KABUL (TOLONews): The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), in its annual report, has acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in expanding the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s relations with various countries.
The Deputy for Policy and Technical Affairs also emphasized that the lack of engagement by Western countries with the Islamic Emirate has prevented the agency from accessing key environmental projects.
Zainul Abideen Abed, Deputy for Policy and Technical Affairs at the National Environmental Protection Agency, said: “They have not shown engagement yet, but still, out of 32 projects coordinated with them, 5 to 6 have been completed while the rest are suspended.”
Abed also reported that the agency generated an income of 13.681 million Afghanis from the issuance of 1,650 environmental study licenses.
He added that significant attention has been given to forest protection, with 17.7 million saplings planted across various provinces over the past year, and two nurseries established in Balkh and Ghazni provinces.
He noted: “Last year, in coordination with national and international institutions, 17.7 million saplings were planted across Afghanistan. This number is in addition to