Zomin, Uzbekistan: A Spatial–Ecological Sustainability Index

Botirjon Karimov^1,*, Ziyodulla Khakimov², Shirin Karimova³

¹University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

²Alfraganus University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

³Tashkent State University of Economics, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Emails: botirjon.karimov@utas.edu.au; z.xakimov@afu.uz; karimovashirin22@gmail.com

Abstract

Arid and semi-arid regions are facing faster land degradation and growing water stress. Planners need indicators that connect conservation goals to everyday decisions. In Uzbekistan’s Zomin region, few long-term, spatial studies combine vegetation condition with water-conservation capacity. We develop a transparent Spatial–Ecological Sustainability Index (SESI) to describe ecological quality and water support and to guide restoration and protection. The method merges several remote sensing and GIS layers: multi-decade NDVI from Landsat and Sentinel, terrain measures such as slope and flow accumulation, and land-cover permeability. We normalize these layers and combine them with a tested weighting method, producing SESI maps and summaries for districts and protected areas. The results show clear patterns by elevation and land use: upper catchments have strong water-retention potential, while valley bottoms near settlements show mixed conditions. The approach is reproducible, decision-ready, and adaptable to other mountainous, water-limited regions.

Keywords: Zomin; NDVI; GIS; Spatial data fusion; Remote sensing; Desertification; Ecotourism; YOLOv11