Kazakhstan to set up Caspian Sea Research Institute

A research institute aimed at studying the Caspian Sea at a new level will be established in Kazakhstan. On the instructions of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Kazakh Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation developed a relevant draft decree. The scientific organization will explore the environmental problems of the Caspian Sea.

“At present, unfortunately, there is no environmental monitoring of the Caspian Sea, thus, the given institute will deal with this issue. Before conducting any scientific research, new data must be obtained, therefore, this institute will carry out the state monitoring system. There are still many problems with seal issues, fishery resources, pollution of the Caspian Sea, as well as on the activities of oil companies,” said Bolat Bekniyaz, Kazakh First Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation.

Scientists will monitor any changes in the ecosystems of the Caspian Sea and provide unbiased and independent information on its state. The data obtained will be used to take comprehensive measures at the state level. Another area of the institute’s work is close cooperation with colleagues from other Caspian littoral states, which will make it possible to fulfill all international and national obligations to preserve the Caspian Sea to the full.