International Training Course on Sustainable Caspian Sea Management Begins in Ashgabat
Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: The 11th International Training Course “Caspian Sea – Sustainable Development and Management” commenced on September 7, 2026, at the Archabil Hotel in Ashgabat, bringing together specialists and representatives from the Caspian littoral states to strengthen regional cooperation on the sustainable use and conservation of the Caspian Sea.
The training course is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea Institute and the International Ocean Institute.
The opening ceremony was attended by UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Xiaojuan Grace Wang, Managing Director of the International Ocean Institute Antonella Vassallo, Course Director Dr. Parvin Farshchi, leading expert on marine spatial planning Dr. Andrey Abramich, and Director of the Caspian Sea Institute of Turkmenistan Myrat Atajanov.
Addressing the opening session, the speakers highlighted the importance of the training programme in promoting regional cooperation and enhancing the professional capacity of specialists involved in the sustainable management and protection of the Caspian Sea.
The course has been held in Turkmenistan since 2013 and brings together representatives of all five Caspian littoral states. Over the years, 175 specialists from Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and China, representing various fields related to the Caspian Sea, have completed the programme.
Particular attention is being given to international maritime law and environmental challenges affecting the Caspian Sea. The significance of these issues has been further underscored by the proclamation of 2028 as the “International Year of International Law, 2028” under UN General Assembly Resolution 80/295.
The resolution, initiated by Turkmenistan, was adopted by consensus on July 24, 2026, with 78 countries joining as co-sponsors.
This year’s training programme places particular emphasis on the environmental condition of the Caspian Sea, including growing concerns over its shallowing and related ecological challenges.
The international training course will continue in Ashgabat until September 18, 2026.
