Ecosystem Services in Azerbaijan: Value and Losses 3031087690, 9783031087691

Citation preview

Rovshan Abbasov Rovshan Karimov Natavan Jafarova

Ecosystem Services in Azerbaijan Value and Losses

Ecosystem Services in Azerbaijan

Rovshan Abbasov • Rovshan Karimov  Natavan Jafarova

Ecosystem Services in Azerbaijan Value and Losses

Rovshan Abbasov Geography and Environment Department Khazar University Baku, Azerbaijan

Rovshan Karimov Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Institute of Geography Baku, Azerbaijan

Natavan Jafarova Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Institute of Geography Baku, Azerbaijan

ISBN 978-3-031-08769-1    ISBN 978-3-031-08770-7 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08770-7 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland

The book is dedicated to the memory of the prominent scientist, State Prize owner, president of the Azerbaijan Geographical Society, and ex-director of the Institute of Geography of the Azerbaijani National Academy of Sciences Ramiz Mammadov. Scientific works and organizational work of Academician Ramiz Mammadov made a great contribution in the field of environmental protection, rational nature management, combating desertification, protecting the environment of the Caspian Sea and its coastal zone, protecting nature reserves and national parks, and promoting

vi



advanced information technologies in the research activities of the Institute of Geography. The scientific heritage of Ramiz Mammadov includes more than 300 scientific papers. The productive research and research management activities of Ramiz Mammadov helped to develop the science of geography in Azerbaijan and the Caspian region. His scientific research is devoted to the most pressing problems of the Caspian Sea, namely hydrology, hydro-physics, oceanatmosphere interaction, studies of turbulent exchange and turbulent diffusion in the sea, sea-level changes, the impact of climate change on the Caspian Sea, the problem of the status of the Caspian Sea, the creation of a physical geographic model of the distribution of pollutants in the sea, as well as the eco-geography of the Caspian Sea. The memory of academician Ramiz Mammadov will always live in the minds of his loved ones, colleagues, friends, and relatives.

Foreword

One of the main research areas of modern science is the analysis of problems arising in the use of ecosystem services and human-nature relations. In the sustainable use of natural values, its intrinsic values should be a priority for ecosystem managers. From this point of view, the study of human-nature relations and the social and moral values they generate, and new views on the use of nature are important issues. Unfortunately, over the past 100–150 years, Azerbaijan has experienced serious problems in natural resources management. Depletion of water resources, pollution, and migration from mountainous areas is accompanied by many other problems, such as loss of sustainable incomes, cultural traditions, and social values. Against the background of climate change, these problems have deepened and intensified. For example, the loss of fish stocks in the Caspian Sea because of pollution has not only deprived the locals of a reliable source of food but also destroyed its historical ties with the Caspian Sea. Mass migration of the population in the mountainous regions has led to the disappearance of many natural and spiritual values. The presented book, Nature of Azerbaijan: Value and Losses, is the first book dedicated to this issue in Azerbaijan, and perhaps in the region, and somehow serves as a gap-filler. I think that the issues raised in this book can also be taught in universities. I believe that the ways outlined by the authors in this book will help to use nature more intelligently. I congratulate the authors of the book on the authors on this successful work. Founder of Khazar University  Hamlet İsakahnli Baku, Azerbaijan

vii

Acknowledgments

This book was prepared on the initiative and at the expense of the authors. No financial support was received from any fund or other source during the preparation of the book. The results voiced in the book are based on the information collected by the authors.

ix

Contents

1

 The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan��������������������������������������    1 Introduction����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������     2 Values of the Caspian Sea������������������������������������������������������������������������     4 Recreational Resources����������������������������������������������������������������������������     5 Loss of Recreational Values of the Caspian Sea��������������������������������������     9 History of Fishing in Azerbaijan��������������������������������������������������������������    12 Fish-Reducing Factors ����������������������������������������������������������������������������    14 Lost Values of Fisheries ��������������������������������������������������������������������������    19 Community Survey on Sustainable Use of Resources����������������������������    20 Conclusions����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    25 References������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    26

2

Mountain Ecosystem Values��������������������������������������������������������������������   29 Mountains in Azerbaijan��������������������������������������������������������������������������    30 Human–Nature Relationships in Mountain Areas ����������������������������������    32 Ecosystem Services of Mountains ����������������������������������������������������������    38 Provisioning Services (Material Goods of Nature)����������������������������������    39 Sand, Clay, and Stone��������������������������������������������������������������������������    39 Plants����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    41 Water����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    45 Cultural Ecosystem Services and Spiritual Significance of Nature ��������    47 Bequest Values ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    51 The Existence Values ��������������������������������������������������������������������������    52 Regulatory Services ����������������������������������������������������������������������������    53 Traditional Lifestyle��������������������������������������������������������������������������������    55 Constant Motion in Mountain Areas��������������������������������������������������������    58 Formation of Knowledge and Skills��������������������������������������������������������    59 Buffer ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    60 Natural Capital and Hazards��������������������������������������������������������������������    62 Factors Causing the Loss of Values in Mountainous Areas ��������������������    62 Climate Changes����������������������������������������������������������������������������������    63 xi

xii

Contents

Land Degradation��������������������������������������������������������������������������������    65 Conclusions����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    67 References������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    68 3

 Ecosystem and Socioeconomic Values of Clean Water ������������������������   71 Values of Freshwater Ecosystems������������������������������������������������������������    72 Water Resources of Azerbaijan����������������������������������������������������������������    76 Water Uses ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    78 Hydropower Generation��������������������������������������������������������������������������    84 Fishing and Hunting��������������������������������������������������������������������������������    87 Regulatory Services of Freshwater Bodies����������������������������������������������    91 Climate Regulation������������������������������������������������������������������������������    93 Habitat Support������������������������������������������������������������������������������������    94 Non-use Values of Freshwater Bodies ����������������������������������������������������    98 Göygöl Lake and Göygöl National Park����������������������������������������������    99 Batabat Lake����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������   100 Loss of Value of Freshwater Ecosystems������������������������������������������������   101 Water Withdrawals ������������������������������������������������������������������������������   102 Climate Changes����������������������������������������������������������������������������������   105 Drinking Water Problems��������������������������������������������������������������������   107 Floods��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������   108 Pollution of Watercourses��������������������������������������������������������������������   109 Pollution of Lakes��������������������������������������������������������������������������������   113 How to Protect the Values of Freshwater Ecosystems? ��������������������������   115 Conclusion ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������   116 References������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������   117

