An international scientific-practical conference titled “The Caspian Sea – Sea of Friendship and Peace” has opened in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza.” The forum is held in honor of the International Caspian Sea Day, reports Turkmenportal.

Participants include representatives of diplomatic missions from the Caspian littoral states — Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia — along with delegates from international organizations such as the United Nations, UNEP, UNDP, the European Union, and the OSCE.

Key topics include implementation of the Tehran Convention on the protection of the Caspian marine environment, the ornithological importance of the region, and the role of Turkmenistan's Khazar State Nature Reserve in preserving biodiversity.

The agenda also covers compliance with environmental standards at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the development potential of ecotourism in the Avaza zone.

Experts from the International Maritime Law Institute, FAO, and the World Bank are taking part via video link.

The forum will also address prospects for hydrometeorological cooperation among the Caspian states and highlight the sea’s role in promoting good neighborly relations in the region.