Tokayev warns of looming ecological disaster in the Caspian Sea

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, speaking at the “SCO Plus” summit in Tianjin, drew attention to the critical environmental challenges facing the Caspian Sea, Akorda reported.

“Today, within the framework of such a representative forum, I would like to draw your attention to a very delicate but serious issue. This dire situation around the Caspian Sea. The situation is approaching an environmental disaster. This problem could become a priority for long-term consultations within the SCO. Therefore, I proposed the creation of a Center for Water Issues Analysis in Astana under the SCO,” Tokayev said.

He recalled that a UN Center for Sustainable Development for Central Asia and Afghanistan had recently opened in Almaty, highlighting Kazakhstan’s firm commitment to multilateral diplomacy. The president also announced that Astana will host a Regional Environmental Summit in partnership with the UN in April 2026.

Part of Tokayev’s speech was also dedicated to his call for reforming the United Nations.

Earlier, the Caspian issue was raised in Kazakhstan’s parliament, where environmental activist Vadim Ni, founder of the Save the Caspian Sea movement, filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Ecology.

In February 2025, experts warned that the Caspian’s water level had fallen by 2 meters over the past 20 years – an unprecedented decline.