4

 Environmental Migration and Cultural Losses������������������������������������  123 Environmental Migration Is a Growing Phenomenon ����������������������������   124 Environmental Migration in Azerbaijan��������������������������������������������������   127 Migration and Cultural Losses: A Case Study of Mountainous Shirvan Economic Region����������������������������������������   130 Flood Migration (A Case of Kura–Araz Lowlands)��������������������������������   137 The Case of Terekeme Communities: Seasonal Migrations and Disruption of Semi-nomadic Life��������������������������������������������   142 The Case of Kryz: Environmental Migration and Lost Customs������������   146 The Kryz Language: Endangered Cultural and Natural Value����������������   154 Words Telling the Natural and Geographical Condition����������������������   155 Words Telling About Biological Diversity������������������������������������������   156 Words Telling Plant-Growing Practices����������������������������������������������   159 Words Telling About Livestock Traditions������������������������������������������   160 Words on Dress Customs ��������������������������������������������������������������������   166 Words Telling About Construction and Domestic Practices����������������   166 Words Telling About Cuisine ��������������������������������������������������������������   168 Words Telling About Carpet-Weaving Customs����������������������������������   170 Words Telling Wedding and Family Traditions ����������������������������������   171

Contents

xiii

Words Telling Games and Toys Played by Children����������������������������   172 Words on Sports and Competition ������������������������������������������������������   172 Words Telling Living and Traditions ��������������������������������������������������   173 Conclusions����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������   175 References������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������   176 Index������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������  181

Chapter 1

The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

Abstract  The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest closed body of water and a body of water with numerous ecosystem values. This waterbody contributes to a more favorable and livable climate in a large region, mainly in Azerbaijan, and plays an exceptional role in the natural purification of the air in Baku. In the past, the sturgeon resources of the Caspian Sea accounted for 90% of the world’s sturgeon resources. Currently, sturgeon and black caviar production in the Caspian Sea has almost declined due to pollution and illegal fishing. Due to the loss of this use value, the non-use values associated with these sturgeons have also been lost. Currently, pollution of the Caspian Sea and its coastal area is common in the Azerbaijani sector, and the possibility of future rehabilitation of the sea and coastal areas is highly questionable. The tourism and recreation resources of the Caspian Sea are also poorly used, and in most cases, the incorrect approaches observed in this sector prevent the sea from becoming a tourist center. Seawater pollution and negligence in coastal areas do not allow the use of most of the coastal areas as beaches. Simultaneously, the occupation of the coast by artisanal tourism facilities and individuals, while reducing its natural value, has a serious impact on the development of tourism in the country. Arbitrary appropriation and fencing of coastal areas not only seriously affect aesthetic values but also seriously affect the tourism and recreation resources of the Caspian Sea. A survey was conducted among local communities to assess the material and moral values between the Caspian Sea and the local population, in short, to determine the sea connections of the people living on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The survey shows that the population has “left the Caspian Sea” in recent decades and is engaged in activities not related to the Caspian Sea. According to the targeted scenario approach, the problems of sustainable use of fish resources in the Caspian Sea have been investigated and it has been determined that unsustainable use of fish resources has led to the depletion of these resources, as well as the disappearance of future sustainable use opportunities. The main purpose of this chapter is also to compare oil production with fisheries, which are a stable source of income. The authors want to convey to the reader that while oil

© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022 R. Abbasov et al., Ecosystem Services in Azerbaijan, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08770-7_1

1

2

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

production in Azerbaijan is profitable in the short term, it leads to environmental pollution and loss of sustainable income in the long run. Keywords  The Caspian Sea · Ecosystem services · Nature values · Sturgeons · Pollution · Sustainability

Introduction The Caspian Sea is the largest indoor body of water in the world. The area of this closed water basin, which often changes area, is 371,000 km2 (Panin et al., 2005; Aladin & Plotnikov, 2004; Kostianoy et al., 2005). This water body, which is geographically considered a lake, but is called the sea due to its many hydrological features, is surrounded by five countries (Zonn et  al., 2010; Kosarev, 2005). Surrounded by Russia to the northwest, Kazakhstan to the northeast, Turkmenistan to the east, and Iran to the south, this large body of water is in the economic interest of these countries. The number of countries in the Caspian Sea basin is eight: Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Iran (Fig.  1.1). The main purpose of emphasizing this point is that the rivers flowing through the territory of these states belong to the Caspian basin, and the Caspian Sea is exposed to various ecological effects through these rivers (Abbasov & Smakhtin, 2009; Demin, 2007; Fatullaev, 2002; Korshenko & Gul, 2005). For example, although the Republic of Armenia does not have direct access to the Caspian Sea, the pollution of rivers flowing through the territory of this country with mining waste harms the ecology of the Caspian Sea (Aleksanyan et  al., 2008; Abbasov et al., 2019). Alternatively, the increasing withdrawal of water from the Kura River in Georgia and Turkey is gradually affecting the water balance of the Caspian Sea, resulting in a drop in sea levels (Abbasov & Smakhtin, 2012). This, in turn, creates numerous environmental problems at sea. That is why we conventionally call this area the Caspian Ecological Region. The solution to pollution problems in the Caspian Sea, the sustainable use of its resources, the long-term use of recreational resources, and the protection of ecosystem values directly depend on the solution of environmental problems in the Caspian ecological area (Zeinolabedin et al., 2009). The warm water temperature throughout the year, the acidic water conditions, and the abundance of rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea have created river-marine ecosystems that are very suitable for fish species (Babushkin & Borzenko, 1951; Kostianoy et al., 2005). The ichthyofauna of the Caspian Sea consists of 124 species (Barannikova et al., 1995). Although ichthyofauna in the Caspian Sea is somewhat weaker than in other seas, in terms of productivity, industrial fishing has always been at a very high level. Historically, the Caspian Sea has been the center of world sturgeon production, and the amount of sturgeon caught and black caviar produced here accounted for 90% of world production (DeMeulenaer & Raymakers, 1996). Beluga or European sturgeon (Huso-Huso), Persian sturgeon (A. persicus), and Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedti) are the most valuable representatives of

