Vanishing Waters,
Vanishing Life
Vanishing Life
the Caspian Sea's Silent Crisis
The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest enclosed body of water, is facing an environmental collapse. Once a thriving ecosystem, it is now shrinking
at an alarming rate due to rising temperatures, pollution, and decades
of industrial exploitation.
at an alarming rate due to rising temperatures, pollution, and decades
of industrial exploitation.
Oil giants and others have profited
from the resources in and around the sea while leaving behind devastation—oil spills, habitat destruction, and poisoned waters. This is not just
an ecological disaster; it’s a human crisis.
from the resources in and around the sea while leaving behind devastation—oil spills, habitat destruction, and poisoned waters. This is not just
an ecological disaster; it’s a human crisis.
Communities who depend on the sea for their livelihoods are paying the price for corporate greed and environmental neglect. The Save the Caspian Sea campaign is calling for urgent action
to hold polluting corporations accountable, protect fragile ecosystems, and ensure the sea’s survival for generations to come.
to hold polluting corporations accountable, protect fragile ecosystems, and ensure the sea’s survival for generations to come.
Time is running out
we need to act now.
we need to act now.
A Shrinking Lifeline: the Alarming Decline of the Caspian Sea
days
hours
minutes
seconds
Projected shrinkage of the Caspian Sea by 2100 if current trends continue.
meters
18
The distance the shoreline has receded in some parts of Kazakhstan over the past two decades.
km
20
Rate at which the seabed is being exposed.
cm/yr
70
SHIRNKING WATER LEVELS
Methane emissions from oil and gas operations have 80 times more global warming potential than CO₂ over 20 years
80 times
Contribution of the Caspian region's oil industry to environmental degradation.
40%
Pollutants, including oil and heavy metals, enter the Caspian Sea annually.
Hundreds of thousands of tons
Pollution
Biodiversity loss
Endangered species like the Caspian seal are edging closer to extinction, and coastal communities are struggling as fish stocks are depleted and toxic pollution spreads.
reduction in fish stocks over
the last two decades due to
water salinity and pollution
the last two decades due to
water salinity and pollution
50%
reduction of Caspian seals’ population from 1.5 million
a century ago to around
70,000 today
a century ago to around
70,000 today
95%
seal carcasses were found
in Kazakhstan’s Tupkaragan region alone in November 2024
in Kazakhstan’s Tupkaragan region alone in November 2024
1,155
dead seals washed up
on the shores of Russia’s Dagestan region in a single incident.
on the shores of Russia’s Dagestan region in a single incident.
2,500
Socioeconomic Consequences
At risk due to the environmental and water crises affecting livelihoods.
82 million people
In waterborne diseases linked to pollution, threatening communities around the Caspian Sea.
50% increase
WHO WE ARE
The Save the Caspian Sea campaign brings together NGOs, activists, and concerned citizens to address the root causes of this crisis.
global support to preserve this irreplaceable resource.
mobilize
for sustainable policies to protect biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Advocate
from corporations
for pollution
and destruction.
for pollution
and destruction.
Demand accountability
of the Caspian Sea’s environmental collapse.
Raise awareness
Together, we can protect the Caspian Sea for generations to come.
Our Goals
ABOUT US
We are a team of activists dedicated to making a significant contribution to the preservation of the Caspian Sea's ecology. We work on raising awareness and developing solutions to protect this unique water body and its ecosystem.
- Vadim NiFounderVadim Ni is a leading environmental activist and the founder of the Save the Caspian Sea movement. With a background
in ecological policy and grassroots mobilization, Vadim
has been at the forefront of advocacy for sustainable development in Central Asia. His vision for the campaign
is rooted in empowering local communities and holding corporations accountable for environmental degradation. - Galina ChernovaDirector of GlobusGalina Chernova is the Chairperson of Globus Centre for Environmental Law Initiative, an NGO based in Atyrau, Kazakhstan that focuses on raising environmental awareness, environmental education and sustainable development. With extensive expertise in citizen monitoring of oil companies in the Caspian Sea region, Galina is a vocal advocate for open dialogue with stakeholders who bear responsibility for protecting the sea.
- Maria LobachevaExtractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)Maria Lobacheva is the Program Director of the public association Echo, where she provides strategic leadership to promote transparency and citizen engagement. With many years of experience advancing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Kazakhstan, Maria is also a member of the international EITI Board. This platform brings together NGO coalitions advocating for increased transparency and accountability in Kazakhstan's extractive industries.
- Kate WattersExecutive Director at Crude AccountabilityKate Watters is the Executive Director of Crude Accountability, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing environmental violations and human rights abuses in oil extraction regions. With over a decade of experience in advocacy, Kate focuses on enhancing transparency in the energy sector. She works to amplify the voices of communities affected by corporate misconduct. Under her leadership, international coalitions have been established to protect fragile ecosystems such as the Caspian Sea.
Oil-slicks recently detected in the Caspian Sea
Sentinel-1A satellite has again detected pollution in the Caspian Sea
30.06.2025 - The Sentinel-1A satellite recorded a fresh discharge of oil products in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea.
Experts from the Transparent World on the Caspian suggest that its source is a vessel located at 44°26’04.56” N, 50°09’57.80” E. The weather in the region was calm — the wind was only 2 m/s
Experts from the Transparent World on the Caspian suggest that its source is a vessel located at 44°26’04.56” N, 50°09’57.80” E. The weather in the region was calm — the wind was only 2 m/s
Radar image of the Sentinel-1A satellite was received on 29.06.2025
29.06.2025
Location - within the boundaries of the Kazakhstan sector.
The following slicks were detected on the radar image:
1. Presumably a ship spill. Area 0.3 sq. km. In the Kazakhstan sector, at coordinates 44°26'04.56" N, 50°09'57.80" E. Southeast wind at sea 2 m/s.
Location - within the boundaries of the Kazakhstan sector.
The following slicks were detected on the radar image:
1. Presumably a ship spill. Area 0.3 sq. km. In the Kazakhstan sector, at coordinates 44°26'04.56" N, 50°09'57.80" E. Southeast wind at sea 2 m/s.
Radar image of the Sentinel-1A satellite received on 23.06.2025
23.06.2025
Location - within the boundaries of the Russian and Kazakh sectors.
The following slicks were detected on the radar image:
1. Ship discharge. Area 1.4 sq. km. In the Russian sector, at coordinates 44°45'49.17" N, 47°43'22.54" E, on the Port Olya-Astrakhan roadstead route. South wind at sea 7 m/s.
Location - within the boundaries of the Russian and Kazakh sectors.
The following slicks were detected on the radar image:
1. Ship discharge. Area 1.4 sq. km. In the Russian sector, at coordinates 44°45'49.17" N, 47°43'22.54" E, on the Port Olya-Astrakhan roadstead route. South wind at sea 7 m/s.
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