Ambivalences in Azerbaijan
Environmental Protection and Conservation in an Authoritarian State
Eva-Maria Auch, Sebastian Schmidt
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The ecological situation in Azerbaijan is contradictory. On the one hand, the collapse of the Soviet Union revealed the subjugation, destruction, and contamination of nature and the environment. The petro-chemical centre Sumqayit, for instance, ranked among the most polluted cities worldwide. On the other hand, a natural environment of unique beauty came into view. In conservation and in forest policy, the country has achieved remarkable results. But within society, there is a lack of environmental awareness and sensitivity to the importance of environmental protection and conservation. Political backing is increasingly in short supply. Even achievements in conservation have increasingly come under pressure.
(Osteuropa 7-10/2015, pp. 299–320)