The Environmental Research Center (ERC) at Khazar University is committed to advancing research, education, and public engagement in environmental matters, spanning river basins, lakes, mountain ecosystems, environmental values and more. Its primary goal is to contribute to environmental protection and management through applied research, studies, and consultations, offering sustainable and nature-aligned solutions tailored to client needs. Over the past two decades, ERC has gained recognition in Azerbaijan and the region for its expertise in climate change, agriculture, sustainable development, water usage, ecosystem services, and environmental rehabilitation. ERC employees also contributed to the creation of biosphere reserves in Azerbaijan.

Structure

Currently, ERC boasts a team of approximately 15 highly qualified personnel from Azerbaijan and neighboring countries, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive research and effective designs. While structurally affiliated with Khazar University, ERC operates as an independent institution registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Expertise

Its expertise in environment and biodiversity is reflected in many environmental assessments and studies, for example climate, landscape and energy analysis, the integration of environmental risks into water management, or the assessment of social and environmental values for specific regions. The work of ERC is also well integrated in governmental structures and decision making. They are closely working together with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. ERC also provides its expertise outside Azerbaijan. The Center has for instance provided roadmaps and policy briefs for the government and advising the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan in the formulation of an Environmental management and Climate Change education strategy for Turkmenistan. In recent years, ERC has been closely cooperating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Economy, preparing water and agricultural production scenarios for economic regions. For the first time in the South Caucasus, ERC developed community-based PES schemes and developed models of sustainable management of ecosystems in exchange for market values. ERC employees played a major role in processing the nomination files of Zagatala, Khinalq, Sheki and Hirkan biosphere reserves.

Besides that, ERC provides consultancy services for several clients like World Bank, GIZ and UNICEF, focusing on ecosystem services, Disaster Risk Management, and Integrated Landscape Management, Environmental Pollution.