Baku hosts event marking Caspian Sea Day PHOTO

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources organized an event in Baku's Seaside National Park to commemorate Caspian Sea Day on August 12.

Faig Mutallimov, head of the Ecological Policy Department at the ministry, highlighted the Caspian Sea's vital role in the regional ecosystem, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The celebration coincides with the 2006 entry into force of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea. Mutallimov emphasized that the event's main objectives are to protect the marine environment, promote sustainable use of bioresources, and raise public awareness.

Every year, Azerbaijan conducts coastal clean-up and improvement activities involving ministry staff, public organizations, and the community.

Mutallimov also addressed the impact of climate change on the Caspian Sea's water levels, underscoring the need to adhere to sanitary standards. He explained that the event aims to foster a greater respect for nature and strengthen educational efforts to prevent pollution.

Additionally, he discussed regular expeditions to monitor the sea's ecological state, assess the impact of oil platform activities, and study biodiversity. Information stands about national parks was presented, and videos showcasing the Ministry's environmental initiatives were shown.

Speaking at the event, head of the National Hydrometeorological Service Nazim Mahmudov reported that the Caspian Sea's water level continues to decline, attributing this to factors like the balance of rivers feeding the sea, precipitation levels, evaporation, and tectonic activity on the seabed.

Nazim Mahmudov noted that fluctuations in the sea level are also linked to global climate change, stressing the importance of studying this process, selecting future climate scenarios, and developing adaptation measures across all Caspian countries. He called for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as changes in the Caspian Sea's level impact the environment, the economy, offshore oil and gas operations, maritime transport, and port activities.