The digital five can be a good name for the Central Asian Digital Information Platform (CACIP), which combines climate data on all countries in the region: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This unique intellectual platform was developed by the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) commissioned by the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC) within the framework of the World Bank/EC IFAS regional project “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Program in the Aral Sea Basin” (CAMP4ASB). The Central Asia Climate Information Platform was launched in May this year as a tool to advance a knowledge-based approach to solving climate problems and achieving a climate resilient future.
CACIP is an aggregator of information from local and global sources about climate specially created for Central Asian countries. CACIP provides analytical and scientific data along with popular science information on climate and environment. The aggregated information can then be used to develop strategies and programs for adaptation to climate change in the countries of Central Asia.
Clearly structured database (knowledge repository, geoportal, e-learning platform) of CACIP is collected from trusted academic sources. It is freely available and open to users all over the world including, of course, the countries of Central Asia. The knowledge repository provides information on energy, water resources, agriculture, health, disasters caused by climate change - more than 1,900 scientific and popular scientific publications. Geoportal includes geospatial data and provides a choice of types of analytical information. At the same time, its intellectual baggage is systematically updated and can be used both for applied and strictly scientific or educational purposes. For this, an e-learning platform CACIP has been developed, where teachers, experts and research centers can post training courses, and students, young scientists and everyone who is interested in climate and environmental issues can learn.
According to the developers of the platform, its important feature is the free possibility of multilateral exchange of information in various fields and interaction at any level: from global to national. CACIP, created in the tradition of the global principle of joining efforts in the fight against climate challenges, optimizes the available country resources of Central Asia for their effective use in jointly solving climate problems.
The interactive Central Asia Climate Information Platform exemplifies growing regional integration based on new technologies that can integrate and disseminate a wealth of information, knowledge and experience. The Central Asian countries, with the support of international organizations, could create such information and digital associations in other important areas, such as energy and transport or science and education.
Ogulgozel Rejepova