Introduction

3

Fig. 1.1  The Caspian Sea

Caspian sturgeon (Billard & Lecointre, 2001; Raspopov, 1993a, b). Naturally, these species mainly migrate to rivers in March–April and October–November, spawning on rocky grounds in the areas close to outlets (Ivanov et al., 1999). Another valuable

4

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

fish in the Caspian Sea is the Caspian salmon, listed in the Red Books of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan (Abbasov & Smakhtin, 2009). In Azerbaijan and Iran, it is now marked as a species with a sharply declining population (Levin, 1997). Caspian salmon migrate to the very sources of mountain streams, located at rather high altitudes (Mamaev et al., 2002). In terms of elevation, the bottom of the Caspian Sea is divided into three parts: northern, middle, and southern. The northern part of the sea is the smallest, the average depth here is 6 m, the maximum is 27 m, it extends to the Mangistau Peninsula after it begins the middle deeper, the deepest part of the sea is 21 m, the sea is 21 m deep. The middle and southern parts are separated by the Absheron Peninsula. The southern part of the Caspian Sea is the deepest aquifer, the average depth here is about 350 m, and the maximum income is up to 1028 m.

Values of the Caspian Sea The ecosystem values of the Caspian Sea are multifaceted and cover every aspect of human life associated with it. Located in the middle of Eurasia, far from the oceans, this large body of water plays an exceptional role in regulating air temperature in the surrounding areas, lowering the temperature in the warm season and increasing it in the cold season. This regulation has the effect of mitigating the harsh continental climate of Eurasia and making the Caspian region a more climate-friendly place. At the same time, the Caspian Sea is a water body that has a significant impact on improving the air quality of major cities on its shores. For example, the main natural factor that improves air quality in Baku is its location on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Thus, the constant winds blowing between the sea and the land play an exceptional role in removing polluted air from Baku. In this sense, the Caspian Sea can be considered the lungs of Baku. Currently, large-scale plans are underway to obtain wind energy from these winds, and it is believed that the wind energy of the Caspian Sea can be used as a source of green hydrogen. In historical times, the water of the Caspian Sea was also widely used in everyday life. People used seawater to wash clothes and bathe in most Caspian areas. Currently, there are desalination plants on the Azerbaijani islands of the Caspian Sea and on the shores of Turkmenistan, which allow using of seawater as drinking water. It is believed that as a result of climate change, water resources in the rivers of Azerbaijan will gradually decrease, and thus there will be a greater need for freshwater Caspian water. An overview of my Caspian Sea ecosystem services is provided in the table below. A broader overview of these ecosystem services is described in more detail in the following and subsequent sections (Table 1.1). The main feature that makes the Caspian Sea valuable is that its waters are three times less salty (13 per mille) than ocean water (Panin et al., 2005). Sturgeon, one of the most valuable fish in the world, lives in such waters. The Caspian Sea, as noted, has historically been the center of world sturgeon and black caviar

Recreational Resources

5

Table 1.1  Ecosystem services of the Caspian Sea Provisioning services Fish, seafood, game meat from birds, sand and construction materials, table salt, washing, and drinking water Water for non-consumptive use (for navigation and washing)

Regulatory services Maintenance of air quality (natural air filtration), temperature regulation Regulation of temperature

Aquatic organisms for food and medicines

Wind power

Supporting Cultural services services Recreation and tourism Role in nutrient (rafting, kayaking, cycling cruising, swimming, solar baths, swimming) Existence values (personal satisfaction)

Aesthetic viewing, sports, and leisure, sea voyages

Predator/prey relationships and ecosystem resilience Sheltering valuable fish and bird species, Caspian seals

production and the most reliable and sustainable source of food and income for the people living on the Caspian coast. Various fish and caviar products from the Caspian Sea have always been in high demand in the markets. The Caspian Sea is also home to Caspian seals living in the world’s closed water basin. Caspian seals, with a lifespan of up to 50 years, are an endemic species of the Caspian Sea and are the smallest species of seals in the world. The seals are spread in the whole sea area off the coast of Azerbaijan and on some islands of the Absheron archipelago. In the 1930s, seals were hunted off the coast of Absheron and nearby islands, and about ten thousand seals were hunted each year. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the number of seals was several million, but now their numbers are 100–110 thousand. Their numbers have sharply declined in the last 20 years, and they are in danger of extinction. Currently, the decline of seals is influenced by several factors, the most important of which are illegal hunting, marine pollution, and mass epidemics. Another reason is the rapid decline of kilka (Clupeonella) fish, which form the basis of their feed reserves (Dumont, 1995). We provide information on the recreational and ecological significance of the Caspian Sea, as well as fish resources in a separate section.

Recreational Resources The length of the Azerbaijani shores of the Caspian Sea is 825 km and there are 20 large islands. These islands and beaches are very suitable for the most diverse resort activities. For example, the beaches in the Absheron Peninsula and the Nabran resort area are suitable for a variety of tourist activities. Because the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea are sunny all year round, there are plenty of recreational resources in the areas of fine sandy beaches, and therefore there is great potential for the organization of resort activities (Rasekhi &

