The changes observed in the level of the Caspian Sea indicate that adaptation measures must be implemented, stated First Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Aghakarim Samadzada at a session titled "Climate-resilient cities and communities in the Caspian region: Securing climate finance for urban adaptation" held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.
According to him, the Caspian Sea is not only a strategic asset for Azerbaijan, but also an ecological heritage and a sensitive natural system:
"Like many regions of the world, the Caspian basin is one of the areas highly sensitive to climate change. Rising temperatures, declining water resources, prolonged drought periods, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increasing extreme weather events are creating new challenges for the countries of the region. In recent years, the decline in the water level of the Caspian Sea has already become a serious ecological threat. This process directly affects coastal ecosystems, as well as urban infrastructure, fishing, logistics, tourism, and the living conditions of millions of people."
Samadzada added that the changes observed in the level of the Caspian Sea once again demonstrate that the countries of the region must implement adaptation measures more quickly, in a coordinated manner, and on a scientific basis:
"The ecological processes occurring in the Caspian basin make the shared responsibility and cooperation of the countries of the region even more important. In this regard, joint activities within the framework of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, as well as the expansion of bilateral cooperation with the Caspian littoral states, strengthening of information and experience exchange, promotion of joint scientific research, and development of regional adaptation initiatives are of particular importance."