Tajikistan uses AI for water resource management

The UN promotes the use of artificial intelligence to improve the monitoring and management of water resources in Tajikistan.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Tajikistan, Parvati Ramaswamy, reported to the organization’s press service on March 27 of this year that, along with other tools, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for more accurate forecasting of glacier melting processes and river flow volumes in Tajikistan.

According to her, this tool helps in making informed decisions regarding water reserves, environmental protection measures, and early warning systems, which benefits both Tajikistan and neighboring countries. 

The UN Coordinator in Tajikistan noted that practical AI-based tools are already being used in water resource management, including satellite monitoring to create more accurate maps of glaciers, river basins, and waterways. UN agencies in Tajikistan are supporting the government in the use of these digital tools.

As Ramaswamy pointed out, Tajik researchers have already received a virtual kit that allows them to visualize changes in glacier behavior and their consequences.

This initiative is a continuation of the resolution “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia,” which was presented to the UN in 2025 by Tajikistan.

At the same time, experts note that artificial intelligence creates new challenges in environmental protection. Data centers and digital systems consume significant amounts of energy and water for cooling.

These complexities raise questions about the rational use of water and its impact on the environment, as well as the transparency of the activities of the implementers.

Experts warn that without well-thought-out management, technologies intended to protect water resources and the environment may, on the contrary, increase the burden.