Tengrinews.kz – The Caspian Sea’s shallowing is a consequence of climate change and is not linked to the regulation of water flow in the Volga River. Addressing the issue will require joint efforts from all five countries bordering the sea, said Dmitry Kirillov, head of Rosvodresursy, in an interview with RIA Novosti.
“Of course, the easiest explanation for the Caspian Sea’s shallowing is to blame the Volga and reservoir regulation. But that’s not entirely true—or not true at all. There are many factors involved, including precipitation, climate change, temperature increases, and, as a result, greater evaporation from the sea’s surface,” said the Russian water resources expert.
He emphasized that solving the Caspian Sea’s shrinking issue demands cooperation among all coastal states.
“Adaptation measures must be multifaceted. They concern coastal areas, desertification, and of course, sustainable water resource management,” he noted.
Kirillov added that sustainable water regulation should not be limited to the Volga, as around 30 rivers flow into the Caspian Sea from five different countries.
The Caspian Sea borders Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.