Fortieth anniversary of Ramsar Convention
To: MyAfghanian Neighbor
Peace Parks: Conservation and Conflict Resolution
Endangered species of plants and animals are found in all of Afghanistan’s representative ecosystems ranging from the arid deserts of the southwest to the sub-alpine valleys of the Hindu Kush Mountains) and many face continuing threats. Regarding the pre-1979 system of conservation programs of Afghanistan in several areas there are complementary opportunities for this country to undertake transboundary projects with her neighbors.
Protected Areas based on the pre-1979 system of conservation programs of Afghanistan (see map above on persian draft)
The Geneva-based UNEP Post Conflict Branch (PCOB) completed a comprehensive review of environmental conditions and problems in Afghanistan during 2002 (UNEP 2003b). There are specific opportunities with every one of the immediate neighbors that would provide local and global conservation benefits through the establishment of a system of “peace parks”.
Acording to the pre-1979 system of conservation programs, UNEP review 2003b and study of Dr. Saleem Assistant Professor University of Vermont one of the most significant protected areas is:
Sistan Baluchistan/Hamun-i-Puzak (Iran-Afghanistan) – the drought affected transboundary wetlands area has been dry for nearly a decade although substantial rainfall and snowmelt in the Hindu Kush mountains caused significant flooding along the Helmand River in early 2005. Surveys have shown that the area can recover if water is available. Although regarding to water shortage the management of water allocations in the Helmand River basin has been a very important issue between Iran and Afghanistan. A proposed GEF project for the area has not progressed beyond the conceptual stage. (GEF, undated) In yet another separate initiative UNEP is in the very early stages of a process of advancing a program of “environmental diplomacy” that will hopefully address the conservation of the Sistan wetlands area along the Iran-Afghanistan border. (A. Zaidi, UNEP, pers. comm.2006). The idea of peace park, has potential for the resolution of some of the other historical transboundary conflict, scientific management of water resources and also it will lead to biodiversity conservation and ecotourism opportunities..
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