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On August 11-12, 2026, the final events of the International Volunteer Caspian Sea Action Week 2026 took place.

As part of the Forum, the international “Caspian Hackathon 2026” was held, with about 50 teams participating. The main goal of the hackathon was to develop modern technological solutions for preserving the unique ecosystem of the Caspian Sea. During the hackathon, teams developed their ideas, created MVPs, refined technological solutions, and presented their projects to an expert jury. Following the technical selection, 30 projects advanced to the finals. The participants’ projects were presented. The jury carefully reviewed the applications and identified the winners, who were announced on August 12.

The concluding event of the penultimate day of the “Caspian Sea Action Week 2026” was the session: Open Mic in a TED format — a meeting between eco-volunteers and experts. Additionally, the “Caspian Talks” volunteer summit and a panel session for exchanging experiences and discussing pressing environmental challenges, moderated by Pakizat Sailaubekova, were held.

The final day of the Forum began with a creative event, namely the pouring into the Caspian Sea of water brought by delegates of the Caspian countries from their respective shores of the Caspian. There were 1-2 delegates from each country who, while pouring their water, offered good wishes to strengthen the friendship among the participating countries. With the words of Shirin Zhozhyyeva: “Goý Hzaryň her bir tolkuny parahatçylygyň we dostlugyň habaryny getirsin!” (“May every wave of the Khazar bring news of friendship and peace!”), Nurberdy Atayev poured the brought seawater from the Turkmen coast of the Caspian into the same sea off the coast of Aktau!

The closing ceremony of the International Volunteer Caspian Sea Action Week—2026 attended by Nurdaulet Kilybay, Akim of the Mangystau Region; Abilkair Baipakov, Akim of Aktau; Jeraldine Becchi, Head of Partnerships at the UN Volunteers Program Headquarters; Tatyana Mironyuk, Executive Director of the ALE “National Volunteer Network of the Republic of Kazakhstan”; and other official figures—became a colorful show featuring dance groups and famous pop singers of Aktau. They performed hits from the 8 participating countries, accompanied by video compilations of each country’s landmarks. At the end of the closing ceremony, to the joint anthem of the forum, country delegates took to the stage and, waving their national flags, bid farewell to the forum and their friends!

On the final day, August 12, time was allocated for representatives of the country delegations to deliver presentations on the environmental state of their respective countries. Berkeli Atayev, Director of PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat,” delivered a presentation: Regional Cooperation of Civil Society in Caspian Countries: Technologies and Innovations. In his speech, he noted that exactly on this day, 6 years ago, at the Fifth Caspian Summit in Aktau, the leaders of the Caspian countries determined the legal status of the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, August 12 is celebrated as the International Day of the Caspian Sea, timed to coincide with the entry into force of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), which became effective on August 12, 2006.

“There is a need for unified technological and organizational platforms for effective data exchange and coordination. It is necessary to strengthen ties, foster economic development, and resolve cross-border problems, including through the efforts of civil society, to turn the Caspian region into an international center of innovation and sustainable development,” added B. Atayev.

Next followed the award ceremony for the winners of the International “Caspian Hackathon 2026”, who were:

Among the prize winners was the CaspianExpert team, bringing together representatives of the “Green Alliance of Kyrgyzstan” and “Tebigy Kuwwat,” which presented a project for a mobile water quality testing laboratory.

Taking into account the strong team participation in the hackathon, PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat” and the “Green Alliance of Kyrgyzstan” officially signed a Memorandum of International Cooperation. The organizations had previous experience of business interactions in strengthening green diplomacy and ecosystem protection, but this time they decidedly chose to increase targeted bilateral cooperation in the near future, cementing their intentions by signing an official document.

In the evening, on behalf of the leadership of the Mangystau Region, a farewell dinner was organized for the forum delegates, featuring national dishes, traditional dances, and singing. Words of gratitude and good wishes were expressed by Abbat Urisbayev, Deputy Akim of the Region; Kalampyr Uazirova, Deputy Head of the Youth Policy Department of the Mangystau Region; foreign guests, and delegates from the participating countries.

