Turkmenbashi:President Ilham Aliyev has raised concerns over the ongoing shallowing of the Caspian Sea, describing the situation as increasingly dire.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev addressed the Caspian Environmental Summit, emphasizing the severe reduction in the sea's surface area, which has decreased by over 20,000 square kilometers. He warned that if the current trend continues, it could lead to catastrophic outcomes.

The Azerbaijani leader highlighted the broader implications of the sea's decline, noting its impact on regional states, coastal residents, economies, and transportation. The receding shoreline is altering ecosystems and creating operational challenges for ports and coastal infrastructure. In Azerbaijan alone, the diminished sea level has resulted in the formation of nearly 30,000 hectares of dry land.