Ecological problems of oil exploitation in the Caspian Sea area

Presently, the Republic of Azerbaijan is undergoing a historical period of social, economical and political changes. These reforms are bringing about problems that require immediate solutions. The pivotal point of the reforms taking place in Azerbaijan is the closure of agreements with foreign companies who are contracted for oil exploitation in the Caspian Sea region. The ecological sensitivity of this region requires an industrial system that would have a minimum impact on the environment. Improvement of the environmental conditions in Azerbaijan depends on the social and economical reformations that are taking place in the country. In this article, different environmental problems associated with petroleum extraction operations in the Caspian Sea area are discussed.