On July 25, 2025, the “Eco Volunteers” team composed of students of Mingachevir State University organized an ecological excursion and clean-up campaign in the beach area located along the Mingachevir Reservoir.

The environmental initiative, implemented upon the initiative of Shabnam Islamova, a lecturer at the Department of Physics and Ecology of MSU, aimed to strengthen awareness-raising efforts in the fields of environmental protection, waste reduction, and the development of ecological responsibility among young people. The initiative is significant in terms of preserving natural resources, preventing water pollution, and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Within the framework of the excursion, young university volunteers collected plastic waste and other harmful household debris scattered along the shoreline and carried out cleaning activities to clear the beach area of litter. The volunteers stated that their main goal was to make a positive impact on nature, minimize the environmental damage caused by waste, and contribute to creating a cleaner and greener environment.

During the event, Shabnam Islamova delivered an informative speech on environmental protection and the harmful effects of plastic waste on soil and aquatic ecosystems. She emphasized that due to the long decomposition period of plastic materials, they negatively affect ecological balance, posing serious threats to aquatic life and biodiversity. Information was also provided about state strategies, environmental projects, and public awareness initiatives aimed at protecting the environment.

In her speech, special emphasis was placed on the importance of active youth participation in environmental processes, and students and volunteers were encouraged to join initiatives dedicated to environmental protection.

At the end of the excursion, the “Eco Volunteers” team expressed their intention to continue organizing such clean-up campaigns on a regular basis and to expand the positive impact of this environmentally responsible example within society.

The students cleaned and improved the beach area by removing waste and carrying out landscaping activities.

It should be noted that such initiatives implemented at Mingachevir State University constitute an important component of the university’s strategic agenda aimed at raising environmental awareness, protecting water resources, fostering a culture of responsible waste management, and promoting the principles of sustainable development.