BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 5. Azerbaijani Azercosmos space agency has begun cooperation with developing small island states and other vulnerable member countries of the Commonwealth of Nations in strengthening climate-related activities, TurkicWorld reports.
This cooperation is being carried out under a memorandum signed by Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth.
Azercosmos has developed a comprehensive program for Commonwealth member countries to analyze and assess climate change activities using space technologies and geographic data.
The program will feature the following activities in Commonwealth member states, particularly the Caribbean and Pacific regions:
- monitoring drought levels and assessing drought risk using satellite imagery;
- classification of cultivated areas;
- comprehensive forest monitoring;
- space monitoring measures for methane (CH4) concentration.
Enhancing knowledge and skills in remote sensing and geographic information systems, thematic training, and consultations, which are crucial for implementing these activities, are integral parts of the program.
All countries benefit from space services daily, whether or not they have access to space solutions.
Space solutions are the most powerful tool for climate monitoring in small island states, which are on the front lines of the adverse effects of climate change.
For example, space technologies play a crucial role in ensuring the livelihoods and economic development of island states.
The examples include coastline monitoring for coastal protection, ocean water level monitoring, illegal fishing control, and oil spill detection, which is a vital aspect of the future for small island states.
The program developed by Azercosmos will contribute to sharing Azerbaijan's experience in the space industry with climate-sensitive countries and developing their human capital in this area.
This partnership, utilizing space technologies and geographic data, aims to strengthen climate resilience, enhance disaster preparedness, and support sustainable development.
The program, which includes space solutions, will serve as a kind of roadmap for Commonwealth member states at COP29 in Baku and future climate change events.
