On April 10, 2025, the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers – National Research University (TIIAME-NRU) hosted the international conference “Challenges and Prospects for the Development of Higher Specialized Education and Science in the Context of Globalization.” The event convened leading academics and professionals to exchange knowledge and strategies for advancing education and science in a rapidly globalizing world.
Associate Professor Sh. Rakhmonov represented TIIAME-NRU with a presentation focused on the LESLIE project, outlining its main objectives and its role in enhancing scientific collaboration and educational innovation. His intervention emphasized the relevance of international capacity-building initiatives like LESLIE in fostering adaptive, multidisciplinary approaches to global challenges in education and environmental sustainability.
During the conference, Professor Rakhmonov also presented his research paper titled “Utilizing Remote Sensing Technologies for the Preservation and Development of Green Infrastructure: A Case Study of Tashkent.” His work addressed critical issues linked to urban ecological resilience, demonstrating how remote sensing (RS) tools—particularly Sentinel-2 satellite data—can support the assessment and planning of green infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing environments.
Key Findings:
- The analysis covered green space dynamics in Tashkent from 2013 to 2023, identifying a net decrease in vegetated areas in central districts such as Mirzo Ulug’bek, Shayxontohur, and Yakkasaroy.
- Conversely, the Sergeli district showed a positive trend due to recent urban greening efforts, including the establishment of the “New Uzbekistan Park.”
- The study underscored the correlation between urban development patterns and the ecological degradation or improvement of specific zones within the city.
Recommendations:
Professor Rakhmonov proposed actionable measures to support sustainable urban planning, including:
- The institutionalization of annual “green space reports” to monitor spatial changes and guide policy;
- Legislative enhancements to safeguard green infrastructure during new construction projects;
- Integration of RS-based monitoring systems into the workflows of local environmental agencies and planning departments.
His contribution highlights how science-driven approaches, aligned with the goals of the LESLIE project, can effectively bridge local environmental challenges with global sustainability frameworks. The conference concluded with a broad consensus among participants on the necessity of adopting innovative, interdisciplinary methods in higher education and research to respond to the evolving demands of globalization.
