Integration of Remote Sensing and Artificial Intelligence in Detecting the Environmental Changes of Najaf Sea in Iraq Using NDWI and GIS

The Najaf Sea is undergoing significant environmental changes due to the climate change and urban expansion, resulting in decreasing water levels that affect the surrounding areas. The present study employs two technologies, Remote Sensing (RS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to monitor the environmental changes as part of the sustainability assessments. It aims to observe and analyze the changes between 2018 and 2025, tracking the variations in the water bodies and evaluating the impacts of the climate and human activity on sustainable resource management. Additionally, this supports rational decision-making regarding the environmental conservation, sustainable development, and resource management in the region. The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Sentinel-2 images were utilized to analyze the changes in the water bodies and their associated environmental impacts. Through change detection, AI models deliver highly accurate predictions of sustainable water resources. This paper highlights the critical role of advanced technologies in monitoring and forecasting the changes to water resources. The findings promote ecological protection and help local communities adapt to the environmental shifts through data-driven management. This research provides essential information to help experts develop resilient strategies for environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. As demonstrated, these technologies enhance monitoring in sensitive areas, such as the Najaf Sea. The study fosters ecological balance, protects the environment, and encourages development through technological advancements for the benefit of the local population.