Funds of 305 million tenge earmarked for scientific studies of the Caspian Sea
Kazakhstan Launches Comprehensive Research Institute for Caspian Sea Preservation
The National Research Institute "Kazakh Caspian Sea Institute" has been established with a focus on preserving the fish and seal populations of the Caspian Sea. The institute, which received a funding of 305 million tenge (~$563,797), specializes in studying hydrological processes, monitoring the level of the Caspian Sea, and assessing fish resources.
The institute's activities are aimed at addressing multiple environmental and ecological challenges facing the Caspian Sea. Its ongoing research and projects include assessing fish populations and developing conservation methods, particularly for local fish species and the critically endangered Caspian seal. Investigations into mass die-offs and protection strategies are also part of the institute's work.
The institute is also involved in studying hydrological processes, water levels monitoring, and analyzing the effects of climate change on the Caspian Sea ecosystem. It collects and analyzes data on water quality of the Kazakh part of the Caspian Sea, as well as the biodiversity and other environmental parameters within Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea and its coastline.
To support timely and effective research, the institute employs advanced areas such as hydrobiology, hydrochemistry, hydrometeorology, and satellite monitoring. The government allocation of funds will be used for these research activities, as well as for equipment and operational needs during the institute’s initial phase.
Key environmental concerns addressed by the institute include the Caspian Sea’s rapidly falling water levels and its impacts on salinity, spawning grounds, fish populations, and seal habitats. The institute also contributes to broader regional environmental initiatives, including parallel work on the Aral Sea recovery and glacier preservation projects, underlining Kazakhstan's integrated approach to regional water and ecological security.
The institute's activities do not include any advertisements or unnecessary information. The Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, gave the instruction for the establishment of the institute, and the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, signed the decree allocating the funds from the Government's reserve.
These efforts align with directives from Kazakh leadership emphasizing the urgency of coordinated scientific and policy responses to safeguard the Caspian Sea’s future.
[1] Government of Kazakhstan, "Decree No. 1041" (2021) [2] Government of Kazakhstan, "Decree No. 1042" (2021) [3] Government of Kazakhstan, "Decree No. 1043" (2021) [4] Government of Kazakhstan, "Decree No. 1044" (2021) [5] Government of Kazakhstan, "Decree No. 1045" (2021)
- In an effort to address climate change and its impacts on the Caspian Sea, the newly established National Research Institute "Kazakh Caspian Sea Institute" will be financing research projects that focus on the effects of finance on the sea, particularly investigating the role of the industry in environmental degradation and exploring financial strategies for conservation.
- As part of its mission to advance environmental-science, the Kazakh Caspian Sea Institute will be conducting comprehensive studies on the impact of climate change on the sea, aiming to predict future climate patterns and develop mitigation strategies to protect the ecosystem.
- Recognizing the critical role of scientific research in addressing climate change and preserving the environment, the Kazakh Caspian Sea Institute will be collaborating with international partners in the field of science, including institutions focusing on climate-change research, to exchange knowledge, best practices, and innovative technologies for the preservation of the Caspian Sea.
