SOME OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF THE CASPIAN SEA

The region of the Caspian Sea has become the object of intense trials of new hydrocarbon reserves. The current eco-logical situation of the coastal zone of the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea is characterized by progressive dete-rioration of the natural environment, resulting from a combination of destabilizing factors, including both natural and man-made. The shallowness of the North Caspian region results in high toxicity of pollutants on the ecosystem. For example, the effects of escaping oil are estimated at approximately 100 times greater than in the sub-surface lay-ers. Kazakhstan has therefore developed new State policies aimed at addressing the socio-economic transformation of the country from the perspective of environmental protection.