Project features

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is considering financing berth extensions at the Port of Aktau, Kazakhstan. While dredging and reclamation works by the port authorities fall outside EBRD’s scope, they represent associated activities with potential indirect biodiversity impacts.

Previous surveys in 2024 recorded plankton and benthic species but no ichthyoplankton, algae, or Red Book species. Caspian seals were not observed but are known to occur within 10–15 km of the port, requiring further assessment.

To address gaps, a Rapid Biodiversity Survey will be carried out to:

• Assess biodiversity in land and shallow coastal areas planned for infill.

• Evaluate the potential presence of Caspian seals in access channels and waiting areas.

• Establish an ecological baseline and conduct a biodiversity risk assessment.

The survey will follow EBRD standards and international best practices to inform the port expansion planning.

Services provided

• Marine Biodiversity Survey
• Terrestrial Biodiversity Survey
• Desktop Caspian Seal Assessment
• Stakeholder Engagement