Afghanistan is a country of astounding natural beauty; however increasing environmental concerns threaten not only the landscape but also the people living therein. Irrigation systems that had, for centuries, made Kabul into a gorgeous oasis have been destroyed in warfare, causing a once verdant city to become increasingly arid, a problem that exacerbates rising air pollution. Deforestation has destabilized mountains and hillsides, causing more frequent floods and avalanches; Afghans, in turn, raze more forests to replace the pastures destroyed by these natural disasters. Perhaps most importantly, water resources in the country are often mismanaged, and the United Nations Environment Programme has estimated that, by 2050, Afghans will have only half the water they had in 2004.
Naturally, as the environment grows more endangered, conflict over the remaining resources has increased. An Afghan parliamentary committee, in a 2013 report, determined that 500,000 hectares in the country had been illegally obtained, and land use conflicts often cause more sustainability problems. As more people attempt to use scarce agricultural resources, pastoral deterioration and deforestation increase. In order to combat these issues, managing land-related conflicts is a paramount goal. By encouraging sustainable land use through conflict management, as well as projects like reforestation, Afghan’s environment may yet be saved.
Naturally, as the environment grows more endangered, conflict over the remaining resources has increased. An Afghan parliamentary committee, in a 2013 report, determined that 500,000 hectares in the country had been illegally obtained, and land use conflicts often cause more sustainability problems. As more people attempt to use scarce agricultural resources, pastoral deterioration and deforestation increase. In order to combat these issues, managing land-related conflicts is a paramount goal. By encouraging sustainable land use through conflict management, as well as projects like reforestation, Afghan’s environment may yet be saved.