Vital Caspian Graphics - Challenges Beyond Caviar

The marks of human activity Oil slicks glittering on the surface of the sea and thou- sands of hectares of soil penetrated by oil leaking from abandoned wells are just part of the pollution that peo- ple living around the Caspian Sea must endure. In addi- tion there are various industries, particularly chemicals and mining, large-scale irrigated farming and untreated household waste. Combined with the effects of the oil, all these forms of pollution have a serious impact on the well-being of humans and wildlife.

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Many opportunities are offered by the Caspian Sea region. It is important that they are handled with care in order to maintain the richness in bio- and mineral resources over a long time. The natural wealth of the region round the Caspian Sea in min- eral resources also involves high metal concentra- tions. Industrial activities, in particular mining, are raising the metal concentration in sediments to levels exceeding permissible limits. Increased activity on oil-drilling platforms and in transport obviously increases the risk of accidents at sea. Exploitation of the offshore reserves in the northern part of the sea, where the water is very shallow, involves specific risks. Depending on the season (ice forms in some places in winter) access, in the event of an accident, may be very difficult.

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Figure: Oil forecast in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Numbers should however be treated with caution, estimates changing frequently as new exploration work is carried out. The most recent forecasts for Azerbaijan have been more moderate, whereas new exploitation work will soon be starting in Kazakhstan.

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