Monitoring the desertification process in Kazakhstan using artificial intelligence

Abstract

Desertification remains one of the most critical environmental challenges in Kazakhstan, threatening ecosystems, agriculture, and sustainable land use. This study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in combination with remote sensing to monitor and analyze desertification processes. Using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, satellite images from the Landsat and Sentinel missions were processed to identify changes in vegetation cover and soil condition. AI algorithms were applied to classify land areas, detect degradation patterns, and assess their spatial extent. Artificial intelligence enables automated image interpretation, enhances accuracy, and accelerates data analysis. The integration of AI with satellite monitoring offers a reliable and cost-effective approach to identifying regions most at risk of land degradation. The findings of this research demonstrate the potential of AI tools for long-term ecological monitoring, supporting the development of effective decision-making systems for land management and environmental protection. This approach contributes to the formulation of sustainable land-use policies and supports Kazakhstan’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and desertification.