Caspian Sea 2011

State of the Environment of the Caspian Sea

There is a lack of reliable data, information and analysis on the impacts of climate change on the Caspian Basin, particularly its impact on water level fluctuations and related social, envi- ronmental and economic consequences. This is partly due to a lack of resources, but is also due to a lack of awareness on the impact and cost of climate change in some countries and the need for mitigation and adaptation measures in order to lessen economic losses. The institutional and legal framework for re- gional cooperation on issues regarding climate change and water level fluctuations is also weak and not in tune with other regional and interna- tional bodies dealing with related issues. Caspian Sea littoral states should further de- velop trust and confidence-building measures that will ultimately lead to greater regional co- operation. This would enable states to respond more effectively to new challenges, including cli- mate change (ENVSEC). The Caspian Framework Convention for the Pro- tection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), which came into force in 2006, provides a mechanism for regional co- operation on issues related to climate change in general terms, but littoral states must make com- mitments, effectively addressing and collectively dealing with the challenges of the region.

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