About the Conference

The Central Asia Regional Information Network (CARIN) is part of the Global Observations of Forest Cover and Land-use Dynamics (GOFC–GOLD) constellation of regional networks and is supported through the NASA LCLUC program. CARIN aims to (i) facilitate international collaborations on land system science with researchers in Central Asia, (ii) advance land system science within Central Asia, and (iii) build capacity for land system science using geospatial technologies, including remote sensing, coupled with cutting edge social science approaches.

Current CARIN regional coordinators are Prof. Sagynbek Orunbaev, American University of Central Asia (AUCA), Bishkek, KG, Prof. Mirasil Mirzoev, Tajik Agrarian University “Shirinsho Shotemur”, Dushanbe, TJ, with Prof. Geoff Henebry, Michigan State University, serving as US coordinator.

The principal role of GOFC/GOLD is to act as a coordinating mechanism for national and regional activities. To achieve its goals GOFC/GOLD has developed a number of regional networks of data providers, data brokers and data users. These networks of resource managers and scientists provide the key to sustained capability for improving the observing systems and ensuring that the data are being used effectively. GOFC/GOLD regional networks are strengthened through a series of regional workshops. These regional network workshops engage the user community to address regional concerns and issues, provide a strong voice for regional needs and foster lateral transfer of technology and methods within and between regions.

Following virtual regional meetings on May 2021 and 2022, CARIN gathers this September in person for the first time post-pandemic to review recent research findings, discuss priorities for collaborative research, facilitate networking among regional and international scientists, and provide training for a select cohort of Early Career Scientists (ECS) from Central Asia.

Plenary talks from both Central Asia scholars and the NASA LCLUC community will cover recent research into key aspects of environmental changes in Central Asia, with an emphasis on the use of geospatial technologies to detect and characterize these changes and key challenges for adapting land and water management to changing environmental conditions. In addition, there will be a plenary session dedicated to concise research introductions by the ECS cohort. Parallel working sessions will focus on identifying and articulating priority research projects for Central Asia, developing regional research roadmaps, and drafting action plans for initiating and sustaining collaborative research.

Deadline to apply for the ECS program: 31 July 2023

Deadline to register for the workshop: 15 August 2023