Meta Data
Draft: 
No
Revision of previous policy?: 
No
Draft Year: 
1999
Effective Start Year: 
1999
Scope: 
National
Document Type: 
Law
Economic Sector: 
Multi-Sector, Other
Energy Types: 
All, Other
Issued by: 
Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Overall Summary: 
The Law No. 678-IQ on Protection of the Environment came into force in 1999 to strengthen regulatory frameworks for protection of the environment in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The ultimate goal of this policy is to ensure environmental security, prevent hazardous anthropogenic impacts, support the preservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. The Act aims at long-term and system-wide effects, thereby proposes quantity-driven policy instruments to achieve the established goals. The document elaborates on essential environmental concepts and specific terms, e.g., environmental monitoring – qualitative and quantitative control methods for hazardous emissions, waste pollution as a result of anthropogenic activities; environmental system – a complex of flora, fauna, land and water resources as well as mineral resources considered integral parts of the environment; hazardous impacts on the environment – activities resulting in quantitative or qualitative environmental impacts, including chemical, biological or technical hazards, and unsustainable use of natural resources. Provisions of the present Act comply with the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and other coherent legislative acts. --- The policy was adopted to reinforce the Law №79 of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Management (1992).
Environment
Energy environmental priorities: 
With a view to embrace sustainable development paradigm, the policy proposes a comprehensive set of environmental measures focused primarily on the following priority energy-related areas: the sustainable use of natural resources, restoration of damaged environmental systems, participation of public organizations and population in nature conservation initiatives, raising awareness on environmental protection, and international cooperation. Art. 22 highlights the main regulatory measures for protection of the environment, including environmental forecasting, environmental finance mechanisms and funds for nature conservation, standartization. --- Art. 35 establishes frameworks for the regulation of land, water, air resources and subsoil and articulates the need to strengthen standards for the use of natural resources. --- Art. 44 provides for environmental standards with respect to utilization of radioactive substances.
Pollution control action plans: 
Art. 31 and 32 regulate the output of pollutants / hazardous substances (chemical, biologic, radiation, etc.) emitted to the environment.
Cooperation in env.: 
The policy reaffirms the importance of international cooperation to achieve definitive progress towards implementation of the global environmental agenda. Art 49 and 82 stipulate that the Republic of Azerbaijan shall adhere to the international treaties; the national legislation shall comply with international standards and norms on protection of the environment. Art. 81 provides for strengthening the established coordination and liaison mechanisms of intergovernmental cooperation.
Governance
Energy institutional structures: 
Art. 27 and 28 highlight the establishment of the specialized fund for environmental protection. The pursued objectives are to develop sustainable financial mechanisms for mitigation of adverse impacts on the environment, to eliminate risks related to environmental hazards and to guarantee financial compensation in case of environmental damage. The policy proposes a comprehensive program of work covering research and development of resource-conserving, cleaner and more efficient technologies, financial incentives for mitigating environmental damage, natural assets preservation in protected areas, restoration and conservation of biodiversity. Other dimensions of environmental protection include environmental monitoring and evaluation, building public awareness, etc.
Statistics collection and management: 
Art. 63 gives particular attention to collection and management of environment statistics. The policy endorses a comprehensive approach to improving environment statistics at the national level.
Technology
Clean energy technology deployment: 
The policy considers broader deployment of cleaner and more efficient technologies a key driver for environmental sustainability. Chapter 9, art. 60 provides for research and development initiatives to support technological innovation and introduction of green technologies. The article stipulates that the primary source of funding for implementation of these initiatives is the national budget.