The day concluded with a visit to the Open Air concert “Zhastarmen Birge” (“Together with Youth”), held at the open-air “Amphitheater” square on the occasion of celebrating International Youth Day. The celebration was attended by the Akim of Aktau, Abilkair Baipakov.

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Ayna Atayeva.

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On August 9, the 4th day of the International Volunteer Action Week on the Caspian Sea, an excursion to the Boszhira tract—one of Kazakhstan’s most popular natural attractions—was organized for the participants according to the program. This is a ridge of rock formations varying in size and shape. A mountain of the same name is also located here, with its highest point reaching 287 meters.

The stunning chalk remnants and desert mountains resemble the scenery of sci-fi movies. By the way, according to the Forum organizers, global cinema star Jackie Chan came here to shoot certain scenes for his movie Armour of God. Furthermore, they noted that the famous Kazakh singer Dimash Qudaibergen chose this unique location to film one of his music videos.

The road was long, and in some places, it was necessary to travel off-road. However, upon reaching the destination, everyone was so inspired by the natural beauty that they completely forgot about the difficult journey.

At Boszhira, it is impossible not to take plenty of photos and videos. A traditional group photo session took place, where the country delegations took pictures with their national flags.

Afterward, the hospitable staff of the Kyzylsai State Regional Natural Park, which oversees the Boszhira tract, put on a spectacular show infused with national flavor for their dear guests. This featured live open-air music, traditional drinks, and sweets. Inside a yurt, they served delicious pilaf, salads, refreshing beverages, and tea. Representatives of the country delegations expressed their deep gratitude to the organizers of the forum and the Kyzylsai Natural Park for such an excursion and for the Forum as a whole!

August 10 marked the end of four days of intensive Forum work—heated discussions, knowledge exchange, excursions, and new acquaintances. On the fifth day, the delegates visited the city’s main center of culture and creativity—the Abai Cultural and Leisure Complex in Aktau. On this day, the 181st anniversary of the great poet and thinker was celebrated. Flowers were laid at the monument of the great Kazakh poet Kunanbaev. The ceremony, attended by the First Deputy Akim of the Mangystau Region Askhat Razdykovich Oralov and the Akim of Aktau Abilkair Zhanaevich Baipakov, brought together public figures, poets, writers, admirers of the poet’s work, and residents of Aktau.

This day reminded us all that any large-scale forum is not only about numbers, reports, and agreements, but primarily about people and their shared cultural memory. Laying flowers and paying respects was a sincere and touching moment for everyone.

The great poet’s contribution to the Turkic world is so immense that his creative legacy is honored in many countries globally. A testament to this was the grand opening of a monument to Abai Kunanbaev on October 10, 2024, in Ashgabat, attended by the leaders of both countries.

Later that same day, at the initiative of the regional administration (akimat), the delegates were treated to a trip to the seaside tourist site «Caspian Paradise,» which is decorated with authentic national flavor. The fresh, salty wind of the Caspian Sea instantly blew away any remaining travel fatigue, leaving behind only pure admiration for the seashore and the unique ecosystem—the beauty of which you feel the moment you step onto the wild coast. The location turned out to be truly astonishing. The rugged rocky shores, carved by time and winds, created a mesmerizing landscape. We gladly swam and strolled through this wonderful place. In the distance, the famous Blue Bay glowed sapphire. It was absolutely impossible to resist the sea. Some joyfully plunged into the refreshing water, washing away the tension of the workdays, while others preferred a leisurely boat ride, cutting through the sun-sparkled waves. In such moments, you acutely feel the living, powerful pulse of the Caspian Sea.

