TThe Caspian Sea, the world's largest enclosed body of water, is surrounded by danger. Dropping water levels due to global warming are being exacerbated by increased water withdrawal from Russia's two rivers, the Volga and Ural. Satellite images show that the ocean is shrinking at a dramatic rate. And levels of pollutants from the five coastal states bordering the Caspian Sea are increasing year on year, with runoff from growing oil and gas fields and industry from expanding coastal towns and cities attracting internal migration. Waste and household waste pollutes the state.
iranian photographer Kashayar Javanmardi He grew up on the Caspian Sea coast in northern Iran, counting down the minutes until he could go back to swimming at school. But he has documented environmental degradation along the coastline in recent years.
This project became a book, Caspian: Reflection of the SouthThe work depicts the scale of environmental change and the challenges to the lives of local people, fishermen and farmers, whose existence has become increasingly precarious. Javanmardi took this photo in Gilan province in northwestern Iran. Morteza, pictured under a new overpass by the water, is 23 years old and has been working as a shepherd since leaving school. He tried to explain the connection with the Caspian Sea to Javanmardi. “This ocean is beyond my parents,” he said. “When I have a complaint or want to talk to someone, I come here and talk to the sea. If I don't see the sea for a week, I miss it. Caspian used to be kinder to us, but now he is She’s angry. She’s angry because we didn’t appreciate her.”
