Putin warns of environmental and economic effects of Caspian decline

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Caspian Sea's falling water level one of the region's most pressing problems. Speaking at an environmental summit in Turkmenbashi on October 9, he urged the coastal states to develop joint ecosystem protection measures.

Putin linked declining water levels to harm to fishing, reduced biological resources and erosion of coastal soils. In his assessment, the consequences also affect the region's economy and residents' everyday lives.

He listed reduced investor interest in trans-Caspian transport corridors, deteriorating living conditions and job losses among the risks. His remarks warned of potential consequences of continued decline.

Citing expert research, Putin named climate change as the main cause. He highlighted the influence of rising temperatures on evaporation, rainfall and river inflows, as well as changing prevailing winds. He said those factors required coordinated action by the Caspian states.