Assessing the Effectiveness of the Protocol Concerning Regional Preparedness, Response and Cooperation in Combating Oil Pollution Incidents (Aktau Protocol) for Protection of Caspian Sea Environment

Caspian Sea is one of the important regions of the world, due to its enormous oil reserves. Oil production and its transportation are increasing in the region, while the main source of pollution of Caspian Sea is the pollution caused by those operations. Avoiding the negative impacts of such pollution on the environment of Caspian Sea Region requires taking necessary regional mechanisms for prevention, mitigation and regional preparedness against such pollution. Because, each coastal government is not capable of protecting the Caspian Sea environment on its own. Considering the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, this article examines the role of the Protocol Concerning Regional Preparedness, Response and Cooperation in Combating Oil Pollution Incidents. The effectiveness of this protocol for the protection of the environment of Caspian Sea is to be achieved through designing and successful implementation of necessary national and regional plans.