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Progress Report of Biodiversity CRTC

The second workshop of Biodiversity CRTC was held in late June 2000 in Almaty. The meeting participants defined major Center activities for the next year, which were then consequently implemented.

Based on National Reports on the status of biodiversity a Regional Report was drawn. The Report contains data on the history of development of Caspian biodiversity, Caspian species, status of activities on protection of biodiversity as well as legislative base. Disconnection of the Caspian from the World Ocean caused conditions for development of endemic fauna, which is comparable with that of Australia through its peculiar features. An emphasis was made on genetic value of the Caspian species. The report contains analysis of existing and potential threats to biodiversity as well as proposals on solution of transboundary biodiversity problems.

All littoral states have prepared Action Plans on preservation of habitats with description of basic habitats in every country as well as measures aimed at their preservation. Priority lists of habitats and actions on rehabilitation of declining habitats were also stipulated. Specifically stressed was the status of protected areas and legislative base. Every report contains suggestions on specific actions related to preservation of habitats and to be implemented both on national and regional levels, including the list of proposed pilot projects.

Preparation of Regional Action Plan on preservation of Caspian habitats has started. The Report should contain summary data on basic Caspian habitats, their national and regional value, priority principles of maintaining habitats, existing and potential threats, proposals on stock-taking and monitoring of habitats, compilation of habitats inventory to include endangered, commercially valuable, introduced and exotic species as well as proposals on preservation of existing ones and rehabilitation of declining habitats, activities on expansion of scientific surveys associated with preservation of habitats and biodiversity and involving public awareness, expansion of the network of protected areas, development of regional management.

A Regional Mnemiopsis Workshop was held to discuss problems associated with introduction of Mnemiopsis in the Caspian Sea. Information on biology and distribution of Mnemiopsis in different areas of the globe as well as possible measures to fight it were presented on the Workshop. Based on the decision taken by workshop participants a program of surveys on distribution of Mnemiopsis in the Caspian and possible introduction of Beroe – jelly fish feeding on Mnemiopsis and having reduced its number in the Black Sea.

Biodiversity CRTC made its own input in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis. Alongside with reviews on biodiversity and habitats basic causal-chain analyses influencing biodiversity were made as well as problems associated with preservation of biodiversity were prioritized. Among root causes conditioning status of biodiversity were degradation of natural habitats, loss of species and gene pool, introduction of exotic species, fluctuations of sea level, change of climate. Secondary causes were ranked based on national classification; regional assessment was made. Preliminary environmental quality objectives on biodiversity were outlined.

Upon preparation of National Reports on biodiversity experts lacked latest data on species inhabiting the Caspian and a list of such species. As a result, an initiative was undertaken to compile a list of the Caspian species. The lists have been complied based on main groups of flora and fauna: phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthos, fish, Amphibia, reptiles, insects, birds, mammals, marine and coastal flora.

Lists provided by countries in their National reports and habitat reviews have been used as primary sources. Alongside with names of species in Latin, Russian and English they will include information on the author and year of compilation, date of the their latest detection (for endangered species), natural habitat, origin, status, population and frequency of occurrence.

To further develop activities of the Biodiversity Center a concept of a self-financing independent structure has been worked out. The Center will presumably incorporate existing CRTC and Atyrau branch of the Kazakhstan Fishery Institute. The laboratories shall be equipped at the account of sponsor contributions. The Center will coordinate activities on biodiversity implemented in littoral states, prepare annual reports on the status of biodiversity and implementation of Strategic Action Plan on biodiversity. On the basis of the laboratories set up the Center will render professional services to oil and gas companies in Kazakhstan and other parts of the Caspian region with ongoing oil and gas operations, thus turning into a self-financing entity. The Center will be used for the purposes of training in the area of survey and preservation of biodiversity as well as for rendering advisory services to all littoral states upon monitoring and protection of the Caspian flora and fauna. CRTC shall advise both regionally and locally oil and gas companies and other involved organizations.

During Phase 1 the Center was financed by GEF, whereas funds for Phase 2 will be raised through GEF and private sector.

During the upcoming years the Center shall complete activities in the framework of Regional Action Plan on preservation of habitats, list of species, third workshop on Mnemiopsis, Regional strategy and Action Plan on preservation of biodiversity.

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