Water is Leaving: Why is the Caspian Sea in Danger and How Does it Affect Kazakhstan?

Image: www.depositphotos.com

By Maria Zhigadlo

The Caspian Post presents an interview with Dr. Zhanar Kuanyshevna Naurozbayeva, PhD, Head of the Laboratory for Regional Climate Change at the Institute of Geography and Water Security (Kazakhstan).

- The water level in the Caspian Sea continues to decrease. How does this impact the ecological and economic situation in Kazakhstan?

- The declining water level in the Caspian Sea has severe ecological and economic consequences for Kazakhstan. This trend, particularly evident in recent decades, is tied to factors such as climate change, reduced river inflows (notably from the Volga and Ural (Zhayyk) rivers), and rising temperatures. Here are the main aspects affected by the sea’s decreasing level:

• Loss of Biodiversity: The lowering sea level results in the disappearance of vast shallow-water areas and coastal ecosystems, home to rare and endemic species of plants and animals. For example, sturgeon populations that spawn in rivers flowing into the Caspian are particularly affected. The loss of these habitats could significantly decrease the population of these valuable species.
• Challenges for Coastal Ecosystems: Shallow waters are vital to ecosystems, providing food sources and habitats for birds, fish, and other animals. As water levels drop, toxic sediments and salts are exposed, potentially degrading soil, deteriorating water quality, and increasing soil salinity in coastal areas.
• Worsening Climatic Conditions: The Caspian Sea’s water mass influences the region’s climate, helping to moderate temperature fluctuations and affect air humidity. Lower water levels increase the risk of more extreme temperature variations, impacting the climate throughout the Caspian region.
• Decline in the Fishing Industry: Fishing, especially sturgeon fishing, is crucial to Kazakhstan’s economy. The changing habitat conditions for these fish due to reduced water areas decrease fish populations, reducing catch levels and the industry’s economic benefits.
• Threats to Oil Fields: Kazakhstan’s oil fields on the Caspian Sea shelf face additional challenges as water levels drop. Shallow waters make navigation more difficult and require extra investment to maintain the operation of platforms and infrastructure.
• Tourism and Recreation: Caspian coastal zones have traditionally attracted tourists and developed as recreational areas. As the water recedes, beaches and recreational zones are pushed further inland, reducing the region’s appeal to tourists and causing economic losses in the service and tourism sectors.

The dropping water level also affects the lives of local communities, many of which depend on fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Changes in the Caspian Sea’s ecology impact their incomes, lifestyle, and access to water, potentially driving population migration away from coastal areas and increasing social tensions.

- What steps is Kazakhstan taking to prevent further declines in the Caspian Sea’s water level?

- The water level drop in the Caspian Sea is a serious ecological issue for the region’s countries, including Kazakhstan. The main factors influencing the sea level include climate change, reduced precipitation, and higher temperatures causing increased evaporation. Kazakhstan, as one of the Caspian nations, is taking steps to prevent further water level declines and minimize the consequences of this trend. Key actions include:

• Developing International Cooperation: Kazakhstan actively participates in the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea and other regional agreements. These efforts help coordinate actions among the Caspian-bordering countries to protect the sea’s ecosystem, manage water resources, and promote sustainable development of coastal areas.
• Water Use Control: Kazakhstan is making efforts to monitor and regulate water extraction from rivers feeding into the Caspian, such as the Zhayyk, which plays a vital role in the sea’s water supply. Measures are being implemented to use water more rationally for irrigation and industry, reducing human impact on water bodies that affect the Caspian’s level.
• Environmental Monitoring and Research: Kazakhstan conducts scientific research and monitoring of the Caspian Sea level and the climatic factors influencing it. This enables better forecasting of changes and developing more effective strategies to prevent water level decline. Research also includes monitoring water quality and ecosystem health.
• Developing Sustainable Infrastructure: Along Kazakhstan’s coast, infrastructure development considers ecological risks and adapts to changing water levels. This is essential to prevent negative impacts on coastal communities and the economy.
• Programs for Ecosystem and Biodiversity Protection: Kazakhstan is focused on preserving the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea, including protecting rare and endemic species. The sea level drop affects fish populations and other marine organisms, and Kazakhstan is developing programs to mitigate these effects.

These actions help Kazakhstan counter the effects of the Caspian Sea’s declining level, but long-term success depends on cooperation among all regional countries and global efforts to combat climate change.

