THe high caspian week 2025
Astana | Almaty | Aqtau | Aturau
11-16 August 2025
11-16 August 2025
The High Caspian WEEK 2025 is a large-scale event organized by a global movement Save the Caspian Sea, taking place from 11-16 August 2025 across four cities in Kazakhstan: Astana, Almaty, Atyrau, and Aktau.
The week will bring together experts, creatives, activists, and citizens through conferences, media forums, art festivals, and open talks, all focused on one urgent goal: saving the Caspian Sea.
Together, we’ll search for real solutions, build new coalitions, and spark action across government, business, and society.
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
latest news