And then came lunch. Eating outdoors is always a special pleasure, but here the organizers outdid themselves by setting tables in traditional, cozy yurts. The air was thick with the scent of a campfire. We were treated to magnificent fish, caught right on-site, and a hearty, hot dish of rice and meat infused with the aromas of spices and smoke. But the most soulful moment was the tea. Brewed directly over an open fire, it acquired that unique, unmistakable taste of camping romance. In those yurts, over bowls of scalding tea and baursaks, accompanied by the distant sound of the surf and music, conversations flowed completely differently—not like official delegates, but like good old friends united by a common cause. «Caspian Paradise» gave us not just relaxation, but a true reboot of the soul!

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Ayna Atayeva.

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On the third day of the Week, an environmental campaign was organized for the participants on the shore of the Caspian Sea. The right mood for the eco-campaign participants was set by a mass outdoor warm-up, led by a professional instructor to rhythmic music.

Participants were given bags and gloves, and along a half-kilometer stretch of the beach zone, volunteers collected various trash—plastic waste, broken glass, wipes, cigarette butts, and more. They cleared not only easily accessible debris but also reached into hard-to-access places. Litter in nature not only ruins the aesthetics by generating unpleasant odors, microbes, and harmful bacteria, but it can also cause fires.

The delegation from Turkmenistan took an active part and collected a considerable amount of garbage. The forum organizers’ idea to hold a coastal community clean-up (subbotnik) became a symbol of friendship with the leitmotif “Bir Kaspi – bir bolashak” (“One Caspian – one unity”). At the event site, a fair was organized selling eco-goods, souvenirs, and crafts handmade by local artisans.

The procession of volunteers to the beat of drums was especially spectacular!

The eco-campaign continued on the city embankment, where, by decision of the city administration (akimat), a new park was established. As a sign of friendship among the delegates of the participating countries, it was appropriately named “Dostyk” (Friendship). It was there that Abilkair Zhanaevich Baipakov, the Mayor (Akim) of Aktau—holding a child as a representative of the city’s future generation—along with the delegates of the participating countries, held a ceremony to place a time capsule into the stele of the new park! The event was solidified by the planting of young trees in the new park as a symbol of a shared goal and cooperation.

The head of the city spoke briefly, but the main essence of his words was that this day is not just a ritual, but a true contribution to the environment in which future generations will live. The capsule was not laid for the archives, but for those who will come here years from now. When they open it, they will not see dry protocol lines, but a real message from the people who stood side by side on this day, planting these trees and leaving a legacy.

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Ayna Atayeva.

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The “International Volunteer Action Week on the Caspian Sea – 2026 – Caspian Sea Action Week – 2026” kicked off in Aktau, Kazakhstan, on August 6, 2026. A delegation from Turkmenistan, consisting of five representatives from civil society organizations—PAE “Tebigy Kuwwat,” the Aarhus Centre in Turkmenistan, and “Dap Dessur” (Mary city)—arrived at the forum at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Upon crossing the border of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Temir Baba checkpoint, the delegates received a warm welcome featuring shubat (chal) and baursaks, organized by the staff of the Youth Resource Center under the Akimat of the city of Zhanaozen, Mangystau Region. From the border checkpoint to the hotel in Aktau, the vehicle carrying the guests from Turkmenistan was escorted by a traffic police patrol. Furthermore, in front of the hotel in Aktau, volunteers in national attire welcomed the guests from Turkmenistan with baursaks, shubat, and the live sounds of the national musical instrument, the dombra.

The forum brought together over 100 participants from 8 countries: Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is worth noting that representatives of volunteer organizations from many regions of Kazakhstan attended the forum.

