Tehran Convention
More than two decades ago, the five Caspian littoral states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan) signed the “Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea,” known as the “Tehran Convention” (November 2003), to preserve the unique ecosystem of this sea. This Convention was established with the cooperation and support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and its secretariat is temporarily hosted in Geneva. As the only environmental treaty agreed upon by all five littoral states, and the sole framework for regional cooperation to protect and restore the marine environment of the Caspian Sea, this Convention holds paramount importance. Upon the Convention’s entry into force on August 12, 2006, this date was designated as “Caspian Sea Day” to commemorate the significance of national and regional interactions and cooperation in preserving this unique ecosystem for present and future generations.
Mission & Goals
The objective of this Convention, as pursued in accordance with its relevant provisions, is the protection of the Caspian Sea environment from all sources of pollution, as well as the protection, preservation, restoration, and rational and sustainable use of its living resources.
- Prevention, reduction, and control of pollution
- Prevention, control, and eradication of invasive alien species
- Environmental emergencies
- Protection, preservation, and restoration of the marine environment
- Coastal zone management
6. Sea level fluctuation of the Caspian Sea
7. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
8. Cooperation between the Contracting Parties
9.Monitoring
Organizational Arrangements (Structure)
The Secretariat
- The Secretariat shall comprise the Executive Secretary of the Convention and such other personnel as may be required to perform the functions that may be specified hereafter.
- The Executive Secretary shall be responsible for the administrative management of the Convention Secretariat and for the performance of the functions assigned to it by the Meeting of the Contracting Parties, in accordance with the rules of procedure and financial rules approved by it.
1.
Protocol Concerning Regional Co-operation in Combating Oil Pollution Incidents (Aktau Protocol)
- Date of Signature: Signed in August 2011 during COP3 in Aktau, Kazakhstan.
- Date of Entry into Force: This Protocol entered into force on July 25, 2016.
This Protocol addresses the response to oil pollution incidents that may occur in the Caspian Sea as a result of marine accidents. Under this Protocol, the Contracting Parties are required to take all appropriate measures for preparedness and response to oil pollution incidents, establish national oil spill response systems through member states, and develop guidelines for practical, operational, and technical aspects.
2.
Protocol for the Protection of the Caspian Sea against Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (Moscow Protocol)- Date of Signature: Signed in December 2012 during COP4 in Moscow, Russian Federation.
- Date of Entry into Force: Entered into force on November 13, 2023.
This Protocol aims at the prevention, control, and reduction of pollution of the Caspian Sea resulting from land-based sources and activities. The influx of such contaminants into the marine environment occurs predominantly via rivers.
3.
Protocol on the Conservation of Biological Diversity to the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Ashgabat Protocol)- Date of Signature: Signed in May 2014 during the Fifth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP5) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
- Status of Entry into Force: Not yet entered into force (Ratified by all Caspian littoral States except the Republic of Azerbaijan).
This Protocol is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of the biological diversity of the Caspian Sea, placing particular emphasis on species protection as well as the conservation and restoration of critical coastal and marine habitats.
5.
Monitoring and Information Protocol- Status of Drafting: The drafting process was initiated following the decision adopted at the Fifth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP5) in May 2014 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
- Current Status: Under expert review / Drafting stage (Not yet signed or entered into force).
This Protocol aims to establish a harmonized framework for regional monitoring, standardizing the methodology for environmental assessment, and ensuring transparent and efficient exchange of environmental data among the Caspian littoral States.
4.
EIA Protocol- Date of Signature: Signed in June 2018 during the Extraordinary Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Tehran Convention in Moscow, Russian Federation.
- Date of Entry into Force: Entered into force on November 18, 2025.
Under this Protocol, Contracting Parties commit to conducting prior Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for planned major projects likely to cause significant adverse transboundary impacts on the marine and coastal environment of the Caspian Sea, and to transmitting the assessment reports to the Convention Secretariat and affected/requesting Contracting Parties.
4.
EIA Protocol- Date of Signature: Signed in June 2018 during the Extraordinary Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Tehran Convention in Moscow, Russian Federation.
- Date of Entry into Force: Entered into force on November 18, 2025.
Under this Protocol, Contracting Parties commit to conducting prior Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for planned major projects likely to cause significant adverse transboundary impacts on the marine and coastal environment of the Caspian Sea, and to transmitting the assessment reports to the Convention Secretariat and affected/requesting Contracting Parties.
5.
Monitoring and Information Protocol- Status of Drafting: The drafting process was initiated following the decision adopted at the Fifth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP5) in May 2014 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
- Current Status: Under expert review / Drafting stage (Not yet signed or entered into force).
This Protocol aims to establish a harmonized framework for regional monitoring, standardizing the methodology for environmental assessment, and ensuring transparent and efficient exchange of environmental data among the Caspian littoral States.