Bamyan – Local community leaders, school children, and government representatives were among the participants in the sixth annual “Peace Trek” in Afghanistan’s Central Highlands, held by the United Nations Environment Programme and Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) in celebration of World Peace Day 2014.
The Peace Trek, held in the rugged Shah Foladi mountains, provides an opportunity for different groups to join together and appreciate the natural beauty and historic landscape of the region. Home to a diverse range of species, habitats, and human settlements, Shah Foladi boasts a unique combination of pristine mountains, watersheds and cultural heritage.
“Hiking in the magnificent mountains of the Central Highlands gives us a clear reminder of what a truly beautiful country Afghanistan is” said UNEP Afghanistan Country Programme Manager, Mr. Andrew Scanlon, “The Peace Trek with children, elders and friends from throughout Afghanistan and abroad shows us a future for this great country. It has become a wonderful outdoor event with lots of excitement and even more aching limbs!”
The annual trek is one aspect of UNEP’s broader work in Afghanistan, which aims to foster environmental awareness and stewardship through dialogue and practical capacity building. UNEP has been working in Afghanistan since 2002 with a range of government partners, civil society, and other UN agencies to support sustainable environmental management tackling issues such climate change adaptation, environmental laws and policy, and environmental education.
On 20th September, UNEP in collaboration with NEPA, Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) and HELP, the Bamyan Tourism Association, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) co-organized a Football Eco-Cup.
The tournament brought together youth and professionals to discuss issues related to environmental change and opportunities for adaptation. It aimed to use sport and fun, outdoor activity to raise awareness among local youth on environmental conservation, climate change, and health issues.
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