The Space Agency under the Digital Development and Transport Ministry of Azerbaijan (Azercosmos) has embarked on a collaboration to strengthen climate action with developing small island states and other vulnerable member countries of The Commonwealth of Nations, Report informs, citing Azercosmos.
The partnership is being implemented under a joint memorandum signed between Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth.
Azercosmos has developed a comprehensive program for analyzing climate change using space technology and geographic information in Commonwealth member countries. The program will involve activities such as monitoring drought levels, assessing drought risk, classifying agricultural lands, conducting comprehensive forest monitoring, and monitoring methane (CH4) concentrations using satellite imagery, particularly in the Caribbean region and Pacific countries.
An essential component for executing these activities is enhancing remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which will be addressed through thematic training and consultation as part of the program.
Regardless of their access to space solutions, all countries use space services on a daily basis. For small island states currently at the forefront of the negative impacts of climate change, space solutions are the most powerful tool for climate monitoring. For instance, space technology plays a vital role in tasks crucial for the sustainable livelihood and economic development of island nations, such as monitoring coastlines for coastal protection, monitoring ocean water levels, controlling illegal fishing, and detecting oil spills. Space technology enables data acquisition from inaccessible areas, which is a crucial aspect for the future of small island states.
The program developed by Azercosmos will share Azerbaijan's space experience with countries vulnerable to climate change and with little or no access to space, contributing to the development of their human capital in the space sector.
By harnessing the power of space technology and geographic information, this partnership aims to strengthen climate resilience, improve disaster preparedness, and support sustainable development. This space solution-oriented program will serve as a roadmap for Commonwealth member states, both at the upcoming COP29 event in Baku and in future climate change activities.