Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites | 2026
Authors: İsmayilov R.; Bayramov E.; Neafie J.; Aliyeva S.
DOI: 10.30892/gtg.65235-1740
Journal: Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
Year: 2026
Publisher: Editura Universitatii din Oradea
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
The article outlines key priorities for ensuring water security in Azerbaijan, emphasizing a fair, balanced approach to managing water, land, and related resources. The main goal of the study is to identify and evaluate key priorities for enhancing water security in Azerbaijan, particularly in the face of increasing climate change impacts. The objective is to promote a sustainable, ecosystem-conscious water management approach that ensures reliable access to clean water for current and future generations while preserving river basin ecosystems. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Azerbaijan focuses on the coordinated use of water, land, and related resources to ensure sustainable development and environmental protection. It emphasizes cross-sectoral integration and stakeholder participation, particularly in managing transboundary water resources. The article applies the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as the central framework for analysis. This involves evaluating water usage trends, resource availability, and environmental impacts through a coordinated, multisectoral lens. Key areas of focus include the effects of climate change on water sources, particularly surface water reductions and the growing dependence on groundwater. The study also reviews adaptation strategies, such as improving infrastructure, modernizing irrigation systems, promoting alternative water sources (treated wastewater and harvesting rainwater), and reducing inefficiencies through technology and governance reforms. The study identifies significant climate-induced risks to Azerbaijan’s water security, including declining surface water availability caused by altered precipitation patterns, reduced snowmelt, and prolonged droughts. These changes have led to increased reliance on groundwater, raising concerns about aquifer depletion, water quality degradation, and ecosystem harm. The analysis underscores the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management. It also reveals that current water infrastructure and usage practices are inefficient and poorly adapted to emerging climate challenges. By emphasizing IWRM, the article recommends actionable priorities such as strengthening institutional coordination, implementing climate-resilient infrastructure projects, and promoting the use of alternative water sources. Modernizing irrigation and expanding water-saving technologies are highlighted as practical steps to reduce water loss and enhance resilience. The findings point to the necessity of integrating environmental protection with long-term strategic planning to ensure water availability and ecological sustainability. Ultimately, the study concludes that Azerbaijan can secure its water future by adopting adaptive, integrated policies that align with environmental and climate resilience goals. © 2026 by the authors.
drinking water supply; irrigation; sustainable development; water scarcity