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The XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress, convened on May 22 and 23, 2025, at the esteemed Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg, served as a key forum for environmental cooperation among nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and international partners. Among the notable contributors was the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB), which played a significant role in showcasing the nation’s forward-thinking strategies for sustainable tourism development and its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Living in Harmony with Nature: A Global Call to Action
This year’s congress revolved around the powerful theme “Living in Harmony with Nature,” underscoring the pressing need to align development strategies with environmental preservation. It provided a vital platform for policymakers, environmental experts, and tourism leaders to collaborate on solutions for ecological challenges and to foster green innovation in various sectors, especially travel and tourism.
Mr. Jalal Ismayilov, Director of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board’s Representative Office in Russia, represented the ATB at the congress and delivered a compelling presentation titled “Azerbaijan’s Approach to Ecotourism.” His remarks aligned closely with the congress’s central theme, as he detailed Azerbaijan’s comprehensive vision and strategic initiatives aimed at establishing the country as a leading ecotourism destination in the region.
Azerbaijan’s Roadmap to Sustainable Tourism
In his presentation, Mr. Ismayilov emphasized the extraordinary ecological variety found across Azerbaijan, ranging from the dense woodlands of the Caucasus Mountains to the vast semi-arid lowlands and the unique coastal habitats of the Caspian Sea. Acknowledging this natural wealth as a valuable national resource, Azerbaijan has integrated ecotourism as a core component of its overall tourism development agenda, viewing it not as a niche offering but as a central driver of sustainable growth.
Among the initiatives detailed by Ismayilov were the creation and expansion of nature-based travel routes, the enhancement of existing hiking trail networks, and the promotion of birdwatching experiences, which have become increasingly attractive to global eco-travelers. These initiatives aim to bring travelers closer to Azerbaijan’s unspoiled wilderness while preserving its delicate habitats.
He also discussed efforts to train local communities and tourism operators in environmentally responsible practices. This community-based approach ensures that ecotourism development is inclusive, sustainable, and beneficial to both nature and the people who protect it.
COP29 and the Tourism Climate Action Declaration
Azerbaijan’s leadership role in environmental diplomacy was another key aspect of the presentation. As the host and Presidency of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), Azerbaijan has taken a proactive stance in aligning national tourism strategies with global climate goals.
Mr. Ismayilov spotlighted the Tourism Climate Action Declaration, introduced under Azerbaijan’s COP29 leadership, as a cornerstone of the nation’s sustainability efforts. This declaration underscores Azerbaijan’s dedication to minimizing the environmental impact of tourism by embedding climate responsibility throughout the entire tourism ecosystem. It marks a decisive commitment to advancing eco-friendly policies, promoting sustainable infrastructure, and implementing responsible destination management practices.
Nevsky Congress: A Forum for Regional Cooperation
First convened in 2008, the Nevsky International Ecological Congress has evolved into a premier event for regional dialogue on environmental matters. Co-organized by the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS Member States and the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, the congress continues to play a pivotal role in harmonizing environmental legislation and strengthening cooperation among CIS nations.
The 2025 edition offered a dedicated session on ecotourism, recognizing its rapid global growth and its potential to contribute to sustainable economic development. Experts at the session emphasized the urgent need for regulatory frameworks, cross-border collaboration, and financial mechanisms to support the expansion of eco-friendly tourism.
Azerbaijan as a Rising Ecotourism Destination
Azerbaijan’s participation at the congress not only showcased its environmental vision but also positioned the country as a serious contender in the global ecotourism space. With its pristine landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural depth, Azerbaijan has the elements needed to appeal to travelers who seek meaningful, low-impact experiences.
Through strategic policymaking, international engagement, and grassroots development, the country is setting an inspiring example of how tourism can evolve in harmony with nature. The commitment expressed at the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress reaffirms Azerbaijan’s dedication to environmental stewardship and its readiness to shape a greener future for tourism across the region.
Amid growing global concerns over climate change and the pressures of over-tourism, Azerbaijan’s approach to ecotourism emerges as a strong example of sustainable development. Its proactive engagement at the XI Nevsky International Ecological Congress highlighted the country’s commitment to reshaping its tourism industry in harmony with nature, while empowering local communities and preserving environmental integrity. As anticipation builds for COP29 later this year, Azerbaijan has clearly positioned sustainable tourism as a cornerstone of both its domestic policy and international environmental leadership.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/azerbaijan-tourism-board-reinforces-eco-leadership-at-xi-nevsky-congress-with-strategic-focus-on-sustainable-tourism-and-climate-action/
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