the eleventh day of COP29, with a high-level roundtable on water for climate, which addresses the integration of water solutions into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Action Plans.
The Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action, which aims to stimulate action and accelerate the implementation of effective water management policies to support global efforts in mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts, will launch at the table the COP presidency has organized.
Indigenous Peoples and Caucasus Resilience
The COP29 presidency, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, will also organize a high-level roundtable on the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities, which lies at the heart of the relationship between climate and nature. The roundtable will emphasize the vital importance of indigenous peoples in protecting vital ecosystems and safeguarding land security.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, In collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, will review national adaptation plans for the resilience of the Caucasus Mountains and beyond in a discussion session.
Climate and Biodiversity
Meanwhile, the presidency of the Conference of the Parties will organize a high-level event on gender equality in climate transparency.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan will organize a discussion session titled "The Relationship Between Climate and Biodiversity: Integrated Solutions for a Sustainable Future."
"Celebrating the Lifeblood of Water for Climate, Nature, and People," a high-level event that the COP29 presidency will launch, will serve as a platform for cooperation among parties to enhance continuity and coherence regarding water and its interaction with climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and desertification, and to address the necessary actions at the international, regional, and river basin levels.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan will organize a session titled "Effective Management of Plastic Waste: Understanding Challenges and Discovering Opportunities."
For the Forests
In partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the United Nations Environment Programme, the COP29 presidency will organize a high-level event on forests for climate, nature, and people, titled "Harnessing Climate Finance for Forests."
The COP29 presidency will also organize a roundtable for world leaders titled "Aligning Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation to Achieve a Nature-positive Future and the Goals of the Paris Agreement."
Green Zone Events
The Green Zone inaugurates the eleventh day of the COP29 by organizing, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a ceremony to announce the first renewable energy auction in Azerbaijan for the Gobustan 100 MW photovoltaic solar power project.
Over-consumption
Regarding the integration of economic tools into climate action plans, the Green Zone will host a session titled “From Consumerism to Circularity: Addressing Overconsumption through Resource Efficiency and Climate Action.”
Soil Health
In another discussion session titled "Soil Health," the Green Zone will shed light on the significant impact of climate change on soil health, which is a vital component of the Earth's ecosystems.
This session will address strategies for enhancing healthy soils to bridge productivity gaps worldwide and support restoration efforts, thereby advancing many sustainable development goals, particularly in the cotton industry.
Therefore, it is essential to mitigate risks, provide appropriate incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices, and offer additional ecosystem services. The deterioration of soil quality threatens food security, biodiversity, ecosystems, and the planet's ability to sequester carbon.
Youth Empowerment Initiative
The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Azerbaijan will initiate the "Youth Empowerment Alliance for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)" initiative in six regions: the Middle East and Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Asia and the Pacific, with a focus on solidarity and regional climate strategies.
The Green Zone will witness an important event to bridge religions and amplify the voices of youth for climate action.
Small Island Nations
"Ecosystems and Communities in Small Island Developing States Amid Climate Change" is the title of a session that the Azerbaijani company organizing the COP29 will hold to explore the challenges small island developing states face as they confront the escalating impacts of climate change.
The session will explore how the degradation of natural ecosystems—such as coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal wetlands—threatens biodiversity and the livelihoods of island communities.
