In the 80s and early 90s, with the rapid rise of the Caspian Sea water level to 2.5 meters and the erosion and destruction of coastal lands, heavy damage occurred (estimated about 15 billion dollars) to the coasts of the neighbouring countries (most damage to Iran and Russia). In this regard, and according to the general policies of sustainable development of the country as a consequence of the last stage of increasing the water level of the Caspian Sea during the years 1978 to 1995 and causing great damage to various coastal area, the Ministry of Energy established the National Center for Caspian Sea relevant Studies and research, in 1992. With the trend of increasing water level in that period and the need to manage its effects, one of the problems that the country faced was the lack of regular and systematic information about the Caspian Sea and its fluctuating behavior. The government tried to prevent further damage and water advance at great expense, but the outlook for the sea’s behavior and comprehensive understanding remained unclear. For this reason, the establishment of a center that focuses on the issues of the Caspian Sea and meets the study-research needs of the country in this field, was considered by the government and the Ministry of Energy. Due to the importance of the issue at the national and regional levels, the Caspian Sea Studies and Research Center was stablished mutually be the the governments of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. One of the main tasks of the National Center for Caspian Studies and Research is to coordinate and try to carry out joint research activities with the Russian Federation, since the very beginning. In addition, the National Center for Caspian Studies and Research, as the country’s representative in the Caspian Hydrology Department, is required by the Caspian Sea Meteorological Cooperation Agreement (CASPCOM) Act, which was approved by the High Authority of the member states in 2015, to obtain the basic data of Caspian Sea water resources and share in the meeting of the Regional Meteorological Committee between the 5 Caspian littoral states.
The purpose of establishing the center is to conduct research and research in various fields of water resources of the Caspian Sea and its catchment area, as well as the coasts of this sea. Cooperation with research centers inside and outside the country, especially the Caspian littoral countries in order to develop basic and applied research in order to make optimal use of the capacities of this unique water source is another goal of this center.
- Main goals
- Continuous study of Caspian Sea water balance (marine hydrology) and forecasting water level in the short and long term by constructing and equipping fixed and floating measuring stations.
- Study of the effect of sea level fluctuations on the coasts and suggest the optimal plan for the protection of coastal areas.
- Study, analysis of marine pollution trends.
- Sub-objectives:
- Study and research on hydrodynamic and meteorological issues of the Caspian Sea.
- Collecting and processing statistics and information and creating a database required by the Caspian Sea.
- Publishing the results of studies and researches.
- Establishment and operation of the Caspian Sea environmental monitoring system.
- Development and upgrading of study-research capacities in order to strengthen the Caspian Sea database.
- Achieving a comprehensive and sustainable system in the management and development of coastal areas.
- Promote cooperation with agencies, maritime organizations and universities and research institutes at the national and regional levels.
- Investigation of appropriate methods of protection of coastal areas using a set of relevant measures.
- The effect of fluctuations on the interaction of saline and fresh water in coastal groundwater aquifers.
- Training and upgrading the level of knowledge of the center’s specialists inside and outside the country.
- Promoting public awareness and knowledge about the Caspian Sea and fluctuations.
- Improving the level of research activities by holding and participating in national, regional and international conferences and seminars.
- Financial and scientific participation in research, educational and research institutes and gatherings inside and outside the country.
- Continuous study of water level and evaluation of climatic components affecting the water balance of the Caspian Sea.
- Measuring shoreline changes and coastal profiles.
- Study of the effects of sea level fluctuations on the coasts and proposing the optimal figure for the boundary and the seabed.
- Evaluation of physicochemical characteristics of seabed water and sediments.
- Hydrological studies of inlet rivers and sea hydrodynamic factors.
- Study of natural structures of beaches and its changes.
- Preparation of spatial database and information about the Caspian Sea.