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Environmental Crisis Looms in Middle of Conflict

Date

August 17 2007


A recent report called "Sustainable Land Management 2007" by Afghanistan's Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MoAF) warns of a serious environmental crisis, with grave consequences for millions if the country's degrading environment continues to be ignored. The report notes that:
  • more than 80% of Afghanistan's land could be subject to soil and wind erosion;
  • soil fertility is declining;
  • salinisation is on the increase;
  • water tables have dramatically fallen; and
  • de-vegetation is extensive.
The reasons are many:
  • more than 26 years of armed conflict;
  • population displacement;
  • extended drought;
  • misuse of natural resources;
  • lack of a law enforcement authority; and
  • lack of appropriate policies for the environment.
The impact over the past 20 years is serious:
  • 70% of forests lost;
  • 50% of farms not cultivated;
  • 1,000's of hectares of land covered by moving sands in southern and southwestern provinces; and
  • the volume of agricultural produce down by 50%.


Placed on the Communication Initiative site August 16 2007
Last Updated September 20 2007

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