Forty years ago, scientists predicted the decline in the Caspian Sea's water levels. This is attributed to climate change—rising temperatures, droughts, and reduced water flow from feeding rivers.
By 2040, experts warn that the water deficit could reach 15 billion cubic meters. The President has tasked the government with devising a comprehensive water management policy.
The issue and potential solutions were discussed in Atyrau. Eco-activists, representatives from civil society organizations, political parties, and relevant ministries participated in a roundtable meeting.
The northern part of the sea lies within the Atyrau region. The consequences of shallowing are evident: a once-famous port with an annual capacity of 15,000 tons of cargo has been idle for three years. Coastal fishing villages' residents also anxiously contemplate the future.
"Urgent measures need to be taken. The local population is already suffering from the shallowing of the Caspian Sea. Fishing villages face a grim fate. Not only are they losing their livelihoods, but the silt dust from the sea floor also detrimentally affects the health of their residents," says environmental activist Zhauken Koshenov.
For the past five years, efforts have been ongoing to clear the mouths of the Ural and Kigach rivers, which flow into the Caspian. The project is set to conclude next year. However, according to experts, despite the scale of the work, significant results should not be expected as the dredgers cannot keep up with the receding sea.
The head of the 'Pavlodar River Port' project, Didar Alipov, noted that the Caspian is shallowing faster than the completion of the work.
"The project was planned in such a way that we were supposed to reach the Caspian Sea. What's happening is that the project is being developed at a time when the level of the Caspian remains stationary. Then, after several years when we start and finish the work, the Caspian retreats further," he stated.
To address the Caspian's issues, a scientific research institute is being established under the Ministry of Water Resources. It will bring together specialists in various fields: ichthyologists, biologists, hydrogeologists, and others. Scientists will study the sea's flora and fauna, investigate the reasons for the deaths of marine animals. Due to environmental problems, the region is becoming inhospitable for life.
Activist Balzhan Dosmukhambetova suggests adopting the experience of rehabilitating the Aral Sea's bottom, where saxaul trees have been planted for several years.
"Because realistically, living there is impossible. We met with the chief doctor and medical staff. They say that the number of diseases has increased," she shared.
The public is concerned that the Caspian could suffer the fate of the Aral Sea. Residents of the region are awaiting specific steps from the government to address the shallowing issues.
The Ministry of Water Resources is establishing a scientific research institute to study the issues facing the Caspian Sea. It will bring together specialized experts including ichthyologists, biologists, hydrogeologists, and others. Scientists will investigate the sea's flora and fauna, determining the causes behind the deaths of marine animals. Due to environmental issues, the region is becoming less hospitable for life.
Public figure Balzhan Dosmukhambetova suggests utilizing the experience gained from the reclamation of the Aral Sea's seabed, where saxaul trees have been planted for several years.
"According to the project plan, we were supposed to reach the Caspian Sea. What's happening is that the project is being developed at a time when the Caspian Sea's level remains stagnant. After several years, when we start and finish our work, the Caspian Sea continues to recede further," he stated.
The public is concerned that the Caspian Sea might repeat the fate of the Aral Sea. Residents of the region are awaiting specific steps from the government to address the issue of shallowing.
"Because realistically, living there is impossible. We met with the chief doctor and medical staff. They say that the number of diseases has increased," she shared.