Heydar Aliyev remains one of the most important political figures in the history of Azerbaijan. He was the leader of the country at different times during the USSR period and during the years of independence. Heydar Aliyev's long career in politics played an important role in the development of Azerbaijan as an independent, sovereign state. His policy is aimed at strengthening the position of Azerbaijan both at home and abroad. Heydar Aliyev's contributions to politics and society, the reforms implemented during his leadership are still highly appreciated by many and are considered unforgettable.
The reforms implemented by Heydar Aliyev during the independence of Azerbaijan created important turning points in the economic and political life of the country. The main goals of his reforms were to revive the economy, ensure political stability and strengthen Azerbaijan's position in the international world. Among these reforms, several main directions can be selected:
1. Energy sector: During his time, the energy resources of Azerbaijan, especially oil and gas, became the main source for the development of the national economy. The agreement with foreign oil companies, known as the ‘Contract of the Century’ and signed in 1994, attracted huge investment in Azerbaijan's oil industry and dramatically improved the country's financial situation.
2. Economic reforms: Privatization and economic diversification programs were implemented. These reforms are aimed at removing the economy from a monocultural structure and developing other sectors, such as agriculture, tourism and the service sector.
3. Political stabilization: When Heydar Aliyev came to power, Azerbaijan was facing political and economic difficulties. Under his leadership, political stability was ensured, which created the basis for economic and social developments in the country.
4. Foreign policy: The Great Leader had an important role in Azerbaijan's foreign policy. He worked to expand and strengthen Azerbaijan's international relations, as well as to strengthen relations with the West. This helped to increase the recognition and influence of Azerbaijan in the international world.
During Heydar Aliyev's leadership, environmental issues took an important place, especially in the context of the expansion of the energy sector and the acceleration of economic development. Basically, because the economy of Azerbaijan is based on the oil and gas industry, the environmental policy has been
closely related to the development of the energy sector. Among the priorities of environmental policy for Azerbaijan during his time:
Reducing oil pollution: Measures have been taken to reduce pollution in oil production and processing areas, and to prevent oil spills.
Environmental regulation and monitoring: Certain laws and regulations have been adopted in order to monitor and regulate the environmental effects of economic activities. This was also done to provide a better assessment of the environmental situation in the country.
International cooperation: Azerbaijan tried to increase international cooperation and exchange of experience, especially during the Heydar Aliyev era. This has been important for improving environmental standards and cooperation in combating global environmental problems.
The Great Leader's approach to environmental policy is more practical and formed in accordance with the requirements of economic development. At that time, the main priority for Azerbaijan was economic development and stability, however, the management and protection of environmental issues was also on the agenda. It is even more important for Azerbaijan to take more steps in this field, especially in modern times, against the background of ongoing environmental and climate change issues.
The national leader of our people, Heydar Aliyev, during his leadership of Soviet Azerbaijan (1969-1982), told those who did not appreciate greenery that there is no life where there is no greenery. After the great leader Heydar Aliyev returned to power for the second time, despite the fact that we are in a difficult situation, not only in Baku, but also in all regions of our republic, attention to greenery has been increased again. The protection of forests, which are the lungs of the planet, is back on the agenda. After that, greening began in the capital Baku and Absheron.
With the Decree of May 23, 2001 of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, who always pays attention to the solution of environmental problems in our republic, and especially attaches great importance to greening, the State Ecology and The Nature Use Control Committee, the State Geology and Mineral Resources Committee, the State Hydrometeorology Committee and the ‘Azermesha’ Production Union were abolished and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources was established on their basis. ‘Regulation on the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan’ was approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic dated September 18, 2001.

Elmin Novruzlu
Sumgait State University
Chairman of the Student Union Committee