Aktau: The International Caspian Sea Day, celebrated annually on August 12, marked the successful conclusion of the "Caspian Sea Action Week 2026" in Kazakhstan. This significant environmental event, established in 2006, commemorates the entry into force of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the action week was organized under the International Year of Volunteers and aligned with the "New Kazakhstan" environmental culture development concept. It featured participation from delegations of Caspian littoral states, including Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, and Turkmenistan. Representatives, volunteers, environmental activists, and youth from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan also took part in the events.
An international seminar and roundtable on modern environmental monitoring technologies and scientific research took place on August 6-7. These gatherings brought together representatives, experts, scientists, and the public from the Caspian littoral states to exchange experiences and strengthen scientific cooperation aimed at protecting the Caspian Sea's unique ecosystem.
On August 8, the city of Aktau hosted the Caspian Clean Challenge international environmental marathon. Volunteers engaged in a large-scale cleaning of the coastline, collecting and sorting waste. The same day saw the establishment of the 'Alley of Friendship of Caspian Region Volunteers,' where more than 80 trees were planted. A 'Time Capsule' with messages for future generations was also placed at the site.
The action week included a technological component with the international Caspian Innovation Lab hackathon on August 10 and 11. Participants developed solutions focused on protecting the Caspian region's ecosystems.
The week concluded on August 12 with the international Caspian Talks volunteer summit. The event featured an awards ceremony for hackathon winners and a panel discussion on experience exchange and current environmental challenges.