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On April 24, 2023, a seminal roundtable discussion was hosted at the premises of the Central-Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (CAIAG), an internationally recognized center for geoscience research. The roundtable was led by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) team, who presented on the potential of Lorawan technology, its relevant communication protocols, and the historical footprint of ICTP’s activities in this domain.

The discussion was attended by a variety of key stakeholders involved in climate change monitoring, including members from pertinent ministries, state agencies, and academicians. This roundtable discussion is part of a broader research grants project funded by the Internet Society (ISOC) Foundation and led by the Internet Society Kyrgyz Chapter, aimed at enhancing the understanding and utilization of ICT solutions for monitoring environmental changes.

Lorawan technology, a suite of long-range, low-power communication protocols, was the central focus of the presentation. The ICTP team delved into the operational intricacies of the technology, emphasizing its significance in data collection, remote environmental monitoring, and real-time analysis.

The presentation was spearheaded by Ermanno Pietrosemoli and Marco Zennaro, two prominent members of ICTP.

Ermanno Pietrosemoli is a renowned pioneer in the field of wireless networking technology, best known for his significant contributions to bridging digital divides, particularly in Latin America. With his groundbreaking work, he has been instrumental in ensuring digital inclusivity, a commitment which led to his induction into the Internet Hall of Fame in 2017. Originally from Italy, Pietrosemoli moved to Venezuela, where he co-founded the Escuela Latinoamericana de Redes (EsLaRed), an organization devoted to ICT training throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Through his commitment to EsLaRed, Pietrosemoli has facilitated knowledge sharing and technical expertise across the region, supporting local experts and researchers. Pietrosemoli has also been acclaimed for his pioneering work in long-distance Wi-Fi links. In 2007, he and his team set a world record for the longest Wi-Fi link, at a staggering distance of 382 kilometers. This achievement showcased the potential of low-cost wireless technology to bring internet connectivity to remote and rural areas.

Marco Zennaro, an ICTP research scientist, brought his extensive background in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for sustainable development to the discussion. He has an extensive portfolio of publications, having written over 40 articles in peer-reviewed journals and books, all while maintaining his active involvement in scientific conferences and workshops worldwide. Some of his notable works include ‘Science Dissemination using Open Access,’ a pioneering book that explores the use of
open-access methodologies in sharing scientific research, and ‘Wireless Networking in the Developing World,’ a practical guide to using inexpensive wireless networking technology in developing areas.

The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, named in honor of its founder, the Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, is renowned for fostering scientific research in the developing world. With a legacy extending over 50 years, ICTP continues to promote scientific capacity and knowledge, underscoring the role of technology in addressing challenges like climate change.

This roundtable served as an opportunity for ICTP to demonstrate the role of innovative technologies like Lorawan in climate change monitoring. By facilitating real-time, precise data acquisition, these tools empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, thereby enhancing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. The roundtable underscored the continuous commitment of Pietrosemoli, Zennaro, and ICTP towards leveraging technology for sustainable development and climate action.