Azerbaijan calls for joint action to address Caspian Sea's environmental challenges

Azerbaijan has urged the countries bordering the Caspian Sea to join forces in tackling mounting environmental issues, particularly the alarming drop in water levels.

Speaking at the plenary session of the third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov stressed the urgency of collective action, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"Given that we are currently on the Caspian coast, I would like to highlight its environmental challenges. The most concerning is the falling water level. We must work together to address this shared problem," Asadov said.

He referred to the 6th Caspian Summit held in Ashgabat in 2022, during which President Ilham Aliyev drew attention to the issue. Following Azerbaijan’s proposal, efforts are underway to form expert groups to study and counter the sea’s desiccation.

Asadov underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to supporting the development of landlocked nations, citing the country’s experience, resources, and goodwill.

He also highlighted the strong, long-standing ties between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, built on shared heritage and mutual respect. The recent visit by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty and National Leader of the Turkmen people, was described as a milestone in strategic cooperation.

Despite being landlocked, Azerbaijan has transformed geographical constraints into logistical strengths, Asadov added. With the largest commercial fleet on the Caspian—comprising more than 50 vessels—alongside a shipbuilding facility, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, the country has established itself as a key transport hub.

Its expanding infrastructure also includes nine international airports and the region’s leading cargo airline. According to the Prime Minister, freight volume along the Middle Corridor has increased by approximately 90% since 2022, with significant reductions in transit times.

Asadov described transport integration between Azerbaijan and Central Asia as essential to broader Eurasian connectivity. He also referenced collaboration within the UN’s Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), noting the outcomes of the 25th anniversary summit in Baku last November, including the adoption of the Baku Declaration and a roadmap for digitising the Middle Corridor.

Digitalisation remains a strategic priority, with Azerbaijan advancing the Digital Silk Road project. This includes laying a Trans-Caspian fibre-optic line to enhance digital connectivity for landlocked developing countries.

Turning to climate action, Asadov recalled that Azerbaijan successfully hosted COP29 last year. He described the adoption of the Baku Climate Target as a landmark in global climate finance, aiming to triple annual climate funding for developing countries from $100 billion to $300 billion by 2035.

He further announced that Azerbaijan had concluded key negotiations on carbon market frameworks under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and that the operational launch of the Loss and Damage Fund had been agreed, offering critical assistance to climate-vulnerable communities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev