"Scientific Network and Climate Adaptation in the Caspian Sea Region”: COP28 Side Event

On 9 December 2023 a Side Event was organized under the auspices of the MENR of Azerbaijan, TCIS and CASPCOM. The main focus of the event was the scientific cooperation in the Caspian Sea region and practical application of research results in project proposals elaboration.

A Side Event took place in the pavilion of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Tehran Convention interim Secretariat and the Coordinating Committee on Hydrometeorology of the Caspian Sea (CASPCOM). The Agenda of the Side Event focused on three main items: 1) Outcomes of the Scientific Conference on Climate Change in the Caspian Sea Region organized in October 2021; 2) "Urbanization and Climate Change Adaptation in the Caspian Sea Region" project submitted for the consideration of the Adaptation Fund; 3) Terms of Reference and Arrangements for the Scientific Network of the Caspian Sea Region.

The main goal of the Side Event was to address the pressing issue of climate change in the Caspian Sea region. Firstly, the outcomes of the Scientific Conference on Climate Change in the Caspian Sea Region, which was held virtually in October 2021, were presented. Key objectives of the Conference included collecting and discussing research, identifying knowledge gaps, inspiring regional research, promoting global awareness, and supporting decision-making for climate change adaptation.

Another important outcome of the Scientific Conference was to establish the Scientific Network of the Caspian Sea Region. Terms of Reference for such a Network were also presented at the Side Event. Its main goals include sharing research findings, providing advisory opinions to Caspian countries, contributing to regional projects, studying Caspian Sea water level fluctuations, and raising awareness. The Side Event was moderated by Mr. Bruno Pozzi, Deputy Director of the Ecosystem Division of UNEP.

Key speakers of the Side Event:

Mr. Bruno Pozzi

Deputy Director, Ecosystem Division, UNEP

Mr. Mahir Aliyev

Coordinator, Tehran Convention interim Secretariat

Ms. Naomi Hoogervorst

Programme Management Officer, Planning, Finance and Economy Section, UN-Habitat

Mr. Faig Mutallimov

Head of Environmental Policy Division, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan