Head of the Algology and Lichenobryology Laboratory of the Institute of Botany, MSERA associate professor Shakar Mukhtarova, and research fellow Aytaj Muradova participated in the International Academic Symposium on "Today's Ecology of the Caspian Sea - Restoration or Degradation: Perspectives" held at the Gilazi Scientific Research Base of the Western Caspian University.

The main goal of the symposium was to comprehensively study the current ecological and bioecological state of the Caspian Sea, discuss the causes and consequences of changes in the ecosystem on a scientific basis, as well as identify opportunities for sea restoration and sustainable management.

The event was attended by renowned scientists from local and foreign countries, representatives of government agencies, and experts working in the environmental field.

At the symposium, Sh.Mukhtarova made presentation on “Biotechnology for the artificial cultivation of Caspian Sea algae in open water bodies to absorb carbon dioxide and compensate for its industrial emissions” and A.Muradova on the topics “The modern State of the Algal Flora of the Caspian Sea”.

The symposium served as an important platform for young researchers, especially in terms of presenting new scientific results and exchanging experiences. The event discussed topical issues such as pollution in the Caspian Sea, loss of biodiversity, climate change, anthropogenic impacts, and disruption of the natural balance.

At the same time, scientific discussions were held on the bioecological characteristics, population dynamics, interspecies relationships and adaptation mechanisms of flora and fauna living in the marine ecosystem. During the symposium, new approaches and recommendations were put forward for the protection of aquatic bioresources, ecosystem health and sustainable development.