Category: News and events

We are delighted to share that Innovative Water & Environmental Solutions (IWES) participated in the Berlin Science Week 2024 event, “Climate Resilience in Central Asia: Tradition Meets Innovation.” Held at the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) and accessible online, this one-day event brought together experts and innovators to discuss solutions for Central Asia’s unique climate challenges.

The event featured a range of sessions, each emphasizing practical, research-backed methods for building climate resilience in Central Asia: Transboundary Climate Cooperation, Low-Carbon Architecture and Traditional Design, and Climate Change Impacts on Indoor Environments.

Our founder and lead scientist, Dr. Abror Gafurov, contributed to the panel discussion on integrating traditional knowledge with modern climate science, joining distinguished panelists Prof. Dip. Ing. Eike Roswag-Klinge and Prof. Dr. Martin Welp. This engaging panel explored methods of climate adaptation and mitigation, particularly in the areas of water management and sustainable design, with a special focus on balancing traditional approaches with cutting-edge technology to address the climate needs of Central Asia.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers for this inspiring event, which underscored the power of combining traditional knowledge with scientific innovation. A special thanks to Dr. Bonu Azizova for organizing and inviting us to participate in such a valuable symposium.

For more information about the science week, please visit the official webpage of Berlin Science Week.

In a recent milestone for our team, Dr. Abror Gafurov, the founder and lead scientist of Innovative Water & Environmental Solutions (IWES), attended the SAPPHIRE Project’s annual workshop held from October 28 to November 1, 2024, at the scenic Layner Resort in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan. Dr. Gafurov participated in person, while other team members joined online to contribute to the discussions and activities remotely.

The workshop, organized by Hydrosolutions GmbH and supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), focused on enhancing the hydrological monitoring capabilities of Central Asian countries. The SAPPHIRE project aims to strengthen regional capacity for high-frequency data processing, improve water resource management, and reduce the risks posed by hydrological extremes. Through its collaborative approach, the project connects national meteorological and hydrological services with academic and public sector experts to develop efficient workflows for digital hydrology, particularly using the iEasyHydro tool.

Dr. Gafurov actively engaged in discussions about advancing the MODSNOW model and provided insights into modeling methods that enhance flood forecasting and snow monitoring—key issues in managing water resources across Central Asia. His contributions underscore IWES’s ongoing commitment to innovation in hydrology and sustainable water management.

This annual gathering provided an invaluable opportunity for IWES to collaborate with regional stakeholders and exchange knowledge on water resource sustainability and risk reduction strategies, furthering the shared goal of building a resilient future for Central Asian communities.

On September 24, 2024, members of our IWES team had the privilege of attending an insightful Breakfast hosted and invited by the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Berlin). The event presented Bettina Stark-Watzinger, the Federal Minister of Education and Research, and focused on critical discussions surrounding education policy, Germany’s innovative potential, and strategies to enhance the country’s global standing in the competition for talent and innovation.

The event provided a platform for policymakers, scientists, and innovators to exchange ideas on fostering stronger educational frameworks and boosting innovation in Germany. Our team engaged in meaningful dialogue on how education and research initiatives can support industries, including the environmental and water management sectors, in meeting future challenges.

At IWES, we are deeply committed to innovation and sustainability, and this event reinforced the importance of strong educational policies and research to drive progress. We look forward to applying these insights to our ongoing projects and partnerships, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of climate change adaptation and environmental solutions.

We extend our gratitude to IHK Berlin for organizing this inspiring event and look forward to further discussions on strengthening Germany’s innovative capacity in the global arena.

Innovative Water and Environmental Solutions (IWES) was honored to participate in a significant round table event organized by the German Water Partnership (GWP) at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Berlin. This event was held on August 22, 2024, and brought together key stakeholders from the water sector to discuss future collaboration opportunities between Kazakhstan and German companies.

The round table was organized to coincide with the visit of Mr. Kanat Bozumbayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Bolat Bekniyaz, First Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan, to Germany. Their visit aimed to strengthen partnerships and explore new avenues for cooperation in the water sector between Kazakhstan and Germany.

During the event, along with other German companies, our team members had the opportunity to introduce IWES and highlight our capabilities. We shared our experience in areas such as mountain hydrology, climate impact assessment, flood forecasting and disaster risk reduction, demonstrating how our expertise could contribute to sustainable water management in Kazakhstan.

IWES looks forward to further developing our partnership with Kazakhstan and contributing to sustainable water management solutions in the region. We believe that such collaborations are vital for addressing global water challenges and achieving sustainable development goals.

From May 13 to May 17, 2024, our team members had the opportunity to attend the prestigious IFAT Munich, the world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste, and raw materials management. Held every two years at the exhibition center in Munich, IFAT is renowned for bringing together industry leaders and experts to showcase the latest advancements and solutions in environmental technology. The history of IFAT dates back to its inaugural event from September 5 to 9, 1966. Initially organized by the Wastewater Technology Association (ATV), now known as the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA), the first IFAT saw 1,400 wastewater experts from 43 countries gather in Munich for the “Third International Conference on Water Pollution Research”. With 147 exhibitors from nine countries and 10,200 visitors from 40 nations, the event laid the foundation for what would become the largest trade fair in the environmental technology sector.

Reflecting on the last event held from May 30 to June 3, 2022, the scale and reach of IFAT have grown significantly. Our participation in IFAT 2024 was a valuable experience, providing insights into the latest industry trends, fostering new business relationships, and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable environmental practices. We extend our gratitude to the organizers of IFAT Munich for hosting such a pivotal event and to all the exhibitors and visitors who contributed to its success.

 

Central Asia is renowned for its vast mountainous regions which play a critical role in the water supply for agriculture and hydropower generation. Managing these water resources is crucial for countries like Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Yet, data availability for accurate water supply forecasting from mountains is an issue in the region due to its highly heterogeneous terrain. Traditional methods of observing data, relying heavily on hydrological stations, often lack precision due to gaps in data collection and limited coverage. To bridge these gaps, a community-based approach has been introduced, utilizing local volunteers to collect snow depth data, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of water availability forecasts.

Innovative Community Participation

This project has engaged local communities directly in the data-gathering process to overcome the limitations of traditional data collection. Volunteers, equipped with only a ruler, measure snow depths every five days and submit their findings via the Telegram app, including geolocation and photographic evidence. This method expands data coverage and allows for real-time data collection, which is crucial for timely water management decisions.

Engagement and Methodology

The project utilizes a dedicated Telegram group,      which boasts over 12,000 subscribers. This ensures a diverse and extensive data collection network across various geographical terrains—from flat areas and deserts to high mountainous regions. Participants are strategically selected to represent different altitudes, ensuring the data reflects a comprehensive view of the region’s snowfall patterns. The questionnaire addressing the location and altitude of Telegram group members helped to identify those who live in mountainous terrains and from where the snow depth information is crucial to validate water forecasting methods.

Data Compilation and Results

Data collected through this community effort is meticulously compiled to create detailed maps illustrating snow depth across Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. These maps highlight observed and interpolated snow depths and are crucial for forecasting water availability. The project has seen a significant increase in observations, particularly from late January to the end of March 2024, indicating robust community engagement and valuable data accumulation.

What’s next?

The community-based snow depth observation project in Central Asia exemplifies the power of citizen science in environmental monitoring and resource management. It highlights the potential for community involvement in scientific endeavors and the benefits of such participation. However, it also underscores the ongoing need to improve observation methods and expand educational efforts to ensure data quality and consistency. This initiative contributes to more accurate water forecasts and fosters a sense of involvement and responsibility among local communities toward sustainable resource management.

While still evolving, this innovative approach provides a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges and underscores the importance of community involvement in environmental data collection. With the data on snow height collected through community support, we aim to validate operational cryosphere and water resources monitoring models, such as MODSNOW¹, and to improve water forecasting quality in Central Asia and beyond.

 

In a recent gathering at the IWES office, esteemed expert in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering & Management, Prof. Salokhiddinov Abdulkhakim, shared invaluable insights on the pressing topic of climate change impacts on water resources in Central Asian countries.

The event, which brought together Uzbek professionals living in Berlin, provided a platform for meaningful discussion and learning. Prof. Salokhiddinov Abdulkhakim delivered an engaging presentation, shedding light on the challenges faced by the region’s water systems in the wake of climate change.

Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in dialogue with Prof. Salokhiddinov Abdulkhakim, deepening their understanding of the complex issues at hand. The exchange of ideas and expertise was enriching for all involved.

IWES extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and contributions to the event. Special thanks are reserved for Prof. Salokhiddinov Abdulkhakim for his invaluable insights and expertise shared with the IWES community.

We are thrilled to announce that the IWES (Innovative Water and Environmental Solutions) team recently showcased their intellectual prowess at the “Zakovat” game held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Germany.

On Saturday, April 13th, 2024, our team participated in this exciting event, competing against 20 other teams from various parts of Germany. Despite the stiff competition, we are proud to share that the IWES team secured an impressive 8th place.

The “Zakovat” game provided an excellent platform for our team to test their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a fun and challenging environment. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and gained valuable insights that will further enhance our commitment to delivering innovative solutions in the fields of water and environmental management.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers of the “Zakovat” game for hosting such a memorable event and congratulate all the participants for their outstanding performances. We also thank Azamat Fatkhullaev, Nurillokh and Nurmukhammad Abdurasulov for participating in this game together with the IWES team.

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the IWES team’s endeavors as we continue to make positive contributions to environmental sustainability and beyond.

On March 15^th, 2024, our founder, Dr. Abror Gafurov took part in a pivotal event organized by USAID, ECSP, and Integra Government Services International, LLC at the Willson Centre to mark the conclusion of the Operational Snow Monitoring using MODSNOW in Central and South Asia project.

The event showcased groundbreaking advancements in water security, with a particular focus on the innovative MODSNOW tool. Dr. Abror Gafurov, delivered an informative presentation on the capabilities and impact of the MODSNOW tool in revolutionizing snow monitoring and hydrological forecasting in the Central and South Asian regions.

Distinguished guests, including Ambassadors Baktybek Amanbaev, Farrukh Hamralizoda, and Sridhar Khatri, as well as esteemed experts such as Änjali Kaur, Lauren Herzer Risi, Mary Melnyk, Sherri Goodman, and Dr. Eric Rudenshiold, joined the event to share invaluable insights and perspectives on water security challenges and solutions in the region.

The panel discussion delved into the critical threats facing water resources in Central and South Asia, emphasizing the far-reaching implications for energy, food security, and stability. Attendees gained invaluable knowledge on how the deployment of the MODSNOW tool is bolstering water security efforts and mitigating risks in the region.

Missed the event? Don’t worry! You can catch up by watching the event recording here https://bit.ly/4acog9Q

Innovative Water and Environmental Solutions (IWES) is proud to announce its collaboration with Hydrosolutions (Switzerland) on the SAPPHIRE project – Smart & Precise Prognostic Hydrology for Innovative Risk Management and Resource Use Efficiency in Central Asia. Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation, this groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize hydrological monitoring systems across Central Asia.

Despite previous investments in Central Asian National Hydromets (CA NMHS), institutions have faced challenges in leveraging new technologies to their full potential. IWES recognizes the critical need to address these issues, particularly in processing data from modern gauging stations and optimizing high-frequency data management for accurate hydrological forecasts.

The SAPPHIRE project kickoff workshop, held in Bishkek from April 13–14, 2023, marked the beginning of this transformative journey. Dr. Abror Gafurov actively participated in discussions aimed at enhancing hydrological services through improved data processing and control mechanisms.
Over the course of the 4-year project, IWES will work closely with Hydrosoltuions to implement cutting-edge tools and methodologies. Initially focusing on the Kyrgyz NMHS, Hydrosolutions with IWES aim to achieve significant advancements in operational hydrology workflows before extending these innovations to Kazakh, Uzbek, and Tajik NMHS.

Source: https://www.hydrosolutions.ch/news/sapphire-central-asia-project-kickoff-workshop