6

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

Mohammadi, 2015). The climate of the Azerbaijani shores of the Caspian Sea is mainly dry subtropical and the temperature reaches 40  °C in summer. There are more than 160 sunny days near the Absheron Peninsula, and sunny hours are mostly observed in May–September. During the summer, the seawater in the Caspian Sea can heat up to 30 °C, and the hot water temperature remains for 4–5 months. This allows the beach season to last from mid-May to late September. Golden fine sand and acidic water create very favorable conditions for beach activities (Nouri et al., 2008). Most coastal areas and islands are semi-desert landscapes (Amanova et  al., 2019). In these semi-desert landscapes, the vast majority of areas where the sea meets the coast are fine sandy beaches (Fig. 1.2). Although oil pollution and unauthorized construction have reduced the recreational value of these coasts, most areas have retained their original virginity. Resting in the warm sea sands and sunny weather also cures many diseases and generally strengthens the body (Guliyev et al., 2015). The climate and ecosystems of the Yalama–Nabran resort area in the northern part are richer in terms of recreation. In this area, broad-leaved forests extend to the coast, and the combination of both beach and forest landscapes creates more favorable conditions for tourism and recreation. The length of the coastline in the Yalama–Nabran tourist zone is 25 km, and the width of the forest strip is 5 km. In addition, the area is very close to the mountainous areas of the Greater Caucasus, and the maximum distance of high mountainous areas from the sea is 100  km. Therefore, tourists who come here for recreation can also easily visit the mountain resort areas. Gizilagaj National Park is located near the Lankaran zone. Kyzylagach National Park is a wintering place for birds migrating to the shores of the Caspian Sea. Every year, geese, ducks, cranes, partridges, and other birds from Western Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Southern Urals, and Northern Europe migrate here for the winter. Most of the country’s Red Book birds are in the park this year, and the reserve protects 248 species of waterfowl, marsh, and wild birds. Many mammals included in the Red Book of Azerbaijan, Reed cat, flamingo, white goose, common bluebird, marble duck, common ornament, etc. are also protected in Gizilağaj National park. In the central part, north of Gizilagaj reserve, Shirvan National Park is located. The total area of Shirvan National Park is about 55,000 ha, and the length of the coastline is about 45 km. There are small lakes in the National Park with an area of more than 3500  ha, where very valuable bird species live. Rare species such as gazelles, reed cats, flamingos are protected here. The landscapes here are mainly semi-deserts and wetlands. There are mud volcanoes near the coast and the area is of great importance for recreation. The Absheron shores of the Caspian Sea are of greater importance in terms of recreation. There have been numerous resorts and recreation centers since Soviet times. The beaches of the Caspian Sea on the shores of the Absheron Peninsula have a unique landscape and therapeutic value. The iodine waters of the Caspian Sea are of great balneological importance and play an exceptional role in the treatment of several axial defects, as well as in their absence. That is why there were heart and

Recreational Resources

7

Fig. 1.2  National parks near Caspian coastlines in Azerbaijan

lung sanatoriums on the Absheron Peninsula, and some of them are still operating. The beaches of the Absheron Peninsula are well intertwined with dry subtropical fruit growing. Valuable grapes, dried fruits (almonds and pistachios), and figs were important fruit crops on the Caspian coast of the Absheron Peninsula. The Absheron National Park, with an area of about 800 ha, is also located on the Absheron Peninsula. Although the area of Absheron National Park is small, it is a

8

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

natural and protected area closest to the capital Baku. The fauna of Absheron National Park is very rich. Birds include the silver gull, the whispering swan, the red-headed goose, the partridge, the green-headed duck, etc., and the mammal species include the gazelle and the endangered wild cat. Numerous fish also live here. A large number of Caspian seals are found in the Caspian Sea area of Absheron National Park. This species is the only representative of the parasite, which is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest seal in the world’s oceans. It is also necessary to emphasize the Caspian islands close to the shores of the Absheron peninsula. The coastline of these names consists mainly of fine sandy beaches. Some islands are home to gazelles that were once released for breeding purposes. The basis of Absheron’s resort recreational resources is fine sandy and shallow beaches at a distance of more than 70 km, hot and rainless weather, small islands with fine sands, balneological resources of Lake Absheron, and therapeutic muds. Zigh, Masazir, and Boyukshor lakes should be emphasized in terms of the importance of treatment muds. In addition, Khojasan Lake has historically been a lake inhabited by very valuable fish, and there are still great opportunities for tourism fishing. These lakes are home to valuable fish species such as carp and smelt. The Azerbaijani shores of the Caspian Sea are also an area where mud volcanoes are widespread (Fig. 1.3). There are more than 800 mud volcanoes in these areas, most of which are very close to the Caspian coast. These mud volcanoes are mainly located around the Absheron Peninsula.

Fig. 1.3  Mud volcanoes close to the coastline

Loss of Recreational Values of the Caspian Sea

9

Gobustan National Park is located in the spring, a little south of the Absheron Peninsula. Gobustan National Park is an interesting place with more than 30,000 years of rock paintings and caves. Primitive people lived in these caves and were mainly engaged in hunting. Archaeological excavations in Gobustan in 1972 revealed 12 human skeletons and revealed that they lived in the late Mesolithic period. The southernmost part of the Caspian Sea off the coast of Azerbaijan is the Lankaran-Astara region. Here, the coastline passes through the cities of Lankaran and Astara and heads towards the Talysh mountains. Hirkan National Park, which is very rich in endemic plants, is located in this area. With an area of more than 40,000 ha, this National Park consists of dense forests and preserves relict plants of the third period. The national park has endemic trees such as chestnut-leaved oak, ironwood, silk acacia, Caspian tulip, Hirkan fig, and Caucasian date.

Loss of Recreational Values of the Caspian Sea Until the middle of the last century, the Caspian Sea and its coastal areas were considered to be of great recreational significance. However, the intensification of human activities over the past 30 years has dealt a major blow not only to the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea but also to its recreational resources. Thus, various activities of human origin have led to significant changes in the natural state of the sea and coastal areas. Oil pollution, solid waste disposal, and coastal fencing have not only reduced the scenic value of coastal areas but also caused significant economic damage to the tourism sector (Bayramli & Aliyev, 2020; Abdullayev, 2019). One of the main factors that increase the recreational importance of the coast is the openness of its shores and its scenic value. Numerous studies show that open areas and open coastal areas have higher both recreational and scenic values. For example, if the coastline is open in any area, then the areas closest to that area will be more important in terms of recreation, and property prices will be higher in relatively close areas. At the same time, if the number of buildings built in the area increases, then the scenic value gradually decreases and, in many cases, disappears completely. One of the main reasons for the decline in recreational values is the mass occupation of the coast. These seizures are more widespread in the areas near the Absheron Peninsula. As a result of the capture of the high seas, all the values related to recreation and tourism are gradually declining and disappearing (Mola et al., 2012). Oil pollution on the shores of Absheron is a problem with an older history. As early as the middle of the nineteenth century, oil was extracted here through very artisanal methods, and during production, oil was collected not in tanks, but from holes dug in the ground. Often, the products of oil wells that hit the fountain have been spilled onto the ground for a long time (Mamedov & Mustafayev, 2007; Mamedov, 2006). Pollution from the oil sector is one of the main factors damaging the importance of coastal recreation in the Absheron Peninsula. Estimates confirm that 220,000 ha