- Do you believe that coordination among Caspian countries could help slow or prevent the water level decrease? What joint actions could be most effective?

- Yes, coordination among Caspian countries could play a key role in slowing or preventing the Caspian Sea’s water level decrease. The level drop is largely driven by climate change, increasing temperatures and evaporation, as well as human activities impacting the sea’s water balance. Since the Caspian Sea has no natural outlet, all factors affecting its level remain within the region, making regional actions especially effective.

Coordination could focus on several priority areas:

• Joint Climate and Hydrology Monitoring and Research: Regular joint studies would help better understand water level dynamics and the effects of climate changes, providing a basis for informed decision-making.
• Reducing Water Extraction from Inflowing Rivers (especially the Volga): The Volga supplies around 80% of the Caspian Sea’s water. Coordinated management of water intake and reducing water use for agriculture and industry could slow the water level decrease.
• Minimizing Impacts from Energy Projects: Oil and gas extraction requires significant resources and can considerably impact the region’s environment. Implementing joint norms and standards in the extraction industries, as well as promoting green energy, would ease the burden on the ecosystem.
• Coordinated Response to Environmental Risks and Protected Area Management: Preserving biodiversity and protecting wetlands and coastal areas can help maintain the sea’s ecosystem resilience.
• Political and Economic Cooperation: Successful implementation of these measures requires political will and coordinated actions among all Caspian states, which may necessitate creating an intergovernmental body or committee for rapid response.

Organizations like CASPCOM and others are already contributing effectively in this area. These measures could be effective if all regional countries actively cooperate and remain committed to a shared ecological and economic policy over the long term.

- In your opinion, how can awareness of the Caspian Sea’s declining water levels be raised among the local population and the international community?

- To draw attention to the issue of the Caspian Sea's water level decline, several strategies can be employed, targeting both the local population and the international community:

• Educational Programs and Campaigns: Conducting lectures, webinars, and environmental lessons in schools, as well as promoting eco-tourism, can play an essential role in raising awareness locally.
• National and International Policy: Engaging with the governments of Caspian countries to establish joint programs to mitigate the consequences of the water level decrease. Drawing the attention of the UN and other international organizations to this issue could provide necessary support and funding for research and projects.
• Conferences and Forums: Organizing international conferences and forums involving experts, scientists, and policymakers can help develop unified strategies to protect the Caspian’s water resources.

Applying these methods together will help raise awareness about the Caspian Sea’s water level decline and could contribute to finding solutions for this critical environmental issue.

- Does Kazakhstan have any long-term plans for restoring the water level or adapting to changing conditions in the Caspian region?

- Yes, Kazakhstan has long-term plans to adapt to the changing water levels in the Caspian Sea and address climate-related challenges in the region. The declining water level in the Caspian Sea is a significant issue, impacting ecosystems, the economy, and coastal infrastructure, especially in the western part of Kazakhstan, where major ports and oil fields are located. Here are some key areas Kazakhstan is working on or planning to focus on for the long term:

• Monitoring and Research: Kazakhstan has intensified scientific research in the Caspian region to monitor water level dynamics, understand the causes of the decline, and forecast future changes. This involves using satellite data and conducting specialized studies.
• Cooperation with Caspian Countries: Kazakhstan actively collaborates with other regional countries (Russia, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan) on issues related to the Caspian Sea’s ecosystem preservation. The five Caspian countries have already signed several agreements to manage the sea’s resources and protect the environment collaboratively.
• Ecosystem Restoration Plans: Kazakhstan is developing measures to conserve water resources, including protecting coastal areas and restoring water bodies that feed into the Caspian Sea. A particular focus is placed on protecting rare and endemic species of flora and fauna in the region.
• Infrastructure and Economic Adaptation Measures: In coastal areas like Mangystau, authorities are planning infrastructure adaptations to respond to changing water levels, including relocating ports and adjusting logistics routes. Kazakhstan is also investing in projects that promote sustainable development in these regions, which will help mitigate the economic impacts of climate change.
• National Climate Adaptation Strategy: Within this strategy, Kazakhstan considers measures to adapt to the Caspian Sea’s water level decline, such as developing sustainable water use methods, implementing modern water supply systems, and improving water resource management.

The government of Kazakhstan is also engaging international organizations and securing funding to implement environmental and climate projects in the Caspian region. These long-term plans aim to mitigate the impacts of the water level decline and adapt to the new conditions in the Caspian region.