Ecologically Oriented Regional Development in the Aral Sea Region - Development of GIS Map
The problem:
The Aral Sea region, once a thriving hub of agricultural activity, has faced severe ecological degradation, particularly in the Chimbay district of Karakalpakstan. Decades of poor land and water management practices, combined with the harsh climatic conditions, have led to widespread soil salinization, degradation of agricultural lands, and a decline in crop yields. These environmental challenges have not only compromised the region's agricultural productivity but also threatened the livelihoods of local communities who depend heavily on farming. The lack of accurate, up-to-date information on soil conditions and agrochemical properties has further compounded the problem, making it difficult for farmers, investors, and policymakers to make informed decisions about land use and agricultural practices. The absence of a comprehensive geoinformation system (GIS) has left stakeholders without the tools necessary to assess the relationship between soil nutrients and crop yields, monitor environmental changes, and develop sustainable agricultural strategies. This situation has hindered efforts to promote resource-efficient farming practices and has exacerbated the socio-economic vulnerabilities of the region. To address these critical issues, there was an urgent need to develop an integrated GIS that could provide reliable data on soil conditions, support sustainable land management, and guide investment decisions in the Chimbay district.
The solution:
InfoCapital Group LLC (ICG) developed an integrated geoinformation system (GIS) tailored to the unique ecological and agricultural challenges of the Chimbay district in Karakalpakstan. This system aimed to provide a comprehensive spatial database that would empower stakeholders with the information needed to make informed, sustainable decisions regarding land use and agricultural practices. ICG began by digitizing existing land use maps and creating detailed spatial distributions of agrochemical indicators based on data from soil analyses. The team integrated these maps with remote sensing data, including satellite imagery, to enhance the accuracy and relevance of the GIS. Through close collaboration with the project's lead consultants and local stakeholders, ICG mapped the spatial dynamics of groundwater levels, identified areas at risk of secondary salinization, and developed halogeochemical maps to monitor soil conditions. Additionally, the GIS incorporated socio-economic data to support holistic, sustainable development planning in the Chimbay district. ICG utilized advanced software tools, such as the eCognition software complex, to automate the process of updating agricultural maps annually, ensuring that the GIS remains current and actionable. The final deliverable was a robust, user-friendly GIS that serves as a critical resource for farmers, investors, and policymakers. It provides actionable insights into soil health, crop management, and environmental conservation, contributing to the long-term goal of ecologically oriented regional development in the Aral Sea region. The project also included recommendations for training and technical support to enhance the local capacity for sustainable agricultural practices. Through this initiative, ICG played a vital role in addressing the environmental and socio-economic challenges facing the Chimbay district, paving the way for more resilient and sustainable land use in the region.
Start date:
06/2021
Services:
Client:
German Development Cooperation (GIZ)