10

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

of land around Baku are completely contaminated with oil. Seven thousand two hundred hectares of this pollution belong to Absheron lakes. In addition to having a major impact on recreational resources, pollution destroys the Caspian Sea ecosystem and deprives future generations of access to these resources. Legacy pollution in particular is among the most serious environmental issues for individuals living near sources of pollution (Kostianoy & Lobkovskiy, 2003). Poor and vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected since they normally live in neighborhoods close to polluted and contaminated lakes and sites. It is therefore essential to clean up polluted lakes and contaminated sites, prevent further pollution, regenerate lake ecosystems, and lay a good foundation for redevelopment and ecological protection in the future (Mamedov & Mustafayev, 2007; Budagov et al., 2002). It is important to note that pollution not only affects the ecosystem of the Caspian Sea but also causes coastal areas to lose their importance due to polluted areas (Kostianoy & Lobkovskiy, 2003). Currently, pollution on the Absheron coast of the Caspian Sea has also reduced the value of the sea and its coastal areas from an aesthetic point of view. For example, more than 30,000  ha of land in the Absheron Peninsula alone are in a state of pollution. It is very difficult to carry out any resort-­ tourism activity in these areas, which are mainly polluted with oil products and heavy metals. In addition, many projects to rehabilitate contaminated coastal areas have failed. The main reason for this failure is not only the poor planning of rehabilitation work but also the fact that it is very difficult to clean oil-contaminated areas. One of the main factors reducing the value of recreation is the occupation of the coast by various companies and private entrepreneurs. This invasion often results in the formation of long fences parallel to the coast, and thus the open sea coasts lose their recreational value. Currently, a process is underway, which is accompanied by the gradual occupation of the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea on and off the coast of Absheron, and this process is gradually accelerating. At present, most of the open beaches on the Absheron Peninsula have been captured and remain only in and around the Absheron National Park. Our recent observations confirmed again that some tertiary sector businesses and also processing industries were commissioned on the favorable natural landscapes of the Abhseron peninsula’s coastal strips, whereas cultural ecosystem services available there could be widely benefited in public (Fig. 1.4) Artificial barriers in form of high fences built by owners of these businesses prevented access to the sea in Khazar, Garadagh, and Khatai districts of Greater Baku. The mentioned cases often lead to serious resentments from inhabitants of nearby settlements, since benefiting sandy beaches becomes impossible or very limited. Often inhabitants express their discontent in the media because they have used these beaches freely and without any impediment in the past. Media and even high government officials regularly criticize such kinds of unsanctioned constructions, occupations, and fencings that limit access to the sea, but yet the situation is far from significant improvement, also in the context of possible trade-offs. In many cases, coastal areas have become landfills for domestic waste and sewage. Domestic waste dumped in most coastal areas often damages the aesthetic appearance of coastal areas, creating problems that are very difficult to solve, and

Loss of Recreational Values of the Caspian Sea

11

Fig. 1.4  Decrease in scenic values of beaches under various influences: (a) Natural state. (b) Pollution. (c) Littering. (d) Occupation

leaving beaches completely unused. Coastal lines not only have recreational values but also have very important environmental functions for many marine environments. However, the discharge of wastewater into coastal areas and the sea reduces both these environmental values and vital tourism resources. The most concerning situations are on such beaches as Shikh, Sahil, Novkhani, and Hovsan (Asgarov, 2012). Thus, entertainment and leisure-time businesses often prefer to operate on the beaches of higher tourism attractiveness such as those shown above, and eventually occupy suitable lands, use water resources, but also discharge sewage and leave solid wastes. Contamination of beaches and coastal waters caused a reduction of biodiversity (fishes), thus decreasing provisioning ecosystem potential in the region. Relatedly, conflicts often take place between owners of responsible businesses and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. The  ministry each seoson sues against such businesses to achieve improvement or stop their operation. Since the decrease in scenic values often occurs over a long period, it is not possible to observe the loss of these values in the short term. While rising land prices on the coast are forcing people to occupy these areas, on the other hand, such seizures reduce their value and, as a result, land prices fall. A more dangerous point is that in most cases, it is not possible to restore these values later, and as a result, the values are lost forever and never return.

12

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

History of Fishing in Azerbaijan The history of fish production on the Azerbaijani shores of the Caspian Sea goes back to ancient times. Until the 1960s, the Caspian Sea accounted for 90% of the world’s sturgeon and black caviar production. Historically, the people living on the shores of the Caspian Sea have had a very stable source of income and livelihood through the production of fish and black caviar. Beluga or European sturgeon (Huso-Huso), Persian sturgeon (A. persicus), and Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstaedti) are the most valuable representatives of Caspian sturgeon (Billard & Lecointre, 2001). These species mainly migrate to rivers in March–April and October–November, spawning on rocky grounds in the areas close to outlets (Ivanov et al., 1999). Another valuable fish in the Caspian Sea is the Caspian salmon, listed in the Red Books of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. In Azerbaijan and Iran, it is now marked as a species with a sharply declining population (Bakhshalizadeh et  al., 2021). Caspian salmon migrate to the very sources of mountain streams, located at rather high altitudes. Although fishing in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea has an ancient history, it became a centralized economy in the mid-nineteenth century. After the occupation of the country by Russia, all fish stocks were in the hands of the state. According to historical records, in the 1830s, the annual caviar production in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea was 33 tons (Valiyeva, 2009). In 1882, the total volume of fish produced in the Azerbaijani part of the Caspian Sea was 12,000 tons, and in 1900–41,000 tons, and the number of people working in fishing was more than 6500. (Smirnov, 1925; Borodin, 1901; Valiyeva, 2009). Sturgeon and herring were the main fish caught in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. Most of the herring was produced between Yalama and Bandovan. In 1913, the total volume of herring produced in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea was about 143,000 tons. In the same year, the total volume of sturgeon caught in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea was 4500 tons, and the quantity of black caviar was about 500 tons. At the beginning of the twentieth century, fishing in the Caspian sector of Azerbaijan was the second largest industry after the oil industry, and the total number of employees was about 70,000. Although the First and Second World Wars and the Soviet collectivization policy severely damaged Azerbaijan’s fisheries, fish production resumed after the Second World War. From 1970 to 1980, sturgeon production in Azerbaijan reached its peak, and in 1980, amounted to 9600 tons (Ruban & Khodorevskaya, 2011). At the same time, the production of other fish increased sharply. However, in the mid-1980s, fishing in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea began to decline sharply. The weight of sturgeon among the fish caught began to decline sharply, and since 2000 it has not been possible to catch sturgeon in the Caspian Sea. Figure 1.5 shows the change in sturgeon fishing in Azerbaijan over time (Ruban & Khodorevskaya, 2011). The sharp decline in sturgeon fishing in the Caspian Sea has occurred not only in Azerbaijan but also in other Caspian littoral countries. Currently, most of the fish caught in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea are kilka fish of lower quality.

