Celebrate International Caspian Sea Day: Protecting the Unique Ecosystem of the Caspian Sea
Celebrated annually on August 12, the International Caspian Sea Day brings together the five Caspian Sea states—Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. This significant day allows nations to reflect on the current status of the world’s largest inland body of water while emphasizing the urgent need to preserve its unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity.
In 2003, the Caspian littoral states made a pivotal commitment by signing the Tehran Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea. Following the ratification by all five governments, this convention officially came into effect on August 12, 2006. Since then, August 12 has been recognized as Caspian Sea Day, dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues affecting the Caspian Sea.
The Caspian Sea is renowned for its distinctive biodiversity, supporting a variety of valuable species that play crucial roles in the region’s economy, food security, and ecological sustainability. However, in recent decades, the marine life within the Caspian has faced alarming declines, particularly among sturgeon and Caspian seals. The primary threats to these populations include:
- Illegal fishing and overfishing
- Pollution from oil, industrial, and agricultural sources
- Climate change
- Reduced water flow
- Habitat destruction
Sturgeons are among the critical resources of the Caspian Sea, valued primarily for their caviar. Unfortunately, these fish are now at risk of extinction. The Caspian seal, the only marine mammal in the sea, is also in grave danger. Currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the seal population has plummeted from approximately one million to just 70,000.
In recent years, an increasing number of seal carcasses have been discovered along the southern coast, raising alarm among environmentalists regarding the heightened risk of extinction for the Caspian seal. In response to this dire situation, Iran has consistently emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to safeguard the biodiversity of the Caspian ecosystem. The country advocates for collaborative efforts to protect endangered species, particularly the Caspian seals, through enhanced joint measures.
Iran has initiated several programs to combat these environmental challenges. One notable event is the upcoming Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, known as COP 7, scheduled to take place in Tehran. This conference will focus on strategies for the preservation of the Caspian seal.
In November 2024, the Department of Environment (DOE) launched a national action plan aimed at conserving the Caspian seal. This plan prioritizes the protection of this rare, endemic, and endangered species, positioning it at the forefront of marine environmental efforts.
Among the proactive measures taken is the establishment of a center for Caspian seal conservation at the Tarbiat Modarres University branch in Noor County. This center aims to encourage collaboration between the university and government agencies, fostering initiatives that are expected to yield positive outcomes for the protection of Caspian seals.
Additionally, executive working groups have been formed in partnership with local governors and stakeholders, managed by provincial departments of environment in Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces. These provinces have also equipped rescue centers for seals, ensuring that they are ready to respond effectively to emergencies. A specialized training workshop has already been conducted for rangers and beneficiaries, covering essential topics such as:
- Basic rescue methods
- Proper release techniques
- Carcass disposal procedures
- Correct sample collection
Moreover, the examination of seal carcasses found on the beaches is being pursued in collaboration with neighboring countries and relevant organizations to determine the causes of mortality.
In August 2024, the Iranian ambassador to Turkmenistan participated in a significant scientific-practical international conference titled ‘Caspian Sea – Cooperation for Sustainable Development’, held in the national tourism zone of Awaza. During this conference, Ali-Mojtaba Rouzbahani emphasized that the Caspian Sea is a shared heritage and a vital link among the littoral states, benefiting over 270 million people.
The Caspian Sea serves as a strategic region connecting the North-South and East-West corridors. Rouzbahani underscored the responsibility of the coastal nations to safeguard the Caspian Sea for future generations, as it has been inherited from previous generations in a clean and safe state. He further stated that the adoption of the Tehran Convention marks a crucial step towards fostering cooperation in the Caspian Sea, highlighting the significance of environmental preservation as a fundamental principle for all activities in this vital body of water.
