Op-ed: The Times of Central Asia | Environmental Advocate Vadim Ni Warns of Impending Disaster for Caspian Sea and Calls for Global Action to Prevent Ecological Collapse

Vadim Ni is an environmental law attorney and climate expert. He has served on compliance committees for the Aarhus Convention and the Protocol of the Eurasian Economic Commission on Water and Health. Additionally, he was part of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s delegation in climate change negotiations.

He is also the founder of the Save the Caspian Sea movement, which seeks to raise public awareness of the environmental issues facing the Caspian Sea and promote sustainable solutions for its preservation.

TCA: Could you tell us why the Caspian Sea is so important and why it requires our urgent attention?

Vadim: The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest enclosed body of water, spanning five countries, including Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Its significance extends far beyond geographical borders. It is home to unique species, including the endangered Caspian seal and several sturgeon species, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem and local economy.

Unfortunately, the sea is on the brink of an environmental disaster due to climate change, pollution, and industrial exploitation. If action is not taken now, the world will face global consequences, from biodiversity loss to the destabilization of regional economies. Without immediate and decisive measures, this will lead to catastrophe not only in the region but globally.

TCA: What inspired you to create Save the Caspian Sea?

Vadim: I have been involved in environmental protection for a long time and have seen how fragmented efforts to save the Caspian have failed to yield significant results. The mass deaths of thousands of Caspian seals and the rapid shallowing of the coastline were alarming signals for me. It became clear that without a unified and coordinated initiative, we simply wouldn’t be able to save the sea in time. This led to the creation of Save the Caspian Sea, a movement that brings together the efforts of governments, businesses, environmentalists, and ordinary people. Its goal is to mobilize all possible resources to protect this vital body of water before it is too late.

TCA: What are the main threats currently facing the Caspian Sea?

Vadim: There are three major issues. The first is shrinking water levels. Due to climate change and the mismanagement of water resources, the sea level is rapidly declining. In Kazakhstan, some areas have already seen the shoreline retreat by dozens of kilometers. This is destroying ecosystems and causing severe damage to fisheries and tourism.

The second problem is pollution. Industrial waste and heavy metals, mainly from oil extraction and processing, are being discharged into the water. This not only worsens water quality but also devastates marine flora and fauna, putting many species at risk of extinction. Additionally, large oil fields release toxic substances into the air, poisoning the environment. In the village of Berezovka, 25 toxic compounds have been detected in the air, causing residents to suffer from migraines, dizziness, hair loss, and deteriorating vision.

The third threat is ecosystem destruction. The Caspian seal population has plummeted from one million in the early 20th century to just 70,000 today. Pollution weakens the animals’ immune systems, making them more vulnerable to disease. Additionally, in 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified four out of five Caspian sturgeon species as critically endangered.

TCA: What are the goals of Save the Caspian Sea?

Vadim: We focus on three key areas. First, we demand accountability from corporations. Companies operating in the region must adhere to strict environmental standards. Their profits should not come at the expense of the environment and people’s health.

Second, we engage the global community. Save the Caspian Sea actively collaborates with governments, international organizations, and NGOs. We run awareness campaigns and events to bring the Caspian Sea crisis to the global stage.

Third, we work on ecosystem restoration. It’s not enough to just reduce pollution. We need to invest in conservation and biodiversity protection. Our goal is not just to stop the destruction but to restore the sea to a stable state.
TCA: How does Save the Caspian Sea engage local communities?

Vadim: Community involvement is at the core of our strategy. We launched a global awareness campaign with the hashtag #SaveTheCaspianSea, which helps draw attention to the issue. People can share their stories, talk about the situation in their regions, and demand change.

We also organize educational seminars and develop programs that provide local residents with the knowledge and tools to protect the environment. Our website offers resources for anyone who wants to get involved, from signing petitions to supporting ecosystem restoration initiatives.

TCA: What roles do governments and businesses play in this process?

Vadim: Their role is critically important. Governments must tighten environmental regulations, invest in sustainable technologies, and collaborate internationally, as the Caspian Sea is a shared resource.

Corporations, especially those in the oil and gas sector, must operate transparently, adhere to strict environmental standards, and transition to safer technologies. Save the Caspian Sea also advocates for a shift toward renewable energy sources to reduce the region’s dependence on oil and gas, the primary drivers of environmental damage.

TCA: What message would you like to leave for our readers?

Vadim: The fate of the Caspian Sea depends on each of us. This is not just a regional crisis, it is a global issue, exacerbated by the activities of international corporations.

What happens here will impact ecosystems and economies worldwide. Everyone can make a difference by supporting environmental initiatives, spreading awareness, and demanding decisive action from governments and businesses.

Together, we can change the situation and preserve the Caspian Sea as a source of life for future generations.