Baku: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has expressed concern over the serious environmental challenges currently affecting the Caspian Sea, focusing primarily on the alarming issue of shallowing, which threatens both ecological and economic stability. In an interview with ‘Kazinform’ agency, reported by APA, Aliyev emphasized the rapid decline in water levels as a pressing concern.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev highlighted that during the Sixth Caspian Summit in 2022, he had already raised the issue of ecological imbalance. Since then, the situation has deteriorated, with the water level continuing to drop. He pointed out that the decline is not solely due to climate change, suggesting a need for further investigation and understanding of other contributing factors.

President Aliyev called for urgent cooperation among Caspian littoral states, urging them to share scientific data and collaborate on strategies to mitigate the effects of the environmental decline. The decrease in the Caspian Sea’s water level poses a threat to biodiversity and the overall ecosystem sustainability, necessitating joint efforts to preserve nature and restore ecological balance.

He also underlined the role of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and other Caspian nations in promoting initiatives aimed at protecting the Caspian Sea on both regional and international platforms. These coordinated actions are crucial for addressing the environmental challenges and ensuring the long-term health of the Caspian Sea ecosystem.