Azercosmos is ramping up their cooperation with Small Developing Island States (SIDS) through its recently inked Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth Secretariat, all in an effort to strengthen climate-related activities.
Azercosmos has developed a comprehensive program for the member countries to conduct analyses and evaluate climate change activities using space technology and geographic data. As part of this program, the following activities will be carried out in the Commonwealth member states, specifically in the Caribbean sub-region and Pacific countries:
- Drought level monitoring and drought risk assessment using satellite images;
- Agriculture and crop classification;
- Comprehensive forest monitoring;
- Space-based monitoring of methane (CH₄) concentrations.
This program, implemented through the partnership with Azercosmos and flagship initiatives of the Commonwealth Secretariat, will contribute to the development of human capital in the space domain and allow Azerbaijan to share its space experience with countries that are sensitive to climate change and have limited or no access to space. By harnessing the power of space technology and geographic data, this partnership aims to strengthen climate resilience, improve disaster preparedness, and support sustainable development. The program, which includes space solutions, will serve as a roadmap for the countries involved in the United Nations, both at the COP29 event to be held in Baku this November and in future climate change activities.
Increasing knowledge and skills in remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as well as providing a tailored capacity building and training program, are integral parts of the program.
Whether or not they have direct access to space solutions, all countries rely on space services on a daily basis. Currently, space solutions are the most powerful tools for climate monitoring in small island states, which are on the frontlines of the negative effects of climate change. For example, space technology plays a crucial role in activities that are vital to the sustainable livelihoods and economic development of island nations. These include monitoring shorelines for coastal protection, tracking ocean water levels, controlling illegal fishing, and detecting oil spills. Space technology provides access to information from otherwise inaccessible areas, which is essential for the future of small island states.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said, “Through our work across 56 member countries, it has become clear that advances in technology and the increased use of satellite data make space a crucial cog in the wheel in fighting climate change. I am proud to say that this partnership with Azercosmos will leverage powerful space technology and data to help developing countries better predict, manage, and recover from increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters.
“In the long run, this initiative will provide small and other vulnerable countries with essential data to make critical decisions, direct investments in resilience-building projects, and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of those on the frontline.”
The Azercosmos Chariman Board, Samaddin Asadov added, “Azercosmos is committed to advancing global climate action through our Joint Declaration and MOU with the Commonwealth Secretariat. Integrating AI with our satellite data further enhances our ability to predict climate impacts and tailor solutions, driving more effective and timely responses to climate change. This will allow us to leverage space-based solutions to support the Least Developed Countries and Small Developing Island States.”