In the framework of the EU4Environment Water and Data programme, two regional laboratory trainings are currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. The regional trainings include experts from relevant government organizations of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
The aim of the trainings is to expand the competence of the national laboratories to carry out surface and groundwater analysis of priority substances according to the requirements of the European Union Water Framework Directive. During the training, the participants are being familiarized with the testing methods, which include the analytical equipments, the sample preparation, and interpretation of results as well as quality assurance for the entire process.
In late October, Azerbaijan and Georgia will conduct the first joint transboundary surface water survey under the EU4Environment Water and Data programme, and in November they perform a similar joint groundwater monitoring survey.
Transboundary water monitoring complements national efforts on improving the state of water bodies. The trainings of expert institutions from both sides of the border is crucial for strengthening cross-border cooperation and will foster producing comparable and valid results.
These training courses and field campaigns are part of an approach to water management in Azerbaijan set out in the National Water Strategy, which was recently submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval.
This EU programme is engaged and advancing in Azerbaijan also in other fields of water management and environmental data, similar to other EaP countries. In the previous meeting of the National Policy Dialogue, representatives of the Azerbaijani government committed to move towards EU and international best practices that promote sustainable management of natural resources and their rational use in the context of climate change
