Baku names key causes of the Caspian Sea's shrinking
The continuous decline in the water level of the Caspian Sea in recent decades is no longer merely a forecast for the future, but a genuinely observable fact.
As reported by a correspondent for 1news.az, this was stated by Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Rauf Hajiyev during the panel session "Challenges of Climate Change in Inland Water Bodies: The Case of the Caspian Sea," held as part of the IV Baku Climate Action Week.
According to him, climate change is having an increasingly serious impact on water resources in many regions of the world.
"Rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns and river flows, and increased evaporation not only affect the state of water resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems, but also create new challenges for the well-being of the population, food security, and economic development," R. Hajiyev noted.
The deputy minister emphasized that the drop in the Caspian's level is leading to the retreat of the coastline, changes in coastal zones, and the shrinking of ecosystems and habitats of living organisms.
He particularly pointed out that such valuable species as the Caspian seal and sturgeon are facing serious risks because of this process.
"The consequences of these changes are not limited to the environment alone. The shrinking of the Caspian has a serious impact on the livelihoods of coastal communities, cities, infrastructure, transport, port operations, and coastal economic activity in general," R. Hajiyev stated.
He added that the current situation requires a reassessment of future investment plans and development strategies, with the mandatory consideration of climate risks.
According to R. Hajiyev, the causes and consequences of the processes taking place in the Caspian go beyond national borders.
"Along with climate change, anthropogenic factors are also intensifying the existing risks. Therefore, an effective approach to the future of the Caspian cannot be limited to steps taken exclusively at the national level," the deputy minister emphasized.
R. Hajiyev drew attention to the fact that the Caspian is a shared water basin, and its protection, ensuring environmental sustainability, as well as adaptation to emerging challenges, require the joint efforts of all Caspian states.
In the deputy minister's opinion, the more effective integration of scientific research results into the policymaking and decision-making process, as well as a clearer assessment of water level changes and possible future scenarios, are of particular importance.
"At the same time, it is important to identify practical adaptation measures for various water level scenarios and to expand the opportunities for their implementation at the local level," he added.
R. Hajiyev noted that the experience gained in addressing the Caspian's problems could also serve as a model for other inland water bodies vulnerable to climate change. He expressed hope that the panel discussions would bring useful results for broader regional and international cooperation.
To recall, the second day of the IV Climate Week (CW4) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is taking place in Baku. The participants' main attention today is focused on issues of sustainable urban development, transport, water resources, and agriculture.
Representatives of the governments of various countries, international organizations, experts, representatives of financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society are taking part in the events.
Within the framework of the IV Climate Week and Baku Climate Action Week, a series of sessions, panel discussions, and side events dedicated to combating climate change, climate finance, sustainable development, and stepping up climate action are being held.
Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW 2026) will run until September 11.
