Every year on August 12, the Caspian littoral states mark the International Day of the Caspian Sea – a date linked to the entry into force of the Tehran Convention, which laid the foundation for the joint protection of the marine environment.

On the instruction of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan, together with other countries of the Caspian region, continues work on the Interstate Program designed to unite efforts for adaptation to ongoing changes and the preservation of the natural wealth of the Caspian.

Work on the preservation of the Caspian covers several directions at once: interaction among the Caspian littoral countries, systemic scientific research, strengthening of the material and technical base, environmental initiatives, and public engagement. Such a comprehensive approach makes it possible to combine the potential of the Caspian littoral countries and consistently form solutions aimed at preserving the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea for future generations.

The state of the Caspian Sea is at the center of constant attention of the Caspian littoral states. The changes occurring in the water area and the coastal zone are consistently studied on a scientific basis, and the countries of the region unite efforts to develop coordinated measures for adaptation and preservation of the unique ecosystem of the sea.

One of the practical mechanisms of joint work will be the Action Plan of the Caspian littoral states, which is currently at the discussion stage. The document provides for a set of measures for adaptation to ongoing changes and the preservation of the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea. Such a format makes it possible to unite the efforts of the countries of the region, develop the exchange of scientific data, and form coordinated approaches to the study and preservation of the Caspian.

In parallel, Kazakhstan is forming its own scientific base for the comprehensive study of processes in the national sector of the sea. For this purpose, in September of last year the Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of the Caspian Sea began its work. Within the framework of the implementation of the President’s instructions on the comprehensive study and preservation of the Caspian, the Government allocated 1.1 billion tenge from the reserve for the purchase of equipment for marine monitoring, as well as the equipping of hydrobiological and hydrochemical laboratories. The new material base makes it possible to conduct comprehensive research directly in the water area of the sea and systematically track hydrometeorological and biological parameters of the environment.

Last year the Institute developed a program of scientific research work that provides for the conduct of two marine expeditions covering 21 stations in the water area and regular ground monitoring at 22 coastal points.

On the basis of this program, observations are being conducted in the current year in the water area according to 50 parameters (including meteorological, hydrological, hydrochemical, biological indicators and assessment of the state of bottom sediments), and in the coastal zone — according to 26 parameters of instrumental and visual control.

At the same time, international scientific cooperation is expanding. The Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of the Caspian Sea has joined the Association of Universities and Scientific Research Centers of the Caspian Littoral Countries, which creates additional opportunities for the exchange of data, experience, and research results.

Another direction has become international environmental and volunteer cooperation. On the eve of the International Day of the Caspian Sea, within the framework of the Concept for the Development of Environmental Culture “Taza Qazaqstan,” the International Volunteer Week “Caspian Sea Action Week 2026” is being held. It has brought together delegations of the Caspian littoral states — Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran, and Turkmenistan — as well as representatives of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Scientists, experts, environmental activists, representatives of youth, and volunteer organizations are taking part in the events. The program combines scientific dialogue, practical environmental actions, and the search for modern solutions for the preservation of the Caspian. Thus, on August 6–7 in Aktau an international seminar and round table dedicated to modern technologies of environmental monitoring and scientific research of the Caspian Sea were held. Representatives of the countries of the region exchanged experience and discussed opportunities for further interaction of scientists and experts.

The continuation of the program was the environmental marathon “Caspian Clean Challenge.” Volunteers carried out a cleanup of the coastline, collection and sorting of waste, and also familiarized themselves with environmental initiatives and green technologies. The “Alley of Friendship of Volunteers of the Caspian Region” was laid, where more than 80 trees were planted and a “Time Capsule” with messages to future generations was placed. The environmental action continued in the Bozjyra tract. Participants of “Bozzhyra Clean Up” carried out a cleanup of the territory and familiarized themselves with the unique natural landscapes of Mangystau.

The international hackathon Caspian Innovation Lab is dedicated to technological solutions for the preservation of the Caspian. Its participants are developing environmental projects, the best of which will be presented within the framework of the final events of the week.

The International Volunteer Week will conclude on August 12 with the Caspian Talks summit, which brings together representatives of the volunteer movement and the expert community. Within its framework, the results of the hackathon will be summed up and further directions of joint work will be discussed.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-minsk/press/news/details/1273194?lang=ru