The Caspian Sea—the largest enclosed inland body of water in the world—is facing a dramatic and long-term decline in its water levels, a crisis with devastating consequences for both the environment and local communities.
Among the most endangered areas is the Miankaleh Wetland, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve and one of Iran’s most valuable ecosystems.
Once a vibrant haven for migratory birds and home to diverse wildlife, Miankaleh is now drying up—falling victim to the shrinking Caspian Sea and decades of environmental mismanagement.
The Causes: Climate Change, Dams, and Mismanagement
A combination of global and local factors is behind the sea’s receding waters. Climate change has led to reduced rainfall and increased evaporation, while human activities have exacerbated the problem.
In particular, the construction of multiple dams on rivers feeding into the Caspian has drastically reduced freshwater inflows. Overexploitation of water resources for agriculture and industry has further strained the system.
Recent data show that the sea’s water level has dropped by about one meter in just a few years, and projections indicate a possible decline of 9 to 18 meters by 2050 if current trends continue.
These changes are already having a severe impact on dependent ecosystems such as the Miankaleh and Anzali wetlands, which are gradually turning into arid land.
The Regime’s Role in Escalating the Crisis
Rather than mitigating the damage, Iran’s policies have largely worsened the crisis. The unchecked construction of dams, with little regard for environmental impact assessments, has significantly reduced river flows into the Caspian.
Moreover, the regime has failed to engage in meaningful regional cooperation with neighboring countries that share the Caspian basin, neglecting joint water management strategies that could help stabilize the situation.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned of the consequences, but their concerns have been ignored. There has been no coherent national plan to manage water consumption or maintain the health of crucial ecosystems.
Basic measures—such as canal dredging and upstream water regulation to support the Miankaleh Wetland—have either been poorly implemented or entirely overlooked.
Ecological and Human Costs
The drying up of the Miankaleh Wetland poses a serious threat to biodiversity. Migratory bird populations are in steep decline, and the wetland can no longer support the wildlife that once depended on it.
Local communities who rely on fishing, agriculture, and eco-tourism are also suffering as their livelihoods disappear alongside the wetlands.
The degradation of the Caspian ecosystem extends beyond Miankaleh. New dust storm zones are emerging as the seabed becomes exposed, raising serious public health concerns and threatening agricultural productivity.
Iconic species such as the endangered Caspian seal and sturgeon fish—key to the region’s ecological and economic identity—are on the verge of extinction.
Official Apathy and Hollow Promises
Despite mounting evidence and widespread expert warnings, the Iranian regime continues to take a passive and fragmented approach.
At a recent meeting titled “11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress (NIEC)” held in St. Petersburg, Shina Ansari, head of Iran’s Environmental Protection Organization, acknowledged the crisis. She warned that the Caspian Sea could lose up to 18 meters in depth by 2050 if no action is taken.
However, such acknowledgments have not translated into meaningful policy. Officials continue to offer vague promises—such as the creation of a regional working group or reviews of dam policy—without any tangible steps toward implementation. These announcements appear to be little more than recycled rhetoric, lacking the political will and urgency required to address the crisis.
A Tipping Point for the Caspian and Beyond
The Caspian Sea is not just a local or national issue—it is a vital regional ecosystem whose collapse would have far-reaching consequences. The continued destruction of wetlands like Miankaleh and Anzali highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, science-based environmental policies and cross-border cooperation.
Without immediate and decisive action, the Caspian crisis will continue to deepen, transforming once-thriving natural habitats into barren wastelands—and leaving future generations to confront the irreversible consequences of today’s inaction.