At the very beginning of the opening ceremony, held on August 6, 2026, at Rixos Water World Aktau, the forum participants were shown a video about the growing problems of the Caspian Sea, followed by the national anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan performed by a children’s choir. The Akim of the Mangystau Region, Nurdaulet Kilybay, opened the forum with a welcoming speech. The attendees were also greeted by Mahir Aliyev, Coordinator of the Tehran Convention, and Mr. Kairat Kambarov, Chairman of the Committee of Youth and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

This was followed by a short show program featuring vibrant color laser installations and performances by the renowned pianist Ratovich, pop singers, and dance ensembles. Notably, on the opening day, samples of water from the Caspian Sea, brought by delegations from the Caspian countries, were presented in vessels.

During the first half of the second day, a round table titled “Joint Scientific Research – the Key to Solving Current Problems of the Caspian Sea” was held. This event coincided with the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the Tehran Convention, which aims to protect the Caspian ecosystem from pollution. The meeting was moderated by the First Deputy Akim of the Mangystau Region, Askhat Razdykovich Oralov. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mansur Tursynovich Ashurbayev, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Kairat Kambarov; Mahir Aliyev; Vera Alexandrovna Kim, Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chairwoman of the National Volunteer Network; and Thomas Price, UNOPS Advisor for the “Blueing the Caspian Sea” project.

Sakhetmyrat Mammedov, Head of the Scientific Department of the Khazar State Nature Reserve of Turkmenistan, delivered a report on the current state of affairs on the Caspian coast of Turkmenistan. He noted that on August 12, an international scientific conference and exhibition would take place in the “Awaza” national tourist zone in the city of Turkmenbashi, with the participation of international partners (UNDP, FAO, EU, GIZ, OSCE) as well as the heads of all diplomatic missions of the Caspian states. “I am confident that today’s exchange of experience in the field of hydrometeorological and hydrological research will be another step in realizing the principle ‘One Caspian – One Future’,” added S. Mammedov.

After a short break, the first thematic session dedicated to hydrometeorological and ecological research of the Caspian Sea commenced. Its first part was moderated by Daulet Yesmagambetov, Director of the Department of Ecological Culture and Policy of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Nemat Gasanov, Senior Advisor of the Caspian Complex Ecological Monitoring Department of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered an online report on the environmental security of the Caspian Sea, comprehensive monitoring of the water area, and modern coastal zone protection systems. Andrey Kostyanoy, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Professor at the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, provided an overview of the interannual variability of the Caspian Sea level and its forecasting. Petr Zavyalov, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Doctor of Geographical Sciences, spoke about the features of coastal circulation in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea based on field measurement data. Thomas Price presented the Global Environment Facility project “Caspian Sea Ecosystem Recovery: Capacity Building in Pollution Management and Biodiversity Conservation” — “Blueing the Caspian Sea.”

The second half of August 7 at the International Volunteer Week was dedicated to the “Caspian Team Building” event, which took place on the seashore at the O’Mir Glamping ethno-hotel. All participants were divided into four teams and created their own logos and slogans. The delegates from Turkmenistan were on the same team as participants from Kazakhstan and Russia. The team’s creative logo, designed in the style of volunteer symbolism with the abbreviation CIT (Caspian International Team), was complemented by the slogan “Sun, air, and water – our countries are friends forever!” The goal of this competition was to unite the delegates, help them learn more about each other, and become a single team. Although there were four teams competing against each other, an atmosphere of friendship, respect, and joy prevailed on the sandy beach by the sea.

After numerous competitions, the teams enjoyed swimming in the sea, and during dinner at a seaside restaurant, distinctive certificates were awarded to the teams. The CIT team, which included representatives from Turkmenistan, was awarded a Certificate as the most creative team. In the concluding part of the program during dinner, country presentations took place. Most countries demonstrated national dances. The Turkmen delegates, wearing national costumes, performed the famous Kushdepdi dance. The dancers ignited the audience with their skill so much that many joined in the dancing!

The culmination of an action-packed day was a gathering of all teams and organizers at a focal point around a campfire. In such a cozy and friendly atmosphere, the forum delegates shared stories, exchanged their vivid impressions, and sang national and well-known popular songs.

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Berkeli Atayev.