International Caspian Sea Day is observed every year on August 12, commemorating the 2006 entry into force of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

The "Caspian Sea Action Week 2026" held under the auspices of the International Year of Volunteers is organized within the framework of the "New Kazakhstan" environmental culture development concept, AZERTAC reported.

The week's events brought together delegations from the Caspian littoral states - Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran and Turkmenistan, as well as representatives, volunteers, environmental activists, experts, youth from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

An international seminar and roundtable discussion on modern environmental monitoring technologies and scientific research conducted by the Caspian littoral states was held on August 6-7, gathering together representatives of the Caspian littoral states, experts, scientists and members of the public to exchange experiences and strengthen scientific cooperation to protect the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea.

On August 8, Aktau hosted the Caspian Clean Challenge international environmental marathon, during which volunteers carried out large-scale cleaning of the coastline, collected and sorted waste. Additionally, on the same day, the “Alley of Friendship of Caspian Region Volunteers” was established in Aktau. More than 80 trees were planted, and a “Time Capsule” containing messages for future generations was placed at the site.

The week-long programme also included a technological component. On 10 and 11 August, the international Caspian Innovation Lab hackathon was held, where participants developed solutions aimed at protecting the ecosystems of the Caspian region.

The final event, held on 12 August, was the international Caspian Talks volunteer summit. The programme included an awards ceremony for the hackathon winners and a panel discussion focused on the exchange of experience and current environmental challenges.