Striking Photographs Document Environmental Decay on World’s Largest Lake
Photographer Khashayar Javanmardi has spent a decade documenting the environmental changes affecting the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest enclosed body of water. Javanmardi, who relocated from Tehran to Rasht at the age of 13, fondly recalls his formative years spent along the Iranian coastline of the Caspian Sea. However, his idyllic memory is tinged by the environmental decay he has witnessed over the years.
The impact of climate change and diminished rainfall has led to the near-total desiccation of one of Iran’s major rivers, the Ghezel Ozen, resulting in a catastrophic decline in aquatic biodiversity. The Caspian Sea is an immense endorheic basin bordered by five nations: Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. It has raised significant alarms due to massive pollution from extraction and offshore fields, radioactive waste from nuclear facilities, and considerable volumes of untreated sewage and industrial effluent, primarily from the Volga River flowing into the Caspian.
Javanmardi’s photography project aims to shed light on the environmental and social ramifications of human-induced degradation in the region. Locally known as “Mother Caspian,” the lake has witnessed a decline that one shepherd articulated poignantly: “It’s as if we didn’t treat our mother well; now she’s sorrowful and unwilling to share her love.” Pollution levels around the Caspian Sea are rising due to unlawful waste disposal, with runoff contaminating groundwater and directly affecting the sea.
Historically, the Caspian Sea served as a crucial conduit for trade between Iran and Europe, but over the last century, it has transformed into a recreational destination. Presently, Iran’s Environment Department reports that over 120,000 tons of pollutants, including domestic, industrial, and oil residues, enter its waters each year. Javanmardi estimates that fishing has decreased by 70%. “As the Caspian shrinks, so do the livelihoods of the people,” he explained, citing projections that water levels may plummet by nine to 18 meters by the century’s end.
The photographer pointed out that language plays a critical role in this neglect: despite commonly being referred to as a “sea,” the Caspian is technically classified as a lake, which would necessitate stricter waste and pollution regulations. “Politicians avoid calling it a lake because changing that designation would alter the entire regulatory conversation,” Javanmardi noted.
His primary aim with the project has always been to raise awareness. “That’s my objective, and I’ve sought to use the body of water as a medium to convey cultural and political messages — this issue transcends Iran,” he stated. “I strive to illustrate that the Caspian is still vibrant For me it’s last cry life — you can sense something profound in the air when viewing the photographs. I aim to provide the audience with space to feel this”.
“Caspian: A Southern Reflection” by Khashayar Javanmardi is now published by Loose Joints.
