The Caspian is a shared resource that links the economies and communities of the littoral countries, and its protection requires coordination across the region. COP29 discusses saving the Caspian Sea Climate and Environment
The Caspian Sea is at the epicenter of a triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. This was stated by Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), speaking on Monday at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku during an event dedicated to the problems of the largest landlocked body of water on Earth.
Andersen stressed that if the situation does not change, the water level in the Caspian Sea could fall by 18 meters by the end of the century. According to her, this is not just an environmental disaster – it is a socio-economic crisis that could lead to the forced displacement of five million people by 2050. Already, there is a decline in fish stocks, soil salinization threatening agriculture, and the gradual disappearance of some species, such as the Caspian seal.
Joint Efforts
Andersen recalled that, despite the alarming situation, the Caspian Sea has a chance to be saved, and this will be a unique opportunity for international cooperation. Thus, the Caspian Sea is a common resource linking the economies and communities of the coastal countries, and its protection requires coordination at the level of the entire region.
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The head of UNEP praised the Tehran Convention, a fundamental agreement for environmental protection in the region that provides the necessary tools for joint action. UNEP serves as the interim Secretariat of the Tehran Convention and will support all efforts to save the Caspian Sea by providing technical expertise and promoting innovative financial solutions, Andersen noted.
Three Key Priorities
She identified three priorities for protecting the Caspian Sea. First, a scientific approach is needed to help make informed decisions. Monitoring and forecasting will help to better manage water level changes, adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity and combat pollution, Andersen believes.
Secondly, she stressed that solutions must be transboundary. Only by working together will the countries of the region be able to develop comprehensive measures aimed at preserving ecosystems and economic development.
Finally, the head of UNEP noted the need for urgent and decisive action. Andersen noted the urgency of the problem, calling the Caspian “a reflection of the global climate crisis.” She called on the leaders of COP-29 to demonstrate commitment to protecting the sea’s ecosystem.