A scientific seminar on "Biodiversity and bioresources" dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev was held under the joint organization of the Ministry of Science and Education of AR Botany Institute, the Biological Diversity Protection Service of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Public Union of the Azerbaijan Botanical Society.

The general director of the Institute, doctor of biological sciences, professor Sayyara Ibadullayeva, who opened the event with an introductory speech, emphasized that the seminar’s main goal is to convey the legacy left by the Great Leader in the nature of Azerbaijan to the younger generations. She said that the work of protecting the natural wealth of our country at the state level has been carried out systematically since the second half of the 20th century. During the first period of his leadership in Azerbaijan during the years of Soviet rule, the outstanding statesman Heydar Aliyev took significant steps in the field of protection of natural resources and implementation of greening programs in our republic. It is gratifying that 2023 has been declared the "Year of Heydar Aliyev" in the Republic of Azerbaijan. In connection with the implementation of Decree No. 3623 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated November 28, 2022, the botanic scientists of Azerbaijan wish to contribute to the 100th anniversary of the Great Leader, the third edition of the Red Book of Azerbaijan. According to the scientist, 4961 species of plants belonging to 1117 genera have been identified in our Republic. During the years when the territory was subjected to Armenian aggression, 986 hectares of state forest area consisting of valuable tree species, 710 hectares of former collective farm forests, and 560 hectares of arid forest areas were seriously damaged as a result of fires and destruction caused by them. All this sets important tasks for Azerbaijani scientists after the Great Return to Karabakh and Zangezur.

Deputy minister of MENR, PhD in biology Vugar Karimov, spoke at the event and emphasized that the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity is one of the most important and global problems of the 21st century, and it is one of the priority issues that the state considers it important to solve.

Adviser to the Minister of Science and Education of the AR Nijat Mammadli, who spoke at the event, said that this event will contribute to solving a number of important issues in the direction of protecting biodiversity and solving environmental problems.

Academician Irada Huseynova, vice-president of ANAS, wished success to the work of the seminar and noted that it will play an important role in the future development of scientific research.

Deputy Kamila Aliyeva gave a speech and thanked the organizers for the seminar on such a topical issue. Referring to the protest action held on the Khankendi-Lachin road against the illegal exploitation of mineral deposits in the Karabakh economic region of Azerbaijan, she noted that the organization of such events is one of the important steps ahead of the action demanding an end to environmental terrorism.

Corresponding member of ANAS, Vagif Novruzov, expressed his satisfaction with his participation in the event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev. V. Novruzov noted that environmental policy was an important part of the activities of the national leader.

Academician Tariyel Talibov talked about the richness of the biodiversity of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and the restoration of rare and endangered species of the area.

The executive director of the Institute of Botany, doctor of biological sciences, professor Shakir Gasimov, gave detailed information about the ecocide committed by Armenians in Karabakh and surrounding areas.

Doctor of biological sciences, associate professor Aydın Askerov spoke about numerous expeditions conducted in the Karabakh territory in the 80s. The scientist who said that there can be at least more than 800 rare species of higher plants in the territories freed from occupation, characterized these territories as one of the richest regions of Azerbaijan due to the richness of biodiversity.

Doctor of biological sciences, professor Elman Iskandar gave a report on the rare and endangered species of Karabakh.

Speaking on the topic "Fungal pathogens, invasions and biosecurity", doctor of biological sciences, associate professor Dilzare Aghayeva talked about dangerous fungal pathogens of plants, species that cause epiphytotia, the role of international organizations in their regulation, and the scientific and practical difficulties of the current system.

In the two-day seminar, doctors of science, doctors of philosophy, graduate students and graduate students from related institutes presented reports and posters on various topics. Extensive discussions were held around the topics.

At the end, the active participants of the seminar were presented with a certificate.