Ministers of Foreign Affairs Discussed Relevance of Caspian Seal Conservation

On December 5, Moscow hosted a regular Meeting of Foreign Ministers of Caspian Littoral States. The heads of the foreign policy departments of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan discussed the prospects for five-sided cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov outlined serious common challenges the Caspian states were facing, such as environmental safety, shallowing of the Caspian Sea, and preservation of its biological resources. ‘To solve these issues, we need to harmonise our actions. According to the 2018 Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, only our five countries have exclusive competence in solving problems related to the Caspian Sea. We consider it to be a cornerstone of the emerging Caspian community, a guarantee of participation in the development of the region, and responsibility for the processes taking place in it.’

When discussing environmental issues, special attention was paid to the Caspian seal. Murat Nurtleu, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, recalled that the species is endemic to the Caspian Sea, and therefore the issues of death and reduction in the number of this marine mammal remain very relevant. ‘In order to preserve and protect the population, Kazakhstan plans to finalise the creation of a state natural reserve in 2024. In this matter, we consider it necessary to unite our efforts, taking comprehensive measures and decisions,‘ M.A. Nurtleu addressed the meeting participants.

Note: Kazakhstan began creating a state natural reserve at President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s direction in the north-eastern Caspian Sea in 2022. A natural-scientific justification was developed by KAAE (financial support from North Caspian Operating Company N.V.). KAAE is completing a technical and economic justification on the nature reserve (financing from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan). It is planned to create a legal entity of the marine protected area by July 2024.

Note: Kazakhstan began creating a state natural reserve at President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s direction in the north-eastern Caspian Sea in 2022. A natural-scientific justification was developed by KAAE (financial support from North Caspian Operating Company N.V.). KAAE is completing a technical and economic justification on the nature reserve (financing from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan). It is planned to create a legal entity of the marine protected area by July 2024.  F.V. Klimov, Executive Director, KAAE. spoke in detail about the nature reserve for Caspian seals at a Kazakhstan webinar. The protected area will include of a few marine zones, a rehabilitation center for the Caspian seal (it will be been the second in Kazakhstan), floating cordons and other facilities.

Following the meeting, Statement of Foreign Ministers of Caspian Littoral States was adopted.

Source: Russian Foreign Ministry, RIA News.
Photos: GURK.KZ.