Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Against the backdrop of global climate change and rising temperatures, the world faces significant environmental challenges.

Regions worldwide are experiencing rising water levels, floods, and droughts, reflecting the rapid deterioration of ecological conditions. Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, is particularly vulnerable to these processes. Extreme heat accelerates water evaporation from lakes and reservoirs, reduces river flow, and diminishes glacier reserves. Water scarcity threatens agriculture, energy, and ecology, potentially increasing social and political tensions. Droughts specifically endanger crop yields, livestock, and quality of life, causing significant economic damage.

In this context, international cooperation is critical. The agency Uzcosmos, in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), is implementing a project to create a drought monitoring system in Central Asia using Earth observation technologies. The initiative aims to support regional governments in improving drought risk management and promoting the use of satellite data and advanced technical solutions. The system will include real-time monitoring and a cloud-based platform to track agricultural lands, tailored to the specifics of each country.

On August 18, 2025, a seminar at the Ministry of Digital Technologies discussed practical aspects of implementing the project in Uzbekistan. Experts emphasized that drought is among the most dangerous natural phenomena for Central Asia and other arid regions, driven by both climate change and human activity, including inefficient water use.

Since May 2025, the development of a National Drought Monitoring System has begun, to be implemented in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Satellite imagery will track soil moisture, vegetation health, and water bodies. Tools such as the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) will allow for crop yield forecasting and agricultural health assessment.

Ignoring drought risks could trigger cascading negative effects—from acute water shortages and soil degradation to food crises. The Uzcosmos–UNESCAP monitoring system promises to be a unique project that significantly enhances Central Asia’s resilience to climate challenges.