Caspian Sea drying up: Kazakhstan urges regional cooperation

Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has called on Caspian region countries to intensify cooperation to address the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea. He made the statement at the first International Environmental Conference in Manzherok (Altai Republic), citing the government's press service.
Caspian Sea under threat
According to the Prime Minister, the falling level of the Caspian Sea poses a serious challenge to the entire region and requires joint efforts from all countries bordering the sea.

“Since the early 2000s, the Caspian Sea has been experiencing a decline in water levels. To study this and other related issues, Kazakhstan established a dedicated Caspian Sea Research Institute. Scientific forecasts are alarming. Decisive and coordinated action from all Caspian states is urgently needed to preserve this unique body of water,” said Bektenov.

Photo: Kazakhstan government press service
Environmental protection as a national priority
Bektenov emphasized that Kazakhstan is systematically working to protect the environment. The country is implementing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s "Taza Kazakhstan" (“Clean Kazakhstan”) initiative — a large-scale environmental campaign that includes regular clean-up events on natural lands and waterfronts, as well as tree planting drives.
Kazakhstan is also modernizing its environmental legislation, adopting innovative eco-technologies and digital monitoring systems. A Biodiversity Conservation Fund is being developed, and the network of protected natural areas is expanding.
Photo: Kazakhstan government press service
Efforts are underway to restore populations of rare species, including the Bactrian deer, kulan, argali, goitered gazelle, and snow leopard. Projects have also been launched to reintroduce the Turan tiger and Przewalski's horse.
Water challenges and international action
Bektenov also addressed the environmental challenges in the Aral Sea region. Kazakhstan leads the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and continues working to restore the local ecosystem. Projects include reinforcing the Kokaral Dam, reviving the Syr Darya River delta, supporting the fishing industry, and planting vegetation on the dried seabed.
Photo: Kazakhstan government press service
The Prime Minister also pointed to the risks posed by shrinking glaciers. According to forecasts, glacier volume in Central Asia could decline significantly by 2100. In response, Kazakhstan has launched the Water Towers Partnership initiative, and UNESCO’s Central Asian Regional Glaciological Center is operating in Almaty.
Kazakhstan is open to participating in joint water management infrastructure projects, including reservoir regulation and the automation of water accounting systems.
Preventing the decline of the Caspian Sea level is very difficult – oceanologist