The decline in the Caspian Sea’s level in recent years has caused significant changes in coastal ecosystems; however, pollution poses a greater threat to the sea.

These views were expressed by Saida Zeynalova, Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education and PhD in Geography, in an interview with AZERTAC. According to her, the concept of “transformation” refers to changes occurring in ecosystems and landscapes. Some of these changes may be reversible. For example, when the sea level falls, coastal areas are exposed, allowing new vegetation and ecosystems to develop. If the water level rises again after a certain period, some of these areas may return to their previous ecological state.

One of the main characteristics of natural ecosystems is their ability to recover themselves. However, as human impact intensifies, this ability becomes weaker. In particular, urbanization, construction, industrial activities, and other anthropogenic pressures hinder the natural development of coastal ecosystems.

“Just as the immune system of the human body becomes weaker, the self-recovery capacity of ecosystems also decreases as anthropogenic pressure increases. Specialists have conducted extensive research in different parts of the Caspian Sea. The geographical scope of these studies extended from the Volga River Delta to the Sefidrud River Delta. In the Azerbaijani sector, extensive field observations were carried out, while remote sensing and GIS technologies were also used.”

According to the scientist, these studies revealed that various ecosystems have formed in areas exposed as a result of the decline in the sea level.

She noted that in areas where there is little or no anthropogenic impact, this process develops more naturally. It is possible that the Caspian Sea’s level will rise again after a certain period. In that case, some ecosystems that have developed in natural areas may once again be submerged, and previous ecological processes may be restored. However, in areas that have been subjected to strong anthropogenic pressure, it may be much more difficult for ecosystems to return to their previous state.

The scientist emphasized that the decline in the Caspian Sea’s level should not be viewed from only one perspective:

“Changes in sea level are a historical and natural process. The main problem is the increasing environmental pressure caused by human activities alongside these changes. Against the backdrop of climate change, a decrease in the amount of water flowing from rivers into the Caspian Sea and increased evaporation are affecting the sea’s water balance. The addition of anthropogenic factors to these processes further increases the risks to ecosystems.”

She also noted that scientific and environmental policies concerning the Caspian Sea should primarily focus on preventing pollution:

“The decline in water level does not necessarily mean that the sea will completely retreat, because the level of the Caspian Sea has changed throughout history and may rise again in the future. Pollution, however, directly weakens the natural self-recovery capacity of ecosystems. Therefore, reducing sources of pollution, limiting anthropogenic pressure in coastal areas, and continuously monitoring ecosystems are of particular importance for protecting the Caspian Sea.

The main goal regarding the future of the Caspian Sea should not be limited to monitoring its water level; rather, it should be to protect the sea’s overall ecological condition.