Doctoral students of the Faculty of Ecology and Soil Science at Baku State University, Tahir Yunuslu and Ramil Hasanov, participated in the 3rd Global Youth Forum of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Held under the slogan “True to the Future We Want,” the forum took place in the Po Delta and Euganean Hills biosphere reserves in Italy and brought together more than 200 young participants from 109 countries.

During various sessions of the forum, the BSU doctoral students presented their research on Azerbaijan’s specially protected natural areas. They also exchanged experiences with international participants and explored global best practices in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, the green economy, renewable energy, invasive species management, and ecotourism.

In their presentations, the doctoral students highlighted regional cooperation initiatives aimed at the reintroduction and protection of rare and endangered species in Azerbaijan. They also provided information on newly commissioned wind and solar power plants, as well as the designation of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions as Green Energy Zones.

The forum program included field visits to the Po Delta Emilia-Romagna, Euganean Hills, and Po Delta Veneto biosphere reserves, offering participants an opportunity to observe sustainable environmental management practices firsthand.

At the conclusion of the event, participants jointly prepared and presented the Po Delta Youth MAB Declaration and the Youth MAB Roadmap 2026–2035. The documents identified strengthening youth participation in biosphere reserve management, expanding international cooperation, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals as key priorities.