The Caspian Sea is considered to be the largest lake in the world. It ranks third on the planet in depth (Baikal (Russian Federation) – 1,620 meters, Tanganyika (Africa) – 1,435 meters, the Caspian Sea – 1,025 meters). The average depth of the Caspian Sea reaches about 208 meters, and the recorded wave height can reach up to 11 meters. The uniqueness of the Caspian Sea also lies in the fact that, despite the absence of runoff, the water level in it is unstable. About 130 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea, and there are about 50 islands in its water area.
Situated on the border of Asia and Europe, the Caspian Sea is a magnificent natural reservoir, rich in aquatic bioresources and hydrocarbon raw materials. It is the common heritage of the peoples living on its coast. The unique flora and fauna of the Caspian Sea need to be preserved and protected. And therefore, Turkmenistan in its foreign policy strategy attaches great importance to the development of good-neighborly interstate cooperation in this direction.
Our State, guided by the principle of peacefulness as a key instrument of its foreign policy, strives to create a space of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between the Caspian littoral countries. All the Caspian littoral States pay close attention to the protection of the environment of the Caspian Sea and its rational use. In this context, Turkmenistan, maintaining close ties with key partners and reputable international organizations, is putting forward new approaches to solve existing and prevent potential environmental problems in the Caspian Sea.
Having ratified UN’s main environmental conventions, Turkmenistan, as a permanently neutral state, confirms its commitment to fulfilling its obligations. Active cooperation is being carried out within the framework of UN environmental programs, as well as with the Global Environment Facility and other specialized structures.
Our country also plays an active role in the implementation of the Caspian Environmental Program. Turkmenistan regularly becomes a venue for meetings and forums on the Caspian Sea, including meetings of the Special Working Group, meetings of authorized representatives of the Caspian littoral States and international conferences.
Ensuring the protection of the environment and ecology of the Caspian Sea is one of the main tasks for the Caspian littoral States, which underlines the special attention to environmental issues in international agreements and treaties.
In November 2003, the Caspian Littoral States signed the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea. This document entered into force on August 12, 2006 after its ratification. On this basis, Caspian Sea Day is widely celebrated on August 12 every year in the Caspian littoral states, including Turkmenistan.
In addition, an Interdepartmental Group on Caspian Sea Issues has been established in our country to coordinate the work of relevant ministries and sectoral departments in the Turkmen sector of the Caspian Sea, as well as for the successful implementation of the National Action Plan for the Caspian Sea.
Turkmenistan's commitment to environmental protection, ecology and effective management of water resources creates the basis for the implementation of programs aimed at expanding national parks, forest areas and protecting biological diversity.
Large-scale initiatives designed to ensure a prosperous future for the Turkmen people are enshrined in various legislative acts, strategies and documents. This is evidenced by the strategic focus of Turkmenistan's foreign policy, defined in the Program "Revival of a New Era of a Powerful State: National Program for the Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan in 2022-2052".
It is also necessary to note the numerous projects implemented in partnership with international and regional organizations. These projects are based on UN’s main environmental documents – such as agreements on biological diversity, ozone layer protection, use of trans boundary waters and international lakes, as well as on international legal instruments of UNESCO, including the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
It is also worth noting the effectiveness of cooperation based on the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, the Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention to Fight against Desertification, and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