History of Fishing in Azerbaijan

13

7000 6200 6000 5000

5500 4500

tones

4100 4000 3100 3000

2400 1800

2000 1000 0

820 70

76

105

85

65

2

1

1913 1932 1944 1961 1970 1974 1977 1990 2000 2001 2003 2005 2008 2010 2020

Fig. 1.5  The total volume of sturgeon caught in Azerbaijan in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries 20000 18000 16000 14000

tones

12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0

Caught fish - total

sprat

Fig. 1.6  Comparison of the catch of fish in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea with the catch of sprat

For example, out of 956 tons of fish caught in the Caspian Sea in 2017, more than 559 tons were kilka fish (Fig. 1.6). At the same time, kilka production in Azerbaijan has declined rapidly, and this trend has been typical of all countries in the Caspian

14

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

basin. It should be noted that the market value of kilka is considerably lower than the value of sturgeons. Currently, sturgeon stocks in the Caspian Sea are declining and are on the verge of losing their importance. Compared to the 1980s, the catch of sturgeon in 2020 almost disappeared, and the catch of all Caspian littoral countries together amounted to about several hundred tons. Since 2011, according to the general agreement of all Caspian littoral states, a technical moratorium has been imposed on commercial fishing for sturgeon in the Caspian Sea, and commercial sturgeon fishing is not carried out.

Fish-Reducing Factors The decline of valuable fish species in the Caspian Sea is observed in parallel with the decline in its environmental value (Khodorevskaya et al., 1997). Among the factors influencing the decline of fish species is, first of all, oil pollution (Jafari, 2010; Babayev & Guliyev, 2017). The history of oil pollution in Azerbaijan dates to 1846 with the drilling of the first oil wells In Bibiheybat, close to Baku. After this well was drilled on the coast in Bibiheybat, none of the oil wells drilled for decades met environmental standards. The oil flowing mainly from the wells drilled by the fountain method directly polluted the soil and the sea, and seriously damaged the habitat of very valuable fish. In 1949, the first offshore oil wells gushed on the Azerbaijani shores of the Caspian Sea (Sultanova & Abdullayeva, 2021). As on land, oil flowing from wells drilled in the open sea flowed directly into the sea. For more than 150 years, oil has been discharged into the open sea during offshore and coastal oil production. In addition, periodic industrial accidents during offshore oil production have been one of the main factors accelerating oil pollution (Korshenko & Gul, 2005). Rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea are also one of the main sources of pollution Abbasov & Smakhtin, 2009). The Kura and Araz rivers and their tributaries are mainly polluted by mining and domestic wastewater, which enters the Caspian Sea directly. In large rivers such as the Volga and the Urals, the waste consists mainly of household waste and oil products. Currently, the amount of TPH, heavy metals (Hg, Cd, As, Cr, Pb), phenols, and pesticides in the seawater and bottom sediments in the Caspian sector of Azerbaijan is many times higher than normal (Fig. 1.7). Oil pollution has not only affected the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea but also reduced its recreational potential (Mamedov & Mustafayev, 2007). At present, the oil-contaminated areas off the coast of Absheron used to have fishponds and beaches (Fig. 1.8). However, currently, 30,000 ha of land in the Absheron Peninsula are polluted with oil (Alekperov et al., 2006), and this pollution has led not only to the destruction of land and marine habitat but also to the loss of aesthetic values of the area (Umudov, 2021).

Fish-Reducing Factors

15

300 250 200 150 100 50 0

1998

2002

2005

2007 THC (µg/g)

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017

2-6 PAHs (ng/g)

Fig. 1.7  PAHs (2–6 rings) and THC concentrations in a West Azeri oil area sediment Fig. 1.8 Contaminated beach on the Caspian coast

Over the past 15 years, advanced oil technologies implemented by Transnational Companies had great success in reducing oil pollution. However, wastewater pollution remains the main pollution cause of the decline of the Caspian Sea fish population. Every year, the Caspian Sea’s northern part receives 40–45 km3 of wastewaters: 23–25 km3 from the Volga basin and 17–20 km3 from the rivers of Azerbaijan and Iran. Furthermore, wastewater in most towns does not receive adequate treatment and is discharged untreated into the Caspian Sea (Bashkin, 2006). The second main reason for the decline in fish populations and fish production was the rapid decline in fish spawning grounds. In the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, mountain rivers, as well as the Kura and Araz rivers, were spawning

