Working Meeting with the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Focusing on Causes of the Caspian Sea Shallowing

Participants of the working meeting with the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aktau, Kazakhstan

On December 23, 2025, in the city of Aktau, Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of the Republican Public Association “Climate Research Center” — the partner of ALLATRA in Kazakhstan — took part in a working meeting with the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhomart Aliyev. The primary topics of discussion were the environmental situation in Mangystau Region and the rapid decline in water levels of the Caspian Sea, which are causing serious concern among experts and the general public.

During the dialogue, representatives of the public association emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the full range of potential causes of declining water levels. In particular, they raised a question of the advisability to consider geodynamic processes, such as formation of fractures in the Earth's crust, including those on the seabed and lake floors, which, alongside climatic factors, can contribute to water leakage and abrupt changes in water basin levels.

The deputy minister noted that, as of today, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources doesn’t yet have a definitive scientific conclusion on the causes of the Caspian Sea shallowing. At the same time, systematic and targeted work is underway in this field. In particular, in 2025, a Nonprofit Joint-Stock Company “Kazakh Research Institute of the Caspian Sea” was established in Aktau, with a focus on comprehensive studies of the Caspian region.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to issues of cooperation between the government and civil society. Discussions involved representatives of the Republican Public Association “Climate Research Center” and covered possible formats of cooperation with civil society organizations operating in the field of ecology and climate change, such as conclusion of memoranda and other forms of partnership. The deputy minister expressed his willingness to consider this proposal.

Participants of the Republican Public Association “Climate Research Center” presented the report “On the Progression of Climatic Disasters on Earth and Their Catastrophic Consequences” at the working meeting with the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Aktau, Kazakhstan

In the meeting conclusion, it was noted that a regional environmental summit is planned in Kazakhstan in April 2026, which is expected to address issues associated with the current state of the Caspian Sea and the overall environmental situation in the region.

The meeting participants expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan for its openness to dialogue, willingness to consider scientific arguments, and attention to civil society initiatives, and shared their hope for continued constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation.

About ALLATRA

ALLATRA is an international organization with a research center in the United States (ALLATRA Global Research Center), engaged in the comprehensive analysis of climate and environmental changes, the study of the impact of micro- and nanoplastics, and the promotion of intercultural cooperation and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA received an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV likewise bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.

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