Tokayev calls for coordinated action against Caspian sea's shallowing

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called on Caspian littoral states to move to coordinated action to mitigate the consequences of the shallowing of the Caspian Sea and adapt economies and ecosystems to ongoing changes, Report informs citing Interfax.

"The measures being taken are insufficient; it is time to move to coordinated action in order to offset and mitigate the consequences of shallowing and help our economies and ecosystems adapt to ongoing changes," Tokayev said at the Caspian Environmental Summit in Turkmenistan.

He said a coordinated scientific approach is necessary for the timely identification and elimination of environmental threats. In this regard, the president proposed using the potential of the Caspian Research Institute established in Kazakhstan, together with scientific centers of all Caspian countries, to conduct comprehensive research and develop a joint adaptation scenario.

Tokayev also advocated for creating a joint digital program to process and analyze data on the state of water resources, coastline changes, biodiversity, pollution, and river runoff. According to him, satellite technologies and artificial intelligence could be utilized when implementing this initiative.

"Such a platform could serve as a common digital foundation for our scientists, relevant government agencies, and international organizations," the president noted.

Furthermore, the head of Kazakhstan called for stepping up joint efforts to preserve the Caspian's biodiversity, emphasizing that the shallowing of the sea, changes in natural habitats, pollution, and human impact require additional measures.

As an example, Tokayev cited the experience of the Northern Aral Sea, noting that combining engineering solutions with a nature-oriented scientific approach makes it possible to resolve water management and environmental challenges, increase the resilience of coastal areas, and mitigate the impact of climate change.

The president of Kazakhstan also called on Caspian countries to intensify the fight against poaching, establish information exchange between law enforcement and environmental agencies, conduct joint operational activities, and utilize digital monitoring tools.

Separately, Tokayev emphasized the need to preserve ecological corridors to support the life cycle of the Caspian seal.

"It is impossible to imagine the Caspian Sea without the seal population," he stated.