The International Environmental Forum of the Caspian States — 2025 has successfully concluded!

On December 8–9, one of the key regional events — the International Environmental Forum of the Caspian States — was held in Makhachkala, Russian Federation. The Forum brought together representatives of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Students and lecturers from K. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University took part in the event. During the official opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Association, Salamat Idrissov, addressed the participants, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Caspian region’s environmental agenda and the vital role of scientific cooperation among the five countries: “The Forum is of particular significance, as the issues of environmental sustainability, conservation of biological resources, changes in the Caspian Sea level, and transboundary environmental risks are becoming strategic for all states of the region. The scale of these challenges requires the consolidation of scientific potential and the strengthening of intergovernmental dialogue.” S. Idrisov expressed gratitude to the team of Dagestan State University for creating an effective international platform uniting scientists, experts, and young researchers from the Caspian countries. The Forum’s program fully reflects the priorities of the Association for 2025–2030: — development of joint research, — monitoring of transboundary risks, — promotion of green technologies, — academic mobility, — creation of a unified digital scientific platform. Key Topics of the Forum Over two days, participants discussed crucial issues: ✔ decreasing Caspian Sea level and ecosystem risks ✔ transboundary environmental threats ✔ biodiversity conservation and protection of key species ✔ climate resilience and carbon balance ✔ creation of a Unified Environmental Monitoring System ✔ integration of science, education, and digital technologies Active participation of K. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University students Our students took part in: -the plenary session -scientific sessions and round tables -the Youth Track “On the Caspian Wave” -the international workshop “Ideas for the Future of the Caspian” Youth Workshop: Ideas for the Future of the Caspian Students developed practical environmental initiatives: -a mobile app for citizen-based pollution monitoring -an international volunteer camp for coastal clean-up -educational campaigns on the protection of key species A separate focus was placed on the conservation of the Caspian seal. Participants analyzed the causes of population decline and proposed protection measures: monitoring programs, expansion of protected areas, strengthened environmental control, the use of AI tools, and public educational initiatives. Forum Outcomes The concluding session, “Caspian 2030: Joint Action Agenda,” outlined a set of proposals on: — climate adaptation, — reduction of transboundary risks, — biodiversity conservation, — expansion of scientific cooperation, — development of a unified digital research platform. We are proud of our students and their contribution to the international environmental dialogue! They demonstrated initiative, high academic competence, and a genuine commitment to supporting the sustainable future of the Caspian Sea.