Turkmenbashi:The rapid decline in the Caspian Sea's water levels has emerged as a strategic issue impacting more than just environmental agendas of the littoral states. It threatens the region's economic security, transport links, and future development prospects, as highlighted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during the Caspian Environmental Summit in Turkmenistan on October 9.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, President Aliyev underscored the importance of a systematic approach to this problem, emphasizing that maintaining the Caspian Sea as a zone of peace, stability, and partnership serves the interests of all surrounding nations. The Caspian Sea is not only a crucial economic and transport basin but also vital for energy resource transportation, international trade, fisheries, and the socio-economic development of its coastal areas.
President Aliyev pointed out that the Caspian Sea's surface has decreased by over 20,000 square kilometers, which indicates the severity of the issue. To address this, it is essential to identify the causes of the water level decline, assess the impact of human activities, and ensure coordinated efforts by the Caspian countries to mitigate its effects.
The Volga River plays a significant role in this context, as it contributes approximately 80 percent of the water flowing into the Caspian Sea. Changes in the river's flow can directly impact the sea's water balance. The management of water resources along the Volga, including water withdrawals for irrigation and industrial purposes, requires careful examination to understand their influence on the Caspian Sea.
President Aliyev's initiative to form joint expert groups among Caspian states aims to investigate the causes of the sea's shallowing and develop solutions. This initiative, first proposed at the Sixth Summit of the Heads of State of the Caspian Littoral States in 2022, has gained further relevance with the ongoing decline in water levels.
A five-party Commission is set to be established, tasked with identifying the causes of the decline, formulating comprehensive measures, and ensuring their implementation. Its first meeting is planned in Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027, marking a significant step in translating Azerbaijan's initiative into actionable outcomes.
The decline in water levels affects not only the environment but also port operations, shipping routes, cargo capacity, and the marine ecosystem balance. This necessitates additional technical measures and infrastructure investments. The economic implications are particularly significant for Azerbaijan, given its role in international transport corridors.
To prevent further shallowing, a joint action plan based on scientific evidence is essential. The plan would involve assessing river flows, evaporation rates, and human impacts using a consistent methodology. Cooperation among Caspian states in water resource management, ecological preservation, and infrastructure adaptation is crucial.
President Aliyev's strategic vision stresses the need for collective action by all littoral states, focusing on scientific assessment and effective solutions to maintain the Caspian Sea's water balance. This issue not only affects the littoral countries but also impacts the region's transport, energy, and environmental security, requiring shared responsibility and sustained cooperation.