12 August marks Caspian Sea Day. In Kazakhstan, the occasion was marked by the international volunteer initiative Caspian Sea Action Week 2026, which gathered environmental activities, scientific meetings, youth projects and an international summit, El.kz reports citing the press service of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.
Why 12 August is associated with the Caspian Sea
Caspian Sea Day is observed to commemorate the anniversary of the entry into force of the Tehran Convention. The framework agreement on the protection of the marine environment of the Caspian Sea was adopted by the Caspian littoral states to facilitate joint efforts aimed at preserving the unique ecosystem.
This year marks 20 years since the Convention entered into force. Kazakhstan timed the international volunteer programme to this anniversary as part of the Taza Kazakhstan concept for the development of environmental culture.
Representatives of Azerbaijan, Russia, Iran and Turkmenistan took part in the programme. Delegations from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as well as volunteers, environmental activists, scientists and experts, also joined the initiative.
From scientific dialogue to environmental action
Caspian Sea Action Week 2026 was officially launched on 6 August. Over the following two days, participants discussed modern environmental monitoring technologies and scientific research conducted by countries across the Caspian region.
An international seminar and roundtable provided a platform for exchanging data and best practices. Particular attention was given to scientific cooperation, which enables stakeholders to monitor the condition of the marine ecosystem and develop joint responses to environmental challenges.
During the facilitation session “One Caspian – One Future,” participants discussed common approaches to the conservation of the sea. The Caspian Team Building format complemented the programme with joint activities and helped strengthen cooperation among volunteer communities from different countries.
Aktau jons the International Environmental Marathon
One of the key events was the Caspian Clean Challenge environmental marathon, held in Aktau on 8 August. Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mansur Oshurbayev, took part in the event.
Volunteers cleaned the coastline through plogging activities and collected and sorted waste. Participants were also presented with environmental initiatives and green technology solutions.
On the same day, the “Alley of Friendship of Caspian Region Volunteers” was established in Aktau. More than 80 trees were planted, and a “Time Capsule” containing messages for future generations was placed at the site.
Bozzhyra becomes part of the environmental programme
A separate environmental activity was held on 9 August in the Bozzhyra tract. Participants explored the natural landscapes of the Mangystau region and took part in an environmental clean-up campaign.
Such initiatives are particularly important for the region due to the fragility of its desert and semi-desert landscapes. Bozzhyra is among the most well-known natural areas in Mangystau; therefore, preserving its cleanliness is directly linked to responsible tourism and environmental protection.
Environmental ideas turned into projects
The week-long programme also included a technological component. On 10 and 11 August, the international Caspian Innovation Lab hackathon was held, where participants developed solutions aimed at protecting the ecosystems of the Caspian region.
The teams presented their projects to experts. This format helps engage young people in developing practical solutions to environmental challenges and connects volunteer initiatives with technological innovation.
Another programme component was an open-mic session in the TED-style format. Environmental volunteers and specialists shared their experiences and discussed the challenges currently facing the Caspian region.
How the week concluded
The final event, held on 12 August, was the international Caspian Talks volunteer summit. The programme included an awards ceremony for the hackathon winners and a panel discussion focused on the exchange of experience and current environmental challenges.
The programme concluded with a closing ceremony. Over the course of the week, participants progressed from scientific discussions on the state of the Caspian Sea to practical environmental activities and the development of new projects.
