On the eve of Caspian Day, which is celebrated on August 12, Turkmenistan took part in the 33rd session of the Assembly of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, held in Paris, the “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper reported.

The UNESCO IOC, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, coordinates international efforts to explore the oceans and use marine resources sustainably. The session's agenda included scientific hearings on monitoring the state of the oceans, predicting climate change and protecting the marine ecosystem.

Participants discussed issues of monitoring water areas and coastal territories, forecasting the impact of climate change on ocean currents, the state of rare species of marine animals, as well as the development of early warning systems and the cleanup of the marine environment from pollution.

The delegation of Turkmenistan included representatives of the Caspian Sea Institute, the country's mission to UNESCO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They confirmed the country's commitment to international initiatives to preserve marine ecosystems and continue scientific research for the sustainable use of the Caspian Sea's resources.

Turkmenistan proposes to create a “Caspian Environmental Initiative” as an international platform for addressing environmental issues in the region. This initiative was first announced by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2023.

The head of state emphasized that the littoral countries have developed common principles of policy in the Caspian Sea, including the adoption of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea. At the Sixth Caspian Summit, held in Turkmenistan in the summer of 2022, the participants confirmed their readiness to cooperate on environmental issues.