Cure The Kura With Us
Be part of the Cure the Kura Project, where your investment drives sustainability, innovation, and lasting change. Your support fuels ecosystem restoration, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes cutting-edge sustainable business practices.
Project Significance
- The Caspian Sea and Kura River, once rich in biodiversity, has been severely impacted by climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.
- The Cure the Kura project tackles these issues through fish tracking technology, scientific research and community involvement.
- It fosters local stewardship and contributes to global biodiversity and climate resilience goals.
Alignment With COP 29 Goals
Climate Finance
The project supports climate finance by addressing adaptation and mitigation through ecosystem restoration and sustainable fisheries.
Nature-Based Solutions
Restoring sturgeon populations and improving the Kura River's health provides a model for nature-based climate solutions.
Cultural Heritage
Sturgeon conservation is vital to preserving Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage.
Envirolmental And Social Economic Impact
Environmental Impact
• Restoring sturgeon populations and the Kura River ecosystem. • Improving biodiversity in the Caspian Sea. • Reducing carbon emissions through sustainable aquaculture and renewable energy. • Enhancing water quality and ecosystem resilience by increasing fish biomass.
Social impact
• Creating local employment and educational opportunities in sustainable fisheries. • Raising awareness of environmental conservation and responsible resource use. • Empowering communities through active involvement in ecosystem restoration efforts. • Promoting sustainable livelihoods and long-term economic growth for local populations • Converting caviar market to eco-responsibility.
Introducing The 'Cure The Kura' Project
The “Cure the Kura” project represents a major milestone in LMH’s environmental mission. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by AFF in collaboration with the Swedish Anglers Association (SAA) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), is dedicated to conserving the critically endangered South Caspian (Kura) Sturgeon in the Caspian Sea and Kura River.
Through the use of advanced fish-tracking technology, the project is focused on monitoring and enhancing the survival rates, defining migration roots, migration period and spawning areas of both hatchery-reared and wild sturgeon populations. Named in honor of the Kura River, a historic spawning ground for these sturgeons for millennia, the project highlights the urgent need to restore this crucial element of the Caspian ecosystem and preserve our cultural heritage.
The South Caspian Sturgeon
Meet the South Caspian (Kura) sturgeon—an ancient and critically endangered species that has thrived in the Kura River for centuries. These iconic fish are not only a symbol of abundance but also a cornerstone of our nation’s cultural heritage, playing a significant role in Azerbaijani cuisine and traditions. Their presence is crucial for maintaining the balance of the Caspian Sea’s ecosystem, as they contribute to the health of aquatic environments.
Sadly, overfishing and habitat loss have drastically reduced their numbers, disrupting the delicate balance of the Caspian Sea’s ecosystem. But there’s hope on the horizon! Through dedicated efforts in habitat restoration and sustainable farming, we are working tirelessly to revive their population and safeguard their environment.
Join us in our mission to protect this remarkable species and the rich biodiversity it supports.
Caspian Sea Natural Habitat
- The world’s largest enclosed inland water body, covering 143,244 sq. miles.
- Surrounded by Russia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. Home to an endemic ecosystem, hosting over 130 species of fish and 100 species of birds.
- Over 90% of the fish species are endemic.
- Unique species include the Caspian seal and sturgeon.
Summary Of Challenges And Threats
Overfishing
• Unregulated commercial fishing has long threatened sturgeons and other rare species. • Poaching in the 1990s significantly impacted sturgeon populations.
Dams and other hydro-engineering structures
• These barriers disrupt fish migration to and from their spawning grounds.
Pollution
• Organic pollutants, wastewaters, industrial pollution, including but not limited to heavy metals and petroleum compounds negatively impact reproduction.
Climate change
• Rising water temperatures and changing weather patterns may alter species distribution and abundance.
Tracking Technology
Discover the cutting-edge technology driving our sturgeon conservation efforts! We employ advanced acoustic, radio, and satellite telemetry to track the migration and behavior of the South Caspian (Kura) sturgeon as they navigate the Kura River and beyond.
This groundbreaking data unveils the hidden lives of these ancient fish, providing crucial insights that guide our strategies to protect their populations and habitats.
Collaborative Efforts - A Way Ahead
Improved coordinated efforts by Caspian littoral states and international community
• Improved coordination among the Caspian littoral states to prevent further loss of the Caspian Sea's biodiversity and protect more vulnerable species. • Caspian littoral states should improve their coordination efforts to overcome overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction in the Caspian Sea.
Sustainable aquaculture practices as a solution
• Aquaculture fisheries of the Caspian basin should expand sustainable aquaculture practices to avoid threatening the Caspian Sea's endemic species. Through sustainable aquaculture practices we can save and restore the unique biodiversity of the Caspian basin. • Promoting international cooperation in research and development through enhanced role of the public and private partnerships
Cultural HeritageImproved regulative and enforcement measures
• To protect the Caspian Sea's ecosystem and to contribute to the restoration efforts, the Caspian littoral states should improve their legislative bases and enforcement practices against illicit catch of vulnerable species and irresponsible conduct with nature
Our Vision For Future
We lead the Cure the Kura project with the Swedish Anglers Association (SAA) and Swedish University for Agricultural Sciences (SLU) to conserve the endangered Persian Sturgeon. Through advanced fish tracking, we optimize hatchery releases, monitor sturgeon behavior and migration, and provide critical data to enhance ecosystem resilience.
Strategic Priorities
- Setting industry standards for sturgeon restoration.
- Restoring endangered endemic sturgeon populations.
- Studying the sturgeon genome for future conservation.
- Restoring biodiversity in the Caspian Sea and Kura River.
- Ensuring sustainable fisheries and long-term ecosystem health.
- Collaborating with global experts to advance research.
- Supporting climate goals through ecosystem restoration and carbon reduction.
- Innovating new technologies for sustainable aquaculture.
- Preserving sturgeon traditions with modern, sustainable practices.
- Engaging communities through education, jobs, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Developing eco-responsible products that meet new market demands
- Aligning market strategies with evolving consumer expectations for sustainability.
Join Us
You can play a vital role in saving the critically endangered South Caspian (Kura) sturgeon and revitalizing the Kura River ecosystem. By supporting the Cure the Kura project, you’re not only helping to preserve this remarkable species but also safeguarding a cherished cultural heritage and ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
Invest in a sustainable future and make a difference today!
Connect with us at curethekura@azfish.az to learn how you can contribute and support a thriving ecosystem.
Carbon Sequestration By Sturgeons
Did you know that sturgeons play a significant role in carbon sequestration? These ancient fish, which can live for over 100 years, help fix carbon through their large size, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. By protecting the endemic sturgeon population, we are not only restoring the natural food chain but also promoting ecosystem balance and enhancing carbon sequestration.
In addition to sturgeon conservation, we advocate for expanding forested riparian buffer zones along the Kura River. These zones will significantly boost biodiversity and further support carbon sequestration by fostering vibrant, healthy forests.
Join us in creating a greener future!
Get In Touch
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Whether it’s about our products, services, or partnership opportunities, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Fill out the form below or use the provided contact details to connect with us directly. We’re committed to ensuring a swift and helpful response. Your satisfaction is our priority!