16

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

grounds for marine sturgeon. Mountain rivers are the preferred spawning grounds for the valuable sturgeon fish of the Caspian Sea, which contains over 90% of the world’s sturgeon population (Abbasov & Smakhtin, 2009, 2012). Dam construction closed migration routes of the sturgeons, considerably increasing vulnerability. Dams built on rivers in Azerbaijan cover almost all small rivers and the Kur-Araz basin. The lack of fish passages in the dams disrupted all spawning grounds in the upstream areas and severed ties between the Caspian Sea and river ecosystems. Another problem is that more water is taken from small rivers, and as a result, most small rivers do not flow into their estuaries, which leads to the loss of spawning grounds. Drying of rivers where they flow into the sea or the Kura River stops fish migration and reduces spawning opportunities. This situation is exacerbated by declining water levels in small rivers because of climate change. Illegal fishing is one of the main factors affecting the reduction of fish stocks in the Caspian Sea. Currently, there have been numerous attempts to estimate the volume of illegal fishing in the Caspian Sea. However, to date, there are no accurate statistics on illegal fishing in the Caspian Sea, and it is estimated that the total amount of illegal fishing in the Caspian Sea is 60–70% of all fishing (Mirrasooli et al., 2019; Raymakers, 2002). The only thing that can be said for sure is that illegal fishing has also declined sharply against the background of a sharp decline in total fishing (Kuliev & Zarbalieva, 2000). Another factor that reduces the quality of the biological environment of the Caspian Sea is the pollution of rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea. These pollutants apply not only to large rivers such as the Volga, Ural, and Kura but also to small mountain rivers. These rivers were once the most productive spawning grounds for fish living in the Caspian Sea and have completely lost their ecological value as a result of severe pollution. Most of the small streams of the Kura basin are highly polluted by the mining industry. Over the past 50 years, metal (Cu, Fe, Al) concentrations in some streams have been increasing due to the growth of the mining operations in Azerbaijan and Armenia. In this sense, the small transboundary rivers flowing from Armenia to Azerbaijan should be specially noted. Small rivers such as the Oxchuchay, Bazarchay, and Basitchay are heavily polluted by mining waste in Armenia. The major pollutants are heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) from mining and the leather industry, and ammonia and nitrates from the fertilizer industry. Concentrations exceed norms up to nine times. The Oxchuchay River is claimed to be one of the most polluted in the world, with high turbidity increasing the cost of treatment for drinking water. One of the main threats to the Caspian fauna is widespread invasive species in the Caspian Sea (Zarbaliyeva et al., 2016). For example, many studies have confirmed that the migration of Mnemiopsis leidyi from the Azov-Black Sea to the Caspian Sea in the 1990s significantly reduced the number of kilka here (Mamedov, 2006). Total fish and black caviar production have been shaped in the course of pollution of the sea and coastal territories, including the watershed basins of the rivers flowing into the sea. In the past, oil production was one of the main sources of pollution.

Fish-Reducing Factors

17

The aesthetic and recreational value of the CS’s coast has declined for both local inhabitants and tourists. The number of international and national tourists visiting the region has decreased over the last few years. In this regard, it should be noted that the Azerbaijani sector of the sea has very good climatic resources that may attract international tourists under appropriate infrastructure and better environmental conditions. The Caspian Environmental Program specifies that future very good climatic resources development of resources of the Caspian Sea should be environmentally sustainable and that all-natural resources, including fish, should be carefully managed and protected. Over the past 20  years, there were many attempts to protect valuable resources of the sea, creating different types of restrictions for use (e.g., fish quotas) and pollution. However, these attempts did not result in positive changes since the stakeholders of the sea are not interested in decreasing commercial and economic activities in the region. The many different economic and environmental characteristics of the region make it important to evaluate the economic effectiveness of the future resource and coastal management. To date, many studies have been devoted to the economic assessment of the Caspian Sea; however, no comprehensive economic assessment has been done in the Caspian Sea region to determine the net benefits of integrated management solutions. The existing programs and projects have conducted only environmental studies, primarily focusing on resource use limitation approaches, such as fishing quotas. The identification of potential economic benefits and proposed methodologies for their estimation from the Caspian Sea Environmental and Coastal Management Strategy requires an increase of all the water-related investments in the region and their interlinkages. These benefits will be derived from improvements in (1) wastewater treatment; (2) coastal management; (3) freshwater and coastal water quality; and (4) property values. The table below identifies the potential key economic benefits of the strategy (Table 1.2). We used a basic Targeted Scenario Analysis (TSA) approach to calculate the benefits of long-term use of fish resources in the Caspian Sea. TSA is an approach used in recent decades to demonstrate the benefits of sustainable ecosystem management. Although the calculations in this approach are approximate, it can successfully take advantage of the key benefits of sustainable use of the environment. The TSA assesses current “business as usual” (BAU) ecosystems management practices and the current value of ecosystems services under BAU. It uses current sector output indicators and compares them with potential “sustainable ecosystems management” (SEM) outputs to assess losses and potential gains (or losses) of shifting from BAU to SEM. The BAU approach is characterized by a focus on short-term gains (e.g., < 50 years), externalization of impacts and their costs, and little or no recognition of the economic value of ecosystem services, which are typically depleted or degraded. Under SEM, the focus is on long-term gains (> 50 years); also under SEM, the costs of impacts are internalized. Ecosystem services are maintained, thus generating potential for a long-term flow of ecosystem goods and

18

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

Table 1.2  Potential economic benefits of integrated solutions Outcomes Prevention of wastewater discharges

Improved coastal management

Improved wastewater serves

Economic benefits Improved fish stocks Cleaner air flows from the seaside Improved recreational activities Increase in black caviar production Reduction of risk of waterborne diseases Improved public health Improved ecosystems Protection of Caspian seals Improved recreational activities Improved ecosystems Increase in property values New services for recreational activities Improved water supply for parks and gardens Improved water supply for suburban agriculture

services that can enter into decision-making. SEM practices tend to support ecosystem sustainability as a practical and cost-effective way to realize long-run profits. The sector-level approach and the BAU and SEM analyses have some limitations, for instance: • The analyses draw on technically economic and ecological data from the published material available. Such data is still scarce in Azerbaijan—just a handful of studies are available. • The sectoral approach disaggregates the economic value of each type of ES and fragments system-wide values to show specific sectoral inputs. • The integration of the overall effects of ecosystems and their services on the economy as a whole is left to the conclusions chapter. • Lack of national and sector-level data has limited the applicability of the selected range of indicators used to assess the impact of BAU and SEM practices. • The available data to support the TSA is commonly limited in developing countries and economies in transition. Therefore, the values obtained may be partial. In Fig. 1.9, the total amount of sturgeon caught in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries is taken as the BAU scenario and contrasted with the estimated SEM scenario. Against the 4500 tons of sturgeon caught in 1913, 4000 tons of sturgeon were taken for the Sam scenario, and it was estimated that production could be gradually increased to 5200 tons under long-term sustainable production conditions. It is accepted that maintaining stable sturgeon production between 4000 and 5200 tons can provide long-term sustainable benefits. In addition, the total economic value of the total catch for the SEM and BAU scenarios was calculated at current market prices. The calculation of the total economic value required the collection of data on the price of 1 kg of sturgeon for different countries. Due to the lack of such data, there are several difficulties in

