Sustainable use of the Caspian Sea in the context of climatic, environmental
and technogenic challenges.
S.M., Shapovalov
1
, E.A. Kostianaia
1
1
Scientific-Coordination Oceanological Center, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology,
Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Keywords: The Caspian Sea, sustainable development, climate change, technogenic
challenges, Marine Spatial Planning.
Introduction
Development of the port infrastructure, intensification of gas and oil production and
transportation, development of tourism along with natural and climatic factors have a strong
impact on the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea. All of this complicates sustainable development
of the region and sustainable use of marine resources. This research examines climatic,
ecological and technogenic challenges associated with sustainable use of the Caspian Sea.
Effective solving of such problems requires an integrated approach, interaction between
scientists, representatives
of authorities, environmental organizations, business
representatives, port and marine services in the framework of Integrated Coastal Zone
Management and Marine Spatial Planning.
Materials and methods
The aim of this research is to develop recommendations for the fulfillment of the main targets
of Sustainable Development Goal #14 (SDG14) on the Russian coast of the Caspian Sea. This is
one of the 17 Goals set in Resolution 70/1 “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development” adopted by the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2015.
The method for this research will be collection and analysis of various types of work related to
SDG14, carried out by organizations in the coastal zone and water areas of the Russian coast of
the Caspian Sea. Then, assessment of the effectiveness of such activities will be made. Similar
work carried out in foreign countries for the Caspian Sea and in other seas will be studied and
their expertise and experience will be used for analysis and elaboration of recommendations
for achieving SDG14 in the Russian coastal region of the Caspian Sea (Shapovalov & Kostianaia
2018).
Results
The Caspian Sea has an important economic value, directly related to shipping, fishing, oil and
gas extraction and transportation, ports and resort areas.
Current climatic, anthropogenic and
ecological processes have a strong impact on sustainable use of the Caspian Sea. A predicted
trend towards an increase in the air and sea surface temperature should lead to an increase in
the duration of the holiday season on the Caspian Sea coast and to a decrease of ice cover in
the Northern Caspian. Sharp climate changes causing disturbances and sometimes destruction
in the coastal zone, as well as an increasing anthropogenic impact, influence development of
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the port infrastructure, gas and oil production and transportation, development of tourism,
etc.
Since the Caspian Sea is a drainless water body, the process of renewal of the water of the
Caspian Sea is very slow compared to other seas. This causes a much higher degree
of negative
impact of pollutants that cause irreversible effects in the marine ecosystem. Additional
adverse factors in the Caspian Sea include storm winds and extreme waves, ice conditions (in
the Northern Caspian), significant interannual sea level changes, dangerous geological and
geomorphological conditions (earthquakes, gas-saturated zones, etc.). In addition, these
parameters are very difficult to predict as to the time of occurrence and severity of the
consequences (Kostianoy et al. 2016; Lavrova et al. 2011; Lavrova et al. 2016).
Exploration and exploitation of oil
fields in the Caspian Sea, as well as natural oil seeps to the
sea surface from the seabed are the most considerable sources of pollution of the sea surface.
Industrial development of Caspian oil and gas resources due to the development of large oil
fields, as well as its transportation to world markets, becomes the main source of
anthropogenic impact on the environment of the Caspian Sea (Korshenko & Gul 2005; Zonn
2005).
Discussion
The increasingly intensive use of the marine environment inevitably leads to conflicts of
interest: for example, development of the oil and gas industry, strengthening the
economy can
simultaneously cause significant harm to the environment. In order to eliminate such
contradictions and ensure sustainable use and protection of the marine environment, in
addition to Integrated Coastal Zone Management (Mikhaylichenko 2006), Marine Spatial
Planning (MSP) is used. MSP is considered to be the main tool for resolving conflicts arising
from the growing use of seas and oceans. The MSP process analyzes existing and planned
activities related to the marine environment for the balanced achievement of economic, social
and environmental objectives (Schubert 2018). In Russia, MSP has not
yet been developed
enough (Mikhailova 2017), partly because of the lack of a legislative framework regulating
MSP.
The Russian coast of the Caspian Sea is of great importance for the development of the
economy, infrastructure, shipping, tourism in the Russian Federation. Climatic, ecological and
technogenic challenges complicate sustainable development and sustainable use of marine
resources. To effectively solve such problems, an integrated approach is required, as well as
interaction
between scientists, government officials, environmental organizations, business
representatives, port and marine services.
Acknowledgements
This research is carried out within the framework of the project "Sustainable Development
Goal #14 of Agenda-2030 - “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine
resources for sustainable development” - in the southern coastal regions of Russia" within the
Program for Basic Research of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences #52 "Ensuring
Sustainable Development of the South of Russia under the conditions of climatic, ecological
and technogenic challenges" under the state project No. 0149-2018-0024.
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