Imagine you’re an apple farmer like Askar living in the picturesque landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. Every year, you wait in anticipation for the right climatic conditions to harvest your crops. But in recent years, the unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters triggered by climate change have left you helpless and anxious. This is where the miraculous technology of LoRaWAN steps in.
In a landmark forum on the “Application of Innovative Technologies in Monitoring and Forecasting of Climate Change and Natural Disasters,” organized by the Internet Society Kyrgyz Chapter in collaboration with the Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (CAIAG), experts from across the globe met to discuss how to combat climate change using technology. The event saw participation from key stakeholders in climate change monitoring and was moderated by chairs of the partnering organizations, Dr. Moldobekov Bolot Duishenalievich and Mr. Talant Isakovich Sultanov.
LoRaWAN stands for Long Range Wide Area Network, a digital technology that has been making strides in the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. The technology operates on “smart” sensors that monitor indicators online, analyze them, and transmit data to a server. This is similar to how your smartphone receives updates on weather conditions. But the beauty of LoRaWAN is that it can operate in areas with limited cellular communication, making it ideal for remote regions of Kyrgyzstan.
Picture this: Suppose Askar had a LoRaWAN-enabled sensor in his apple orchard. This sensor could monitor factors like temperature, humidity, and precipitation, essential to the growth of his apple trees. When there’s an impending frost or a storm, the sensor could alert Askar through an app, giving him enough time to take preventive measures, safeguarding his livelihood.
But it’s not just Askar who stands to benefit. Consider Ainura, a mother of three living in a small Uzgen village prone to landslides. An early warning system powered by LoRaWAN technology could alert her and her neighbors of an impending disaster, giving them precious time to evacuate and reach safety.
The forum highlighted the crucial role of such innovative technologies in monitoring and forecasting climate change and natural disasters. It illuminated the potential of technologies like LoRaWAN in not only enhancing our understanding of climate dynamics but also equipping us with actionable data to make informed decisions.
The promise of IoT and LoRaWAN isn’t confined to a few individuals. It extends to scientists, policymakers, farmers, and ordinary citizens alike. In the face of climate change, such technological advancements provide a beacon of hope. The fusion of cutting-edge technology and traditional practices could be our key to mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for Kyrgyzstan.
This Project is funded by the Internet Society Foundation Research Grants Programme.
Media coverage of the forum
