The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is partnering with Kyrgyzstan to address the risks posed by over 2,000 high-mountain lakes through the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI). These lakes, many of which are prone to sudden outbursts, threaten local communities and infrastructure due to climate change-induced glacier melting.
Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP's Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighted the launch of two pioneering programs harnessing AI technology.
"Our collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations aims to implement a unified information system for monitoring glacial lake outbursts," she explained. "AI-driven machine learning algorithms enable real-time monitoring and prediction of potential disasters, crucial for informing authorities and citizens about imminent dangers."
Daurbek Sakiyev, Director of the Monitoring and Forecasting Department at Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Emergency Situations, underscored the critical need for proactive measures.
"With over 2,000 high-mountain lakes, including 368 identified as breakthrough-prone, the threat of catastrophic mudslides looms large," Sakiyev emphasized. "Climate change has exacerbated this risk, leading to the formation of new lakes and increased danger to our communities."
The collaboration integrates satellite imagery and climate models to predict rising lake levels, triggering early warnings through automated alerts to the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Previously, monitoring required costly helicopter surveys or hazardous field expeditions. Now, AI facilitates remote identification and preliminary analysis of high-risk lakes, optimizing response efforts.
This pioneering initiative, supported by UNDP and funded by the Government of Japan, sets a precedent in Kyrgyzstan and has garnered international interest.
"Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Nepal have already expressed interest in adopting similar AI-driven solutions," Sakiyev noted.
Alexandra Solovieva emphasized UNDP's commitment to sharing knowledge globally.
"Our projects in Kyrgyzstan demonstrate how UNDP's global expertise can be adapted locally, fostering resilient communities worldwide," she affirmed.
Beyond disaster risk management, UNDP's initiatives in Kyrgyzstan extend to other critical areas, including healthcare. Supported by the Global Fund, AI-equipped portable X-ray machines are transforming tuberculosis and AIDS diagnosis across the country, enhancing healthcare delivery and disease control.
"Innovative solutions like AI-driven diagnostics are revolutionizing public health in Kyrgyzstan," stated Tamara Bayaliyeva, chief physician at Bishkek City TB Hospital. "These portable devices enable rapid and accurate diagnosis, even in remote areas, significantly improving patient outcomes."
UNDP continues to collaborate closely with Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Digital Development to advance digitalization efforts, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development through AI and other digital technologies.
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