Afghanistan Announces First National Park
Despite Ongoing Conflict Afghans Support Environmental Protection
Jun 24, 2009
Band-e-Amir is not the most biologically diverse area in Afghanistan but its outstanding natural beauty helped bring support from the people. The area is relatively secure and there is some infrastructure for the tourist industry the area hopes to develop. More importantly, the positive results from the development of Band-e-Amir has led to interest in creating more national parks by other people in Afghanistan.
Spectacular Lakes Draw Tourists to Band-e-Amir
Despite the lack of biodiversity that usually is critical for an area to be designated a national park, Band-e-Amir is very popular with both local and international tourists. Known since the 1950s for its six incredibly blue lakes, separated by travertine dams, the area draws plenty of visitors.
But there were also plenty of ways the area was being degraded with unregulated activity, including local shops placed right next to the pristine blue and green lakes. The 13 villages within the park established a protected area committee, with the help of the World Conservation Society (WCS), and in April of 2009, the establishment of the Band-e-Amir National Park was announced.
This is also the first step toward getting World Heritage status for the site. Nearly every other area with the unique travertine geology is protected under the World Heritage site program. As a national park, Band-e-Amir becomes eligible for World Heritage status consideration.
The Wildlife of Band-e-Amir National Park
Although the area is not the most biologically diverse in Afghanistan, there are a variety of animals and birds found here. Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), a type of wild goat, and urial (Ovis orientalis), a wild sheep species, are both still found here. While the snow leopard (Panthera uncia or Uncia uncia) has not been seen in the area for some time, wolves, foxes and some small mammals were found when WCS surveyed the area.
Band-e-Amir National Park is also home to a snow finch (Montifringilla theresae), believed to be the only endemic bird species in Afghanistan. The park hosts other bird species as well, and it is hoped that the protection of the National Park rangers will result in the return of other bird and wildlife species over time.
The Future of National Parks in Afghanistan
On the heels of the announcement of the establishment of Band-e-Amir National Park, other areas have begun to show interest in the national park system. By starting with a site already known for its natural beauty and tourist interests, people in other parts of Afghanistan were able to see the potential income that a national park can bring to an area.
Just north of Band-e-Amir, people living the Ajar valley have seen how their neighbors have benefited and are now ready to look at what is necessary to create a national park as well. Other places with more wildlife and plant biodiversity at risk are likely to be lured in as well. And, with the appropriate underpinning, the national parks are less likely to suffer from lack of funds for ongoing management.
Afghanistan’s National Environment Protection Agency (Nepa) has also just published its first protected wildlife species list, another indicator that the environment is important to the people of this struggling country.
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