The Caspian Sea attracts close attention from scientists, and this is not surprising. It is one of the unique places on Earth, possessing the richest resources. Since ancient times, the Caspian has united numerous peoples inhabiting its coast.
Due to its geographical location - between Asia and Europe, the Caspian Sea has an important geopolitical significance. It is the largest closed water body on Earth, which has no outlet to the World Ocean. Scientists assume that the Caspian is one of the remains of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which once stretched across the entire globe. About 6 million years ago, as a result of active mountain-building processes, the ocean gradually decreased and closed.
The Caspian Sea stretches along the meridians for 1,200 kilometres. Its area is 386 thousand square kilometres. The total length of the coastline reaches 7,000 kilometres, the average width is 320 kilometres, and the volume of water is 80 thousand cubic kilometres. The deepest point, reaching 1025 meters, is located off the coast of Iran. The shallow part, with depths from 5 to 15 metres, is located off the coast of Kazakhstan.
In history, the Caspian Sea had about 70 names, but the current one is the most common. It was first used by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus in the 5th century BC. The origin of the word «Caspian» is explained by the name of the people who lived on the southwestern coast of the sea thousands of years ago. Currently, along with the generally accepted name, the name «hazar» Sea is also used. The word «hazar» in Turkic languages means «to wander», «to travel».
The biodiversity of the Caspian Sea includes 733 species of flora and 1814 species of fauna. The number of endemic species exceeds 300, and there are about 100 species of fish. The Caspian seal deserves special attention - it is one of two endemic species of seals that live in fresh water bodies (the other lives in Lake Baikal).
The biodiversity of the Caspian Sea includes 733 species of flora and 1814 species of fauna. The number of endemic species exceeds 300, and there are about 100 species of fish. Of particular note is the Caspian seal - it is one of two endemic species of seals that live in fresh water bodies (the other lives in Lake Baikal). Since the 1970s, the region has faced a sharp increase in economic activity, especially in the field of oil and gas production, which has a significant impact on this unique ecosystem.
Since the 1970s, the region has experienced a sharp increase in economic activity, especially in the oil and gas sector, which has had a significant impact on this unique ecosystem.
To improve the environmental situation in the Caspian region, the governments of the Caspian countries created the Caspian Environmental Program (CEP). Its goal is to ensure sustainable development and management of the Caspian ecology.
Within the framework of this program, the entire marine environment of the Caspian and its coastal zone was comprehensively studied. For each of the Caspian countries, including Turkmenistan, National Caspian Work Plans have been developed, providing for the implementation of measures to improve the economic and environmental situation in the coastal zone.
Turkmenistan pays significant attention to the coastal zone of the Caspian Sea. This territory has enormous potential for natural resources, contributing to the development of the oil and gas complex, transport industry, fisheries, tourism and recreational activities. The length of the Turkmen coast is more than 650 kilometres, and taking into account the numerous bays, it exceeds 1,200 kilometres, while the entire coastline is sandy. In its economic development, Turkmenistan adheres to the principle of sustainable improvement, the key aspect of which is the joint solution of economic and environmental issues. The creation of the «Avaza» National Tourist Zone on the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea serves as a striking example of rational use of natural resources and the successful application of the principle of sustainable development in the development of natural resources.
The sea spaces are used for the development of international transport and economic relations and the fishing industry. Shallow and coastal wetlands are places for the reproduction of marine organisms and the accumulation of fish. It is noteworthy that up to two thirds of all Caspian birds winter here.
In general, the ecological conditions of the Turkmen section of the sea are extremely favourable for humans, which makes these territories ideal for recreation.
The construction of the international seaport in the city of Turkmenbashy is an excellent example of the application of an ecological approach in the construction of economic facilities. Many treatment facilities have been installed here, which help maintain the cleanliness of the marine environment.
The coastal zone is always dynamic and active due to the interrelationship of the marine environment, terrestrial ecosystems and the socio-economic environment. To implement measures for the sustainable development of the Caspian region, the Caspian Sea Institute was established in Turkmenistan, which gave a powerful impetus to comprehensive scientific research. In addition, organisational measures are being developed here for the full preservation of the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is a storehouse of natural resources that, if used rationally and carefully, can last for millions of years. Under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan is successfully developing environmental diplomacy aimed at passing on the natural wealth of the Caspian Sea to future generations. Preserving this natural heritage is the duty of each of us.
