Loss
The issue of the shrinking Caspian Sea has far-reaching consequences, with many in Kazakhstan pointing fingers at Russia for exacerbating the problem. Arman Khairullin highlighted Russia’s role in the crisis, stating that the country has built infrastructures on the Ural and Volga rivers, withholding crucial water resources from Kazakhstan.
The Volga river, responsible for 80% of the freshwater flowing into the Caspian Sea, is a vital lifeline for the region. However, large reservoirs in Russia primarily cater to agricultural and energy needs, leaving Kazakh communities struggling with fluctuating water levels. In 2024, a dramatic flood in the Ural basin was followed by dangerously low water levels the previous year, impacting Atyrau’s residents and local ecosystems.
Laura Malikova, chairperson at the Kazakh Association of Practising Ecologists, expressed frustration with Russia’s reluctance to release more water to Kazakhstan, citing national interests as a barrier to cooperation.
Cooperation
The five Caspian nations, including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, and Turkmenistan, are signatories to the Tehran Convention, aimed at promoting environmental protection in the region. Despite adopting protocols on pollution and wildlife preservation, the agreements have overlooked the critical issue of declining sea levels.
At the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, concerns over the Caspian Sea’s future were raised, with calls for bold action and enhanced regional cooperation. Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP, warned of the devastating impact on ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security if urgent measures are not taken.
Plummeted
The declining sea levels have dire implications for coastal communities, with mass migration becoming a looming threat. Fishing villages like Damba and Zhanbay are witnessing dwindling fish populations, jeopardizing the livelihoods of residents. Illegal fishing practices persist due to the scarcity of fish, prompting authorities to impose bans on certain species to protect remaining populations.
Health
The environmental crisis has also taken a toll on public health, particularly in western Kazakhstan. Barren landscapes and frequent sandstorms pose challenges for agricultural communities, exacerbating respiratory issues and allergies. As the sea retreats, salty dust carried by the wind harms animals and crops, forcing residents to adapt their livelihoods.
Tragedy
The fate of the Caspian Sea mirrors the tragic decline of the Aral Sea, a cautionary tale of environmental mismanagement. Efforts to revive the Aral Sea with projects like the Kok-Aral Dam have shown limited success, highlighting the urgency of addressing the Caspian crisis before it reaches a point of no return.
Bottleneck
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s acknowledgment of the Caspian crisis as a serious issue underscores the need for urgent action. However, geopolitical tensions and competing interests among Caspian nations, particularly with Russia, pose significant challenges to finding a sustainable solution. The upcoming Tehran Convention COP7 will be a crucial forum for addressing the sea’s shrinking water levels and fostering much-needed regional cooperation.
This Author
Clément Girardot, along with Natalia Paramonova and Vladimir Sevrinovsky, sheds light on the environmental crisis unfolding in the Caspian region. Their in-depth reporting, supported by Journalismfund Europe and the Ecologist Writers’ Fund, highlights the urgency of addressing the Caspian Sea’s plight. Readers are encouraged to support independent journalism by donating to the Writers’ Fund, ensuring that vital stories like this one continue to be told.
