Publish Date : 02-Jun-2017
Some 120 participants took part in the national conference on Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) that ended in Baku today.
They reviewed and discussed the results of promoting resource efficient and environmentally friendly production practices in the countrys small and medium size industrial enterprises (SMEs) that have been implemented as part of the EU-funded Greening Economies in the European Unions Eastern Neighbourhood (EaP GREEN) regional project.
The project has provided technical assistance in the introduction of cleaner and more sustainable production methods and techniques in construction materials, chemicals and food production sectors. Participants noted that the RECP methodology was an important instrument for helping local enterprises move towards a green economic path and was helping increase their competitiveness on international markets.
Currently, a total of 38 SMEs in Azerbaijan are promoting the use of RECP, including by shifting towards the use of renewable energy, and by reducing water and materials consumption. Other environmental benefits of such actions include the reduction of harmful emissions and the minimization of waste.
Representatives of the Ministries of Ecology and Natural Resources; Economy; Energy, as well as of partner agencies underscored their intention to continue replicating the RECP approach.
Murad Abdullayev, the Head of the Industry Department of the Ministry of the Economy, and Arastun Hasanov, Director of the National Environmental Monitoring Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, confirmed that the RECP demonstration project had created a foundation for moving towards a green economy.
Jeroen Willems, Deputy Head of the Cooperation Section of the European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan, stated that, with the support of the Government, resource efficiency will contribute to the creation of green jobs, eco-products and to the overall greening of the economy, making it more competitive. He confirmed that EU will support the activities of the Government of Azerbaijan in this respect.
Participants also acknowledged that RECP Clubs in the cities of Ganja, Khachmaz, Sumgayit, and Yevlakh, actively supported by the Mayors Offices, are ready to share their lessons learned with other cities and communities which have chosen a green economic path.
The EaP GREEN project is being implemented by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the United Nations Environment (UN Environment), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
In Azerbaijan, UNIDO is implementing the project in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The activities are co-funded by the Government of Slovenia, the Development Bank of Austria, and UNIDO.
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