International Caspian Sea Day Celebrated at Sea Breeze

On August 12, International Caspian Sea Day, Sea Breeze hosted Caspian Senses Observatory, an environmental and inclusive programme organized in partnership with the EcoSphere Social and Environmental Centre.

Caspian Senses Observatory is a pilot citizen observation initiative focused on the Caspian Sea, bringing together environmental research, citizen science and an inclusive approach. At the heart of the programme is the idea that everyone, regardless of age, developmental characteristics or the way they perceive the world around them, can become an observer, researcher and protector of the Caspian Sea.

The first participants in the programme were young Sea Breeze residents, together with a specially invited group of children with disabilities. At interactive research stations, the children explored the Caspian through different sensory channels — sight, hearing, touch and smell. They carried out simple measurements, learned about the biodiversity of the coastline, learned to identify and record signs of pollution, and explored the accessibility of the beach environment.

This approach offers a broader perspective on inclusion: not only ensuring access to environmental activities, but also creating opportunities for people with different ways of perceiving the world to actively participate in observing the environment and building knowledge about it.

The programme’s guest of honour was Mahir Aliyev, Regional Coordinator of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for Europe and Head of the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention. His participation highlighted the connection between the local initiative involving children and the broader international efforts to protect the Caspian Sea, advance environmental monitoring and engage communities in safeguarding its future.