Baku - On 18 June 2020, consultation and presentation of the ASAU working group was held in the Kahriz Research and Information Center located in the State Agricultural University. The group members demonstrated the website design of the Center (http://www.kahriz.az/), discussed the contents of the website as well as the drafts of the forthcoming workshop materials and the possibility of holding the virtual workshop.

The teachers of ASAU discussed the workshop and course book materials drafting process. It was agreed that there would be additional virtual consultations with IOM engineers the following week to discuss the issues related necessary data for the course book contents enrichment.

The Kahriz Research and Information Center established by International Organization for Migration and the Azerbaijan State Agricultural University within the KOICA-funded project ‘Integrated Rural Development for IDP Communities in Azerbaijan through Revitalization of Kahriz Water Supply System’ is the unique specialized place for collecting, researching and disseminating the information, knowledge and experiences on kahriz systems. The center is the next step in reviving and transferring the historical knowledge of the kahriz engineering profession from Kankans Masters to the next generation of engineers that will further develop new renovation models based on the new available technology.

The project, “Integrated Rural Development for internally displaced persons (IDP) Communities in Azerbaijan through Revitalization of the Kahriz Water Supply System,” financed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), focuses on improving the water supply in rural areas of Aghdam, Aghjabedi, Barda, Fuzuli, Ganja, Gazakh, Goranboy and Goygol districts through the renovation of over 40 kahrizes – a man-made, centuries-old, traditional water-supply system that does not need electricity or fossil fuel to function. This water-supply method ensures the protection of biodiversity and contributes to local communities’ quality of life.

In addition to the renovating the kahrizes, the project has components that involve capacity building, business development and a strong engagement with academia.