NEPA approves $10 million climate resilience project in Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) has approved a $10 million climate resilience project aimed at addressing the country’s environmental challenges. The initiative is set to enhance climate adaptation and strengthen sustainable development efforts.

The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) has approved a $10 million project aimed at addressing the growing impacts of climate change in Afghanistan. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF). The GEF will contribute $8.98 million, while the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will provide an additional $1 million in domestic financial support.

The five-year project will be implemented in the provinces of Badakhshan and Kunar, with the primary goal of strengthening local communities’ resilience to climate change and improving their livelihoods. Key focus areas include promoting climate-resilient agriculture, restoring degraded lands, and enhancing natural resource management. Specific efforts will involve afforestation in degraded areas, soil and water conservation, and the introduction of improved irrigation systems. To support sustainable farming practices, drought-resistant crop varieties will be introduced, and pasturelands and grazing areas will be expanded. Modern irrigation techniques, such as check dams, drip irrigation, and flood protection walls, will also be utilized to boost agricultural productivity.

UNDP will oversee the project’s implementation in collaboration with NEPA and other relevant institutions. This joint effort is expected to make a significant impact on environmental protection and the well-being of local communities in Afghanistan. A NEPA representative described the initiative as a crucial step in addressing climate change and conserving natural resources.

Afghanistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. It ranks fourth on the list of nations most at risk of a crisis and eighth on the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index of countries least prepared to adapt to climate change. Currently, 25 out of 34 provinces experience severe or catastrophic drought conditions, affecting more than 50% of the population. Rising temperatures are rapidly altering precipitation patterns, diminishing access to water and exacerbating existing challenges.

With 60% of the population relying on rain-fed agriculture, shifting rainfall and snowfall patterns are severely disrupting livelihoods. This has led to increased food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease, further compounding the difficulties faced by vulnerable communities.

Despite these challenges, the newly approved project offers a glimmer of hope. By focusing on climate-resilient practices and sustainable resource management, the initiative aims to build a more resilient future for Afghanistan’s people and environment. With the right support and continued efforts, the country can take meaningful steps toward mitigating the impacts of climate change and securing a better future for its population.