The National Space Agency Uzcosmos, in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), has launched a project to establish a regional drought monitoring system using Earth observation technologies.
The system will provide operational drought monitoring, develop a cloud-based crop monitoring platform adapted to each country’s natural and climatic conditions, and improve water resource management to support agricultural decision-making. This will enable Central Asian countries to access satellite data in a timely manner, helping them take preventive measures and mitigate the consequences of droughts.
On August 18, at the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, an international seminar was held to discuss the project’s practical implementation. Participants emphasized that drought is one of the most severe natural hazards for Central Asia, where water resources and soil fertility are critically dependent on timely monitoring. Space technologies, including remote sensing and the NDVI index, will allow for more accurate forecasting of crop yields, monitoring of soil moisture, and assessment of vegetation cover.
The new drought monitoring system is expected to become an essential regional tool for strengthening food security, ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, and preventing environmental losses.
