Environmental protection is among the top priorities of the Azerbaijani government through 2030. This direction was further emphasized by the hosting of the COP29 climate conference, the outcomes of which have become binding for Azerbaijan itself. In recent years, the country has made significant progress in the field of waste management. Its long-term goals and priorities include, among others, the modernization of waste collection and recycling systems, the promotion of circular economy principles, and the reduction of waste sent to landfills.

The most notable progress has been made in the capital city, Baku, where the state-owned company Tamiz Shahar is responsible for waste collection and subsequent processing. As part of the mission program, the delegation visited the Balakhani Industrial Park, a key component of Azerbaijan’s national waste management infrastructure. The park includes a sanitary landfill, a sorting facility, a waste-to-energy plant, and recycling centers. It represents a concrete step toward reducing landfilling and promoting efficient resource use. Czech experts from the professional platform Center for Recycling and Waste Competence also met with representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan during the mission to discuss opportunities for knowledge
exchange and further cooperation.

This expert mission represents another step in strengthening bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and Azerbaijan in the field of sustainable development. It also reflects the Czech Republic’s commitment to fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).