The 31st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is currently taking place in Antalya, Türkiye. An Azerbaijani delegation is also participating in the event. At a platform where environmental challenges caused by climate change are being discussed, it is particularly important to draw international attention to the rapidly declining water level of the Caspian Sea.

In recent years, a significant decline in the Caspian Sea level has been observed. Experts warn that the continuation of this process could seriously damage the marine ecosystem, coastal areas, shipping and the regional economy. In his address to the plenary session of the Caspian Environmental Summit held in Turkmenbashi, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev described the shallowing of the Caspian Sea as one of its most serious problems. The head of state emphasised that the decline in the sea level had been continuing for many years but had accelerated considerably in recent times. According to him, the total surface area of the sea has already decreased by more than 20,000 square kilometres.

The shallowing of the Caspian Sea is not a problem that can be resolved through the efforts of a single country. In this regard, joint action by the five Caspian littoral states – Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran – as well as stronger international cooperation, are considered essential.

What measures should be taken to prevent the Caspian Sea level from declining? How can the Caspian littoral states contribute to resolving this problem?

Speaking to Redaktor.az on the issue, Saeid Safarov, Head of the Caspian Sea Geography Laboratory at the Institute of Geography, said that the situation does not depend entirely on the Caspian littoral countries:

“First and foremost, the problem is related to global warming. As a result, evaporation from the sea's surface is steadily increasing. Evaporation is also intensifying in reservoirs built along rivers. Another important factor is anthropogenic impact, meaning excessive water consumption. This is associated with both the expansion of agricultural land and population growth. At the same time, rising temperatures increase the demand for water in agriculture, industry and households.

“The main measure that the five Caspian littoral states can take in this regard is to use the water of rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea and passing through their territories as efficiently and sparingly as possible, while introducing modern irrigation methods in agriculture. Instead of supplying fields with excessive amounts of water directly, the problem can be partially mitigated through drip irrigation and other advanced methods. I should point out that these measures cannot provide a complete solution; they can only reduce the impact of the problem to a certain extent.”

Commenting on the issue to Redaktor.az, Alovsat Allahverdiyev, Chairman of the “Ugur” Public Association for Enlightenment and Doctor of Philosophy in Law, stated that the decline in the Caspian Sea level should be regarded as one of the most serious environmental, economic and geopolitical challenges facing the five Caspian littoral states – Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran.

According to him, one important point must be recognised: the decline in the Caspian Sea level is not solely Azerbaijan's problem, and it would be incorrect to associate it only with the future of Baku Boulevard.

“If this process continues, the infrastructure of Baku, Aktau, Turkmenbashi and other coastal cities could be at risk. Secondly, port operations, shipping and international cargo transportation could become more difficult. Thirdly, fish stocks, particularly sturgeon populations and their spawning grounds, could be affected. Fourthly, coastal wetlands, deltas and bird habitats could be destroyed. Fifthly, oil and gas infrastructure, coastal industries and tourism could face additional costs. Sixthly, environmental problems, including dust and salt storms, could emerge in areas left behind by the retreating sea.

“This issue must be addressed through a long-term regional programme jointly implemented by all five countries. The first step should be to work towards eliminating the main causes of the problem.”

Our interviewee emphasised that a regional agreement on the water regimes of the Volga and Ural rivers is needed:

“Russia, Kazakhstan and the other Caspian littoral states should sign a special agreement on the management of river water resources. A unified scientific and monitoring centre for the Caspian Sea should then be established. A permanent regional research centre involving all five countries is needed.

“The deltas of rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea should be restored, as they play an important role in maintaining the sea's ecological balance. Environmental protection zones should also be established to address the shallowing of the Caspian Sea. The five countries should agree that, as the water level declines, the boundaries of protected areas should also be adjusted.

“In fact, much more needs to be done. A dedicated Caspian Sea programme should be established, and its requirements must be implemented on time, with stronger monitoring and oversight. Unfortunately, the problems concerning the Caspian Sea have remained unresolved for many years.”

redaktor.az