LocationsJapan and UNDP launch new initiative to strengthen resilience of the Caspian Sea
May 25, 2026
His Excellency Yasumasa Iijima, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Kazakhstan, and Katarzyna Wawiernia, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan and the Government of Japan have signed an agreement to launch a new US$3 million joint initiative to support Kazakhstan in addressing the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea through improved water governance and monitoring, and regional cooperation. This initiative promotes environmental resilience, sustainable water governance, and regional cooperation throughout the Caspian Sea basin — a key gateway linking Central Asia and the Caucasus, and is consistent with the support for the “Trans-Caspian International Transport Route” announced by the Japanese government at the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue and Summit last December. The new project will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Caspian Sea is one of Eurasia’s most critical ecological zones, providing habitat for over 400 endemic and migratory species, and supporting livelihoods, fisheries, biodiversity, and regional economic stability for millions of people across the region. However, the Caspian Sea is facing a rapid decline in water levels driven by climate change, rising temperatures, increased evaporation, reduced river inflows, and growing pressure on water resources.
“The changing water levels of the Caspian Sea are currently among the most pressing challenges facing the entire Caspian region. The continuing decline in sea levels is having a wide-ranging impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources, economic activity and the well-being of communities living in the Caspian coastal areas,” said Mansur Oshurbayev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.said Mansur Oshurbayev, Vice Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The project will strengthen cooperation among Caspian littoral states to improve regional water governance and support coordinated action in response to declining water levels. By fostering transboundary exchange on environmental data, policy dialogue and joint action, the project promotes coordinated management of shared water resources across the Caspian basin. Central to this effort is the enhancement of Kazakhstan’s national monitoring capacities on the most affected northern region and inflows.
“Today, we are witnessing serious challenges linked to the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea, ecosystem degradation, and growing pressure on water resources. These trends require timely and coordinated action. We are confident that this project will strengthen monitoring and water management systems and enhance interstate cooperation to preserve the Caspian Sea's ecosystem,"said Aslan Abdraimov, Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Government of Japan is a vital partner in UNDP’s mission to support countries in expanding people’s choices for a fairer and more sustainable future, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with people and the planet in balance. In Kazakhstan, UNDP is currently implementing three projects in partnership with the Government of Japan, focusing on strengthening flood management of dams, enhancing urban resilience to disasters and climate change, and disaster preparedness across Central Asia. This new project represents the fourth initiative under this partnership, further strengthening ongoing cooperation in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
“Japan is proud to support Kazakhstan in addressing the decline of the Caspian Sea through regional cooperation, scientific monitoring, and international collaboration,”said H.E. Yasumasa Iijima, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
This project aims to enhance the resilience of the Caspian Sea through advanced monitoring and research capacity of the Northern Caspian Sea, supporting water-priority sectors outlined in Kazakhstan’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The updated NDC includes a dedicated chapter on climate change adaptation, emphasizing the importance of water resources management as national adaptation priorities.
During the signing ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan, Katarzyna Wawiernia, emphasized how this initiative aligns with national commitments:
“Aligned with Kazakhstan’s updated NDC and national adaptation priorities, this project will strengthen evidence-based decision-making and integrated water management for sustainable development.”
This project will support the implementation of Kazakhstan’s key climate and biodiversity commitments, including the NDC, National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), and contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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