19

Lost Values of Fisheries

BAU

SEM

7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 1900

1925

1950

1975

2000

2025

2050

2075

2100

Fig. 1.9  Total amount of produced sturgeon fish in Azerbaijan under BAU and suggested SEM intervention with projections

calculating the total economic value. Therefore, when calculating the total economic value, the price of one ton of Russian sturgeon sold in 2012–2020 was taken for all periods. Gross economic value was calculated for both scenarios by the following formula:

TMV = AMP* Σ p

where, TMV—market value, AMP—average market price in 2012–2016, p—produced quantity of Russian sturgeons, in tons. As can be seen, according to the BAU scenario, sturgeon production in Azerbaijan stopped completely after the 1990s, and revenues from this production also disappeared. However, if sturgeon production continued in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, it could become both a reliable source of food and a sustainable source of income. In this case, the total economic value of sturgeon sales between 2000 and 2020 would be $2277 million, at $30,000 per ton of fish, and this income could be maintained permanently for at least 2100 years and beyond (Fig. 1.10).

Lost Values of Fisheries The loss of fishing traditions has led to the resurrection of many values. First of all, it should be noted that there is no active fishing population in the regions close to the Caspian Sea. This has led to the loss of both economic and social values and non-­ use values.

Million USD

20

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan 350 300 250 200 150 100 50

BAU

2100

2090

2080

2070

2060

2050

2040

2030

2020

2010

2008

2005

2003

2001

2000

1990

1977

1974

1970

1961

1944

1932

1913

0

SEM

Fig. 1.10  Market value of produced sturgeons in Azerbaijan under BAU and SEM scenarios

In recent decades, fish stocks in the Caspian Sea have declined sharply, mainly due to the decline of kilka fish, which make up a large part of the fish population in the Caspian Sea. The decline in kilkas has hurt the condition of larger fish (herring, salmon, sturgeon) and seals that feed on them. Due to the negative impact on the Caspian ecosystem, kilka fishing has decreased 10 times, from 271,000 tons in 1999 to 27,000 tons today. The decline in fish stocks is a general trend common to the entire Caspian Sea (SSTK, 2021). The Caspian seal is the only marine mammal and the Caspian is endemic. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the number of Caspian seals was about 1 million individuals, but now there are data on its population ranging from 111,000 to 360,000 individuals. From 2001 to 2017, the fish farms of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources sent a total of 7457 billion cubic meters of water to the Caspian Sea, Kura River, and other inland water bodies. The following number of different types of fish fry were released: sturgeons—163.3  million pieces; salmon—2.39  million units; weights—7288 billion pieces. Since 2004, fish farms for different species have been established.

Community Survey on Sustainable Use of Resources The survey was presented to respondents to improve knowledge about the current situation of ecotourism in the coastal areas and the Caspian Sea. The local people’s attitudes toward ecotourism expansion, protection of natural heritage, fish resources,

Community Survey on Sustainable Use of Resources

21

and development were documented using 25 Questions. These questions included residents’ attitudes toward the protection of coastal areas, natural heritage and tourism development in the Caspian Sea, the negative impacts of pollution, occupation of coastlines, and willingness to learn new knowledge and skills to participate in the tourism industry. The questionnaire contained questions about respondents’ backgrounds, including questions related to gender, age, education, household income, and family size. In the beginning, participants were asked whether they had experience with coastal and sea pollution, illegal fishing, and coastline occupation. Participants also answered questions about pollution, coastal occupation, and the impact of illegal fishing on their lives. The purposive sampling methodology was applied to select study participants. A purposive sample is a non-probability sample that is selected based on the characteristics of a population and the objective of the study. Participants were purposefully selected from people who have historically lived close to coastal areas and whose lives are more or less connected to the sea. Participants were selected mostly from coastal areas of historical Baku villages, fishermen, and people who were involved in tourism. In total, 209 persons were approached. Seventy people out of 209 were women. Twenty-six people refused to participate, mostly women. The rest of the sociodemographic data is given in Table 1.3. The sociodemographic data of the respondents is given in Table 1.4. Two hundred and nine people were surveyed, with males (65%) slightly outstripping females (34%), many of whom were inclined to be reluctant to give their opinion. About 50% of the respondents (34%) were 41–50 years old, and 26% were 26–40 years old. In terms of education, the majority (55%) reported having a high school education. Twenty-six percent of people reported that they have a college education. About 50% of the reported (55%) monthly household income is between AZN 600–1000 (equivalent to US$350–600). Two hundred and one out of 209 people demonstrated their knowledge of the historical fish resources and clean sandy beaches of the Caspian Sea. It was noted that in many places, Caspian water is even used for domestic washing and washing clothes. Giving detailed information about the historical fishing villages of the Caspian coast, the participants said that fishing and caviar production were the main sources of income in most villages. The questions were chosen to reveal the role of the Caspian Sea and its resources in the life of coastal communities in the past. The main questions were about the reasons for the loss of the sea’s resources and what losses the local communities suffered from the loss of these resources. Then the questions were about the prospects of the restoration of the Caspian Sea and the role of these prospects in the life of local communities. Table 1.5 lists the questions and their answers. As a result of the survey, it was possible to find out the views and knowledge of local communities suffering from the loss of their historical resources in the Caspian Sea. It has become clear that in the past, the Caspian Sea has been a source of many material and spiritual resources for local communities. These material and spiritual

1  The Caspian Sea and Its Values in Azerbaijan

22

Table 1.3  Information about the survey section Sections Personal information Knowledge and feelings Possible uses

Information Age, status, family size, education, income What people know and feel about the Caspian Sea’s historical resources

Different activities and facilities are enumerated and respondents are asked to declare which of them they would like or dislike (for example, pollution of coastlines, illegal fishing at sea, occupation of shores, etc.) Winners and Side effects of spontaneous coastline development. People were asked what losers they lost from the deteriorating environmental situation at sea and on the coast Future Do people believe in the future positive effects of the liberation and development decontamination of the Caspian coast? What activities should be carried out first? The future status What changes do people think the cessation of pollution and illegal fishing of the sea and the restoration of spawning grounds will lead to in the future? Table 1.4  Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents Gender, n = 209

Male 136 Age