WANA (August 08) – The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, is shared by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Russia, and Turkmenistan. It is vital to the economies of these countries, generating wealth through oil and gas extraction, fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

 

The Caspian Sea has faced threats like oil pollution, sewage inflow, and plastic contamination in recent years. However, the most pressing issue is the declining water level.

 

Research from Kazakhstan’s Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology shows that this decline is most severe for Kazakhstan. Coastal residents are experiencing immediate effects, including the shutdown of desalination plants and passenger ship services.

 

The decline in water levels began in the mid-2000s and has accelerated recently. The Caspian Sea is 29 meters below average sea level, decreasing by 23 centimeters annually. The primary causes are climate change and extensive use of the Volga and Ural rivers, which have not replenished the sea adequately.

 

Some scientists believe the reduction of water levels is cyclical. A 2020 study predicted that if the trend continues, the sea level could drop by 18 meters by 2100, causing severe consequences for humans and the environment.

 

The issue was discussed at the Tehran Summit, attended by countries bordering the Caspian Sea. However, environmental activists argue that the measures taken so far are insufficient and call for more extensive efforts to address the situation.