COP29 adopts declaration on strengthening cooperation over decline in Caspian Sea level

A meeting of officials from the Caspian littoral states was held at the Azerbaijan national pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Report informs.

The meeting "Caspian Sea Water Decline in light of climate change" was jointly organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Secretariat of the Framework Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea.

Officials from Caspian littoral states, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and representatives of some international organizations attended the event.

Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Umayra Tagiyeva delivered an opening speech highlighting the recent decreases in the Caspian Sea level due to climate change and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to protect this unique ecosystem. The deputy minister noted the significance of joint efforts by experts from Caspian littoral countries to study level fluctuations and develop adaptation measures comprehensively.

During the event, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen presented a report titled "Caspian Sea Level Fluctuations and Climate Change," prepared jointly by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and UNEP.

Representatives from the World Bank and the Green Climate Fund also participated in the discussions with their presentations on the subject.

The event concluded with the adoption of the "Declaration on Strengthening Cooperation between Ministers and High-Level Officials of Caspian States regarding the Decrease in the Caspian Sea Level".