Tokayev Raised Problematic Issues of the Caspian
On November 7, 2022, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with the public of the Mangistau region. In his speech, the President raised problematic issues related to the deterioration of the environmental situation in the Caspian Sea: the death of seals and the shallowing of the largest lake on the planet.
In particular, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, ‘Mangistau is a region where there are a number of serious environmental problems. The most important task is to maintain the ecological balance and biodiversity of the Caspian Sea. Today, events of mass death of seals and fish are increasingly recorded. Human activities and changes in environmental conditions lead to such phenomena. Seals are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The problem of conservation and restoration of the abundance of this species is under my personal control. This summer, I visited the Central Asian Institute for Ecological Research, which is actively engaged in studying the reasons for the decline in the number of seals. This important issue requires a comprehensive scientific approach. Earlier, it was planned to create state nature reserves in the Mangistau region to preserve the population of the Caspian seal. The Ministry of Ecology needs to speed up this work and take all the necessary decisions.’
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also stressed the importance of curbing illegal fishing in the Caspian, “which leads to a reduction in the fish population and threatens the marine ecosystem.”
‘The problem of lowering the water level in the Caspian Sea is acute. Since 2005, the decline has already amounted to more than one meter. The causes and consequences of this phenomenon require careful and comprehensive study. In this regard, I consider it necessary to create a state scientific institute that will conduct researches on the Caspian Sea. In addition, on this issue, the government should closely cooperate with colleagues from other Caspian states,’ the head of state addressed the participants of the meeting.
Source: Official website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Photos are posted on Official website of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.