Japan Commits $3 Mln to Caspian Sea Recovery

Japan has pledged $3 million to help Kazakhstan tackle the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea, expanding cooperation with the United Nations Development Program to address the growing impact of climate change on the region.

The ¥465 million grant aims to support sustainable management of the world's largest inland body of water, improve environmental monitoring and strengthen cooperation among Caspian littoral states on water resources.

The initiative was formalized in Astana in May through an agreement signed by Japanese Ambassador Yasumasa Iijima and UNDP Resident Representative Katarzyna Wawiernia.

The Caspian Sea, a vital ecological and economic hub supporting millions of people, has experienced a sharp decline in water levels due to rising temperatures and reduced river inflows. Scientists warn the trend could disrupt shipping routes, damage ecosystems and threaten endemic species.

NASA data show the Caspian Sea has lost more than two meters of water over the past three decades, with projections indicating levels could fall by a further eight to 30 meters by the end of the century.

The funding also aligns with Japan's broader engagement in Central Asia and growing interest in the Trans-Caspian trade corridor linking the region with Europe, as countries seek alternatives to routes passing through Russia.