Bamyan – While the international focus this week has been on the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, a smaller meeting was taking place in the stunning Koh-e Baba Mountains, in the Central Highlands of Afghanistan.
The meeting in Bamyan on 1 December discussed the impact of climate change on Afghanistan, especially the highlands region. Participants also discussed projects which are being implemented to help protect vulnerable local communities against natural disasters and extreme poverty.
Hosted by the UN Environment field office in Bamyan, the event brought together partners from the Government of Bamyan, the local community as well as international donors. The participants shared plans, achievements and lessons learned, including from the UK and Australian Government funded projects in the Central Highlands.
Director Eng. Sharif, Director of the Provincial Office of the Environment Agency attended on behalf of the government. UNAMA Acting Regional Head of Office, Ms. Sukanya Mohan-Das, opened the meeting by express her thanks to all government, UN, international community, and local partners for attending. Ms. Mohan-Das also highlighted the huge potential for integrated mountain area development with multiple stakeholders to address complex climate and development challenges in Afghanistan.
Department for International Development (DFID) Country Director Mr Chris Austin said, “Climate finance is important to help communities and households withstand the worst effects of climate change. DFID is committed to increasing its climate financing by 50 percent within its current aid budget”. Mr Chris Austin added that the conference was an important opportunity to “listen to local views and consider how technical assistance could support Afghanistan further”.
DFID Afghanistan Director, Mr. Chris Austin, with staff from BORDA, UN Environment, Actionaid, Prime Consulting and UNAMA at the Climate meeting in Bamyan Province.
During the meeting elders and teachers from Jawzari Village Shura (3000 meters above sea level) highlighted the harshness - amidst the great beauty - of daily life in the higher alpine areas of the Koh-e Baba Mountains. Fatima from Bamyan University presented her case study on challenges for young female professionals working to protect the environment, “Bamyan - My Home and My Student Life”.
Scott Kelleher from the Australian Embassy spoke about the Australian Government’s five year commitment to resilience and livelihoods activities in Afghanistan. Actionaid, UN Environment, BORDA, Prime and other local organisations presented important work on rural development, sustainable sanitation, disaster management, science and ecology education, as well as of course climate change.
Many of the important issues being discussed by international leaders in Paris this week - such as deforestation, water scarcity and mountain area disasters - are unfortunately a daily reality for the people of Bamyan. Their lives depend on ensuring the sustainability of their local natural resources. The initiative which was discussed at this Mountain Areas Integrated Development and Climate Change meeting has the potential to play a key role as a model for development. At the same time, it can address many of the broader issues related to climate change that are currently being discussed in Paris at COP 21. Think Global, Act local!
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