In 2025, a project was presented that envisages the creation of a 700-kilometer tunnel between the Black and Caspian Seas. However, this is not a traditional transport structure, but a pipeline for redirecting water, which will be based on the difference in levels – the Black Sea is located at an altitude of about 27 meters above the Caspian. The idea of the initiators is that such a project will help prevent the shallowing of the Caspian and ensure the stability of shipping.
We have previously covered this concept proposed by the Azerbaijani company ADOG and the Zira International Port. The relevant authorities are currently studying the feasibility of implementing this plan.
Recently, Sergey Butorin, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the All-Russian public organization “Parks of Russia”, gave a brief assessment of this initiative, considering its feasibility, potential risks and ways to solve the problem of shallowing of the Caspian Sea.
Sergey Butorin noted that when it comes to large projects, it is always important to ask yourself several key questions: are we really solving urgent problems or creating new ones. And who will ultimately benefit from this. The shallowing of the Caspian Sea is not a hypothesis, but a real problem. Since 2006, the sea level has dropped by almost 2 meters, and, according to scientists’ forecasts, this trend can only worsen in the coming years. This, in turn, leads to serious consequences for both ecosystems and people.
For example, the coastal settlements of the Astrakhan region are experiencing a shortage of fresh water, Kazakhstan’s ports are losing cargo flows, and the Caspian seal and sturgeon are endangered. Unfortunately, fires in the Volga delta are becoming more and more regular. The shallowing is caused by climate change, as well as a decrease in river flow, irrational water use, and silting of river beds. Therefore, any solution to this problem must be comprehensive, cautious, and based on trusting relationships between countries, regions, and society.
At first glance, the construction of the tunnel proposed by Azerbaijani companies looks like a rather attractive solution. From a technological point of view, this idea does not seem fantastic. But not everything that can be built really serves the goals of sustainable development.
The ADOG project faces many constraints. In particular, there are serious environmental risks: the salty water of the Black Sea could destroy the fragile freshwater ecosystems of the Caspian Sea, upset the salt balance and introduce invasive species of flora and fauna. Political and legal aspects also slow down the process. The project would require the consent of all states bordering the Caspian and Black Seas, which is currently lacking.
Russia has already stated its position: without a technical and economic justification (FS) and understanding of all possible consequences, the implementation of such a project is impossible. In addition, financing issues remain problematic. The project budget has not yet been announced, it is only known that its cost may exceed 10 billion units of currency. It is not yet clear who is ready to take on these costs.
As for the problem of the shallowing of the Caspian Sea, there are already many solutions that are being implemented. It is important to emphasize that work is already underway. In particular, dredging work is being carried out in the ports of Aktau and Kuryk, programs are being implemented to restore the river systems of the Volga and Ural, including cleaning the river beds and combating siltation. It is also worth mentioning the joint Kazakh-Russian program “road map” on water resources and scientific consortiums.
These measures, of course, are not a quick and effective response to the problem, but they are the ones that create the basis for long-term sustainability. The future of the Caspian does not lie in just one large-scale project, but in coordinating efforts, achieving a balance of interests and respect for nature and people.
“The public must look at the problem more broadly, taking into account not only statistical data, but also how changes will affect the lives of people along the coast, how this will affect the economy of small ports, how it will affect traditional ways of life and ecosystems.
It is on this basis that we persistently adhere to the approach that infrastructure is not just a structure, but part of a living ecosystem, where man occupies a central place. The tunnel project between the Black and Caspian Seas is an ambitious idea. However, ambitions should not prevail over the need to achieve consensus, and sustainability is more important than short-term gains. We need the Caspian not as a logistical point, but as an ecosystem that is a space for life and interaction. Therefore, any decisions should be made within the framework of cooperation – with the participation of the scientific community, regions and people,” emphasized Sergey Butorin.
https://overclockers.ru/blog/GOTREK/show/226960/Realizaciya-megaproekta-tonnelya-Chernoe-Kaspijskoe-more-natknulas-na-trudnosti