Caspian countries unite to address the problem of shallowing of the Caspian Sea
On the sidelines of the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, a meeting of officials of the Caspian countries was held on the topic of "Decrease in the level of the Caspian Sea against the background of climate change".
According to Suinfo.az, at the meeting, organized jointly by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the Framework Convention "On the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea", representatives of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran and the UN noted the importance of joint activities of experts of the Caspian countries for a comprehensive study of changes in water levels and the development of adaptive measures.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Umayra Tagiyeva drew attention to the fact that the level of the Caspian Sea is close to the lowest level recorded in history. Over the past 30 years, the sea level has dropped by about 2.5 meters, and in recent years, the annual decline has reached 20-30 centimeters. Such rapid shallowing creates serious environmental and economic risks that require immediate action.
As part of the event, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen presented the report "Caspian Sea Level Fluctuations and Climate Change". Representatives of the World Bank and the Green Climate Fund also took part in the discussions and presentations on the topic.
The meeting adopted a declaration of ministers and high-ranking officials of the Caspian states on strengthening cooperation in connection with the decline in the level of the Caspian Sea.
ORIENT
