BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 13. A new
publication of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation dedicated to Azerbaijan
was presented as part of COP29 in Baku on November 13, Trend reports.
The book, “Azerbaijan. Inspired by Nature,” was published within
the framework of a project implemented by the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation.
The author of the project idea is Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President
of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, while Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to
the President of Azerbaijan, is the project manager.
The ceremony was attended by Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the
President of Azerbaijan; Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media
Center; Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO;
Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev), the founder of the Isha Foundation and a
prominent Indian yogi; and other distinguished guests.
It was noted at the event that presenting the book on the
sidelines of COP29 was not accidental. The book contains photos and
information about Azerbaijan’s fascinating nature, flora, and
fauna. Not only does the publication introduce readers to
Azerbaijan’s wonderful nature, but it also highlights the
importance of preserving this wealth.
The hundreds of photos taken as part of this large-scale
project, initiated in 2020, include unique shots of rare animals,
birds, and plants. The project showcases the diversity of
Azerbaijan’s nature, as well as the country’s regions, national
parks, and reserves. Video clips and a documentary film were also
produced as part of the project, and a trailer of the documentary
film was shown during the ceremony.
In her remarks at the event, Leyla Aliyeva said that the book
calls for the love and protection of nature. She noted, “There is
nothing in the world as valuable as nature. We breathe air. We
can’t survive without water for three days. We get energy from the
soil and trees. We feed on them. Unfortunately, people hardly think
about that during the day. I believe that the pictures published in
this book will remind people of the importance of loving and
protecting nature. As our fathers used to say, ‘If you don’t come
here, you will never find out.’ I would like everyone to take more
time to visit our homeland. I want to thank the whole team for this
great work and will never forget the days we spent in Lerik
together. This book calls for the love and protection of nature.
Nature grants us life, so let’s learn how to love it.”
One of the project’s photographers, Aleksey Lyokin, said that a
team of photographers traveled to all corners of the country, took
pictures, and explored the rare nature of every region. He noted
that the filming was done in all seasons to show the full beauty of
nature to the greatest extent possible.
“During the project, we acquired more detailed information about
the lives of animals and the kind attitude our little friends need.
For example, the gazelles living in Shirvan National Park have
grown accustomed to drinking sea water. It was simply amazing to
watch them. We had the opportunity to shoot flamingos in Azerbaijan
year-round. As the migration route passes through the country, they
can be observed in Absheron, Shirvan, and Aghgol National Parks. We
experienced some extraordinary feelings while filming in liberated
territories—Karabakh and East Zangezur. The beauty of Karabakh and
East Zangezur is truly breathtaking. The Istisu spring in Kalbajar
and the Chetir waterfall in Shusha are magnificent. The basalt
rocks in Kalbajar deserve special attention,” said Aleksey Lyokin,
adding that filming had also taken place in the Azykh cave, which
is considered one of the oldest human settlements. He expressed
that the team experienced incredible emotions in these places,
which are hard to put into words, and that all these feelings are
reflected in the film.
The founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev),
spoke about the close relationship between nature and its elements,
as well as the transformations occurring due to climate change. He
emphasized the unity of individual components of nature, the human
race’s home, and the importance of protecting them.
Leyla Aliyeva then presented the book “Azerbaijan. Inspired by
Nature” to ICESCO General-Director Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik and
Sadhguru.
The guests expressed their enjoyment of the publication.
In conclusion, a commemorative photo was taken.
The project was widely covered on social networks, with various
educational columns and competitions organized, enhancing the
project’s public outreach.
The book has been published in Azerbaijani and English. An
exhibition of the photos featured in the publication and the launch
of the documentary are also expected to take place soon.
The Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla
Aliyeva, also visited local and foreign pavilions in the Green Zone
of COP29.
