This July marked a major milestone for the International Ocean Institute and its partners in the Caspian region. The 10th edition of the Training Programme on the Sustainable Development and Governance of the Caspian Sea was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from 14 to 25 July 2025. Organised by the IOI in collaboration with the Caspian Sea Institute (CSI) of Turkmenistan, this special anniversary edition brought together 16 participants from countries surrounding the Caspian: Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, IR Iran, and Russia.
The programme started with welcoming remarks by IOI Managing Director Antonella Vassallo, CSI Chairman Myrat Atajanov, Course Director Parvin Farshchi, and other special guests including Ahmet Kideys Professor in the Middle East Technical University and Dmitry Shlapachenko representing the United Nations Office in Turkmenistan. Special messages from the IOI Honorary President A Behnam, and President M Faghfouri, set the tone for the two-week event, celebrating a decade of collaboration and learning.
The 10th Anniversary was also celebrated through an individual Seminar, held on Wednesday, 16 July, marking the first time such a dedicated event was included in the programme. Led by moderator Parvin Farshchi, the seminar brought 3 speakers together to consider the latest developments in the global governance of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ/ABNJ) and a comparative consideration of the equivalent areas in the Caspian. Following input from speakers A Vassallo, C Chivu and M Atajanov, a lively moderated discussion ensured that salient lessons from the thematic could be appreciated by the class.
As always, the training offered a packed and engaging schedule. Through a mix of in-person and hybrid sessions, participants explored topics such as ocean governance frameworks, marine spatial planning, maritime zones and legal regimes, biodiversity conservation, and regional cooperation mechanisms like the Tehran Convention. Expert lecturers included Antonella Vassallo, Cosmin Chivu, Elda Kazara-Belja, Andrej Abramic, Vladimir Mamaev, and Andrey Kostianoy.
In this year's edition of the training the practical elements played a key role. Participants took part in the Walishia/Cardivia roleplay on conflict resolution, as well as a hands-on marine spatial planning workshop. These sessions also explored newer areas of focus, like the development of a “Caspian Sea Digital Twin” and the impacts of invasive species on biodiversity and fisheries.
In the final days of the course, participants worked in groups to apply their learning to regional scenarios, with guidance from mentors Parvin Farshchi and Ahmet Kideys. The group presentations were impressive and demonstrated a solid understanding of the material, as well as a clear commitment to collaboration and regional solutions.
The course closed with a feedback session and a warm farewell ceremony, during which certificates were awarded. As with previous editions, this year’s participants brought with them deep local knowledge, curiosity, and a strong drive to contribute to the sustainable future of the Caspian Sea.
Ten years in, the IOI Caspian training programme continues to grow as a platform for professional development, regional cooperation, and forward-looking ocean leadership.