Analysis of changes in land cover in the Kyrgyz Republic using remote sensing data.

Accurate information about land cover is essential for scientific research, monitoring, and reporting to achieve sustainable development in a region. In the mountainous areas of the Kyrgyz Republic, land cover changed heavily due to anthropogenic activities over the past years. Remote sensing is one of the key methods for monitoring such changes, because there is a lack of data due to its remoteness and harsh environmental conditions. The purpose of this study is to analyze changes in land cover in the Kyrgyz Republic using remote sensing data. In this study, we use a series of Sentinel-2 images with high spatial resolution over time of land cover to create a set of annual maps from 2017 to 2024 for all nature protection territories of the Kyrgyz Republic, which are listed in the IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature). These data sets allow us to analyze the development of trends in land cover changes in the studied territories since 2017 with high spatial and temporal detail. An analysis of land cover changes will be carried out, paying special attention to anthropogenic changes (as well as changes in glaciers, glacial lakes, etc.). Since land use and land cover (LULC) have changed dramatically due to anthropogenic activities, especially in places where the tourist infrastructure is developed and the flow of tourists is significant. These data provide valuable information on vegetation growth, deforestation and land degradation, which are essential for effective environmental management and sustainable development of the Kyrgyz Republic.