Caspian Sea 2011

2010

Decline in biodiversity Azerbaijan has adopted rules governing trade in endangered species. Iran has introduced a de- cree allowing the privatization of fishing harbours, which aims to reduce the pressure on Caspian Sea biological resources, mainly fish species, by allowing alternative activities in these harbours. Kazakhstan has adopted a number of measures aimed at halting the decline in biodiversity in its fishery sector. These include the introduction of a monopoly on sturgeon catches and processing; the introduction of a “zero” charge for the use of resources; adoption of rules governing interna- tionally important wetlands and a listing of such wetlands. A state monopoly on sturgeon fishing in natural habitats, including processing and caviar marketing, will be initiated in January 2011 in Ka- zakhstan (Questionnaire KZ 2010). The main goal is to improve conservation efforts and fishery effi- ciency in the most significant areas. In order to cre- ate favourable conditions for marine fishery devel- opment, a zero interest rate policy relating to the exploitation of marine fish species was approved by a governmental resolution in 2007. This has at- tracted investments in fishery and fish processing sectors. On top of that, in 2010, Kazakhstan initi- ated a moratorium on commercial fishing of stur- geon until 2015. Turkmenistan joined the Convention on Wet- lands of International Importance (the Ramsar Convention) and, in 2008, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety of the Biodiversity Convention. Resource extraction Two countries have joined international conven- tions relating to pollution caused by the extraction and transportation of resources. In 2010, Azerbai- jan joined the International Convention On Civil Li- ability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage; Turkmeni- stan joined the same convention in 2008. Moreover, in 2008, Turkmenistan has adopted a new version of the Law “On Hydrocarbon Resources”, which meets all international standards, including those, which apply to the use of equipment.

tions relating to potential oil spills.

A special chapter governing economic and other activities in the state protected area of the North- ern part of the Caspian Sea of the Ecological Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted in 2007 provides the legislative framework for safeguard- ing protected areas and safeguarding habitats from oil pollution. Runoffs Azerbaijan adopted legislation in 2008 relating to improved wastewater management under the Administrative Order “On Additional Measures for the Protection of the Caspian Sea from Pollu- tion”. The main purpose of the Order was to con- struct wastewater treatment modular units on the Absheron Peninsula coast, along the Nardaran- Sumgait and Gurgan-Sangachal routes. Azerbaijan also adopted two additional meas- ures in 2008-09, improving the provision of clean water services to the population. In 2008, based on the decree “On Certain Measures for Improv- ing Provision of the Population with Ecologically Clean Potable Water”, activities were initiated aimed at providing clean, safe and potable water to remote settlements. In 2009, an Administrative Order “On Additional Measures to Ensure Water Supply to Population” was enforced. The new Water Code (2007) and the Water Strat- egy Action Plan (2009), adopted by the Russian Federation , include provisions for the sustaina- ble use of water resources, including services that supply clean water. It should also be noted that in the Russian Fed- eration major companies and associations en- gaged in economic activities in mining, transpor- tation and processing of hydrocarbons and other natural resources establish standards to ensure the environmental safety of their production ac- tivities to meet the requirements of Russian and international legal acts. For example, in 2009, the public corporation “Gazprom” developed and adopted a series of standards for environmental

In addition, Turkmenistan also joined two conven-

87