|  THE FORTH BAKU INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS “ENERGY, ECOLOGY, ECONOMY” 23-26 SEPTEMBER 1997 BAKU, AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC To Participants in the Fourth Baku International Congress “Energy, Ecology, Economy” Dear guests and compatriots, It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Fourth Baku International Congress “Energy , Ecology, Economy”. “Energy, Ecology, Economy” is a comprehensive program which, according to forecasts for the 21st century will promote a large amount of scientific research and planning and design work throughout the world. Let me express my confidence that this Congress will allow us to mutually understand the latest scientific and technical advances more thoroughly. I hope that Congress participants will become acquainted with the intellectual product available in Azerbaijan. Among steps taken as a result of proposals of the First and Second Forums was the establishment of the International Ecoenergy Academy in Azerbaijan in 1994. The Third Baku International Congress “Energy, Ecology, Economy” greatly expanded contacts between scientists all over the world in order to solve problems related to these three global issues. The Fourth Baku International Forum “Energy, Ecology, Economy” is distinguished by its broader scope of environmental, energy and related issues. Papers have been submitted on ecological problems of the Caspian sea and Western and Northern pipeline routes, local an global ecosystems as well as on problems of energy saving and renewable energy development. I hope that your work during the Congress and in the future toward the ecological welfare of our planet will be successful and fruitful. F. G. Aliyev, Congress chairman, President of the International Ecoenergy Academy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear International Forum Participants, Economic growth in the engine of development. Consumption cannot rise without it. Accelerating the economic growth rate is one of the conditions necessary for expanding the resource infrastructure. Without economic growth we will not have the material resources necessary to prevent degradation of the environment. Nor will it be possible to efficiently implement long-term social programs. No country, no matter how successful, can isolate itself from the world’s demographic, ecological, economic, social, and military problems. The environment is the foundation for stability. Like economics, the environment permeates all aspects of development and influences all countries, regardless of their level of development. The environment is the source of resources for life and or development. Conserving the Earth’s natural resources and using science and technology play an important role. Increasing the efficiency of energy use and developing new and renewable sources of energy are of major importance. The relationship between the environment and development is not restricted to rational use of natural resources. Preserving and protecting the ecological balance in the world around us is a key component of both human development and human survival. The relationship between the environment, society, the economics, and political participation emphasises the importance of the need to consider the ecological aspect of development in a national context. A policy promoting technical co-operation and efficient resource use will help solve environmental problems. Azerbaijan Republic is a country rich in natural resources, especially energy resources , but it has acute environmental problems which have been aggravated by military conflict. Since the very beginning of their mission, representatives of the UN and Azerbaijan Republic have taken steps to promote efficient use of the territory’s natural resources and to restore and preserve the ecological balance. The Sumgait Free Trade Zone Program and the Liberated Territories Restoration Program have been developed and are being implemented. There is continuous concern for refugees. The Fourth Regular Baku Congress “Energy, Ecology, Economy” held under the auspices of UNESCO, like the three previous forums, has been organised and is being held by the International Ecoenergy Academy, together with one of its founders, the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, and foreign founders. The International Ecoenergy Academy operates within the framework of the world-wide problem “Energy, Ecology, Economy”. These international forums help solve aspects of this global problem. I think that the Fourth Congress will mark an advance in solving environmental and energy problems. Let me once again welcome all Congress participants. I hope your work is highly productive. Paolo Lembo Resident Co-ordinator UN Development Program in Azerbaijan Chairman of International Executive Committee of the Congress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear participants and guests of the Congress, Please allow me, on behalf of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, to congratulate you on the opening of the Congress. The problems defining the theme of the regular Baku International Forums are fundamental global problems that confront humankind on the verge of the 21st century. It is natural to hold the Congress in Azerbaijan. It reflects the country’s deep historical traditions and rich intellectual , scientific, and technical potential in terms of energy, ecology, economy. These traditional international forums are a graphic example of genuine co-operation among scientists, specialists, ministries and department, and they successfully promote the development of an environmental and economical culture. This is especially important these days, when the successful solution of environmental problems may ensure the survival of all humankind. The well planned use of various kinds of energy and the related problems of conserving fuel and energy resources and the environment are global problems for the world community. The lofty goals of the Congress and its theme leave no doubt that its results will foster the further development of economy, strengthen international scientific ties, and improve efficiency and environmental safety. Considering the relationship of the three issues –energy, ecology, economy- will make it possible to find shortcuts toward rational use of the planet’s energy resources and to avoid environmental misfortunes. I am convinced that the Congress will focus the attention of the world community on energy and environmental issues even more and that the results of the Congress will help solve our immediate problems. With sincere good wishes, F.G. Magsudov President, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences; Chairman of Azerbaijan Organising Committee of the Congress | 