Smart Villages Karabakh Resettlement

February 7, 2022 article. Azerbaijan prepares to resettle hundreds of thousands citizens in territory retook during 2020 war embraced new development concept: smart villages. Idea popular worldwide envisages small communities using latest technologies like digital connectivity automation renewable energy to maximize economic development. Government tentatively explored before war: State Program Socio-Economic Development 2019-2023 called for two pilot smart villages. Idea gained momentum following war Azerbaijan retook 8,000+ square kilometers territory. More than 600,000 Azerbaijanis displaced in 1990s war, many hope to return. February 2021 President Aliyev said first smart village project Uchunju Aghali in Zangilan district. September 2021 Aliyev said first displaced people return pilot smart village in Zangilan by end 2021 or early 2022. October 17, 2021 formally laid foundation another smart village in Fuzuli region. Ministry Agriculture: smart villages introduce agriculture based on modern technologies and joint management and control. Concept consists of smart street lighting, cold/heat-resistant homes, management household waste, installation hydro and solar power stations and biogas energy