The shallowing of the
Caspian Sea became one of the key topics of a panel session at the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana. Experts noted that the sea
level has dropped to critical levels, almost 30 meters below the level of the world’s oceans. UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive
Director Inger Andersen noted that the situation in the Caspian Sea could pose a threat to food security
and the economy. For effective solutions, participants emphasized the need to
strengthen cooperation among the Caspian littoral states. In particular,
attention should be given to transforming the current sea level fluctuation
plan into a comprehensive interstate program. Meanwhile, research into the
processes of the sea’s shrinkage is actively underway in the country. This work is being carried out
by the Kazakh Research Institute of the Caspian Sea. The mobile laboratories
used by specialists allow for comprehensive studies both in the sea area and
along the coastline.
«We used satellite imagery to study the dynamics of changes in the sea coastline over the period of its decline. Particular attention was given to specific areas where the decline is most evident. The heads of Caspian states, including President Tokayev, have brought this issue to the attention of the international community, which is now also becoming involved. A presentation was held on the Blueing the Caspian Sea project, which aims to restore the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea and is a project of the Global Environment Facility,» noted Serik Akhmetov, Chairman, Kazakh Research Institute of the Caspian Sea.
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