the long-term use of space through which exposure to natural hazards and human-induced threats
can be minimized (Sutanta
et al. 2010). The methods to meet the presented challenges are the
historical analysis, observation, and field investigation.
Results
The above described problematic raises the multifunctional urban space
development for improving
the resilience and reducing the risks. Today, the design and/or retrofitting of urban spaces should
have multiple functions compared to previous practices. For example, the site can be dedicated to
the public as leisure space (for walking and cycling) – in case of low level of water and it can be
flooded – in case of high level of water.
The designed urban spaces should also contribute to promote the biodiversity and the natural
environment. Yet relatively few cities have full inventories of their biological
diversity or of the
precise distribution of that diversity and as mentioned by Given (2000, p. 22) “
the biological diversity
is a global, regional and urban matter of importance”.
The biodiversity is a very important issue also for resilience and the loss of biodiversity provides one
of the greatest challenges currently faced by the world community (Given, 1998). It improves the
quality of the ecosystem, gives life to the city and plays important role in environmental and human
safety. All this posits a mandatory interpectoral exchange of data and information towards informed
strategies of development.
Discussion
There are coastal cities which are turned dominantly to the economic development of their
waterfront areas with a little understanding and including the DRR and adaptation programs in the
development process. The coastal cities in Middle East region are
ignoring above mentioned
elements and primarily focusing on the urban marketing, economic development rather than the
resilience.
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the Baku Shipyard Company for provided information on
Environmental Impact Assessment and Caspian Sea level fluctuations.
References
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297
Modern aspects of environmental legislation of Azerbaijan
(on examples of sustainable development and climate changes)
Dr.Lale A.Bayramova
Baku State University
lale_bayramova@yahoo.com
Keywords: climate changes, economic growth, natural resources, pollution,
sustainable development
Introduction
World Commission on Environment and Development defined in 1987
‘Sustainable Development’ as trend of significant meets of demands of present
generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.
Constitution of Azerbaijan declares general principles for the development of
national environmental policy. First National Environmental Action Plan of Azerbaijan
(NEAP) was developed in late 90
th
and supported by the World Bank; has
had positive
effect on development of environmental protection and natural resource suffiency,
thus proving the value of NEAP as the policy instrument. The NEAP stresses
importance of policy reforms and integration of environmental policy to economic
areas.
One of main legal docs of modern Azerbaijan is National Programme on
Environmentally Sustainable Social and Economic Development (Presidential Decree
612), includes environmental aspects as the part of Country’s overall development
strategy. Institutional and administrative capacities require strengthening as regards
of implementation and enforcement. Civil society is open for necessity of becoming
valuable partner to government for the development and implementation of
environmental policy.
Azerbaijan's economic growth relies on comprehensive
part of the successful
development of oil and natural gas resources; crude oil and oil product exports made
up ≈70% of exports, and oil-related revenue made up to 50% of budget.
Key areas of environmental issues and problems in terms of significant challenges
- identification of quality air and water resources, limited inland water resources,
nature protection, including conservation of
forestry and biodiversity, as well as
aquatic diversity and sturgeon stocks, management of the environmentally unsound
waste and industrial pollution (by oil production, energy sector and transport), oil-
contaminated sites, the Caspian Sea water level fluctuation, coastal and marine
pollution, degradation of soil resources and land use, in particular desertification;
protection of natural and cultural heritage is the special block, contenting
conventional aspects.
Methods and materials
The Law on Environmental Protection (June 1999, latest amendments -
March 2001) - main document of national
environmental legislation, defines
298