A high-level event titled “The Caspian Sea at a Crossroads: Science-Analytical Debate on Sea Level Decline and Regional Action” was held in Baku to mark June 5, World Environment Day.

The event was jointly organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, The Caspian Post reports, citing AZERTAC.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rauf Hajiyev emphasized the environmental, social, and economic risks associated with the declining water level of the Caspian Sea.

He stressed the importance of applying scientific approaches and strengthening data-sharing efforts to address the issue.

The event featured panel discussions involving government officials, local and international experts, researchers, and representatives of international organizations. Participants examined the causes of changes in the Caspian Sea’s water level, the effects of climate change, and opportunities for enhancing regional cooperation to address shared environmental challenges.