Blueing the Caspian Sea initiative launched in Astana

The Blueing the Caspian Sea initiative was launched in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 22 April 2026, during the Regional Ecological Summit, bringing together high-level representatives and partners to advance regional action for the protection of the Caspian Sea.

Financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the initiative supports efforts to address growing environmental pressures affecting the Caspian Sea, including pollution, biodiversity loss and climate-related impacts.

The initiative will support Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan through strengthened pollution monitoring, biodiversity conservation and regional cooperation. The national-level track is implemented by the World Bank and executed by UNOPS, while the regional coordination track is led by UNEP and the Tehran Convention Secretariat.

Through coordinated action, technical capacity building and stronger partnerships, Blueing the Caspian Sea aims to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the world’s largest enclosed body of water.

Read the full press release here.