On October 14, the next meeting of the Scientific Council of the Public Legal Entity Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held. The meeting was chaired by Zaur Imrani, Acting Director of the Institute, Doctor of Geographical Sciences and Associate Professor.

The meeting addressed scientific and organizational matters. Khuraman Zeynalova, a leading research fellow at the Institute and PhD in Agricultural Sciences, was congratulated on her 70th birthday. She was wished good health and continued success in her scientific career.

The meeting also discussed the organization of training sessions on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Institute staff. Zaur Imrani proposed conducting ArcGIS training at the Laboratory of Geospatial Analytics and Cartography, with one employee from each laboratory participating in the sessions. The proposal was positively received by the members of the Scientific Council.

Natiq Babayev, Head of the Library and Electronic Resources Management Sector and PhD in Geographical Sciences, presented a report on field research. The results of an expedition conducted within the framework of the 2026–2027 research project entitled “Classification of Geographical Names by Origin in the Ganja–Dashkasan Economic Region” were presented. During the fieldwork in Ganja city and Samukh district, researchers investigated the origins, history and etymological characteristics of local geographical names. New toponyms were recorded, and data were collected to determine their coordinates and prepare them for mapping.

Subsequently, Ulviyya Mammadova, a leading research fellow at the Laboratory of Geospatial Analytics and Cartography and PhD in Biological Sciences, presented the findings of field research conducted in the Shamakhi section of Shahdag National Park. The report assessed the ecological conditions of the Agharchin and Pirgulu natural zones, the characteristics of their landscapes, soils and vegetation, biodiversity conservation, and the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on ecosystems. Potential risk areas were identified, and monitoring data were systematized using GPS and modern geoinformation technologies. The findings are of scientific and practical importance for improving environmental monitoring, protecting biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of natural ecosystems within the national park.

Relevant decisions were adopted on the matters discussed, and appropriate tasks were assigned to ensure the implementation of the planned measures.