Use of environmental information

Users of environmental information per country vary depending on the socio-political and geographic context. For example, in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, parliamentarians are among key political users of such information since “green” movements and assemblies are not insignificant in these countries. In Tajikistan, international projects and institutions working on climate, water and natural resource management boost demand for selected indicators. In Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, high profile species — such as the snow leopard and saiga — or economic sectors, such as mining, catalyse public debate and demand for reliable and up-to-date information. In all of the countries’ waste information is limited, and, at the same time, public and political interest in a clean environment and cities is growing, as is the need for waste information.

Real time and detailed data seem to fall under a narrow niche of users, uses and demands. Such data are among the most labour-intense and costly to produce, but they serve as a backbone for numerous data aggregations. With the development of spatially precise climate models, the valuation of ecosystem services, water planning and near real time air and water quality communication, the demand for detailed and real time data will likely grow.

Environmental data, maps and visuals especially on “hot” themes — climate change, water, waste and biodiversity are used in communications to the public, while environmental impact assessments are used in business and infrastructure planning. Recently, sustainable development goals increased political and public interest in a broader range of environmental data and climate change investments, and commitments increased the demand for climate change data.

Data disclosure policies of providers of environmental information affect the entire chain of information dissemination and sharing. All Central Asia hydrometeorological services release air and water quality data (in the form of daily, monthly or seasonal bulletins) along with weather forecasts, but they remain reluctant to publicly disclose historical observation data (time series) or lack capacity to compile and publish annual yearbooks on hydrology, climate and environmental quality. Exceptions are KazHydromet and Uzhydromet, which publish near-real time air quality monitoring data through their web-portals and Apps, while KyrgyzHydromet uses social media. Climate services are poorly developed (too “conservative”) considering modern society needs and national commitments on climate adaptation and mitigation.

On the other hand, the growing access to the Internet, availability of information online, and networks of data brokers such as OSCE-supported Aarhus Centres have been instrumental in increasing environmental awareness and access to environmental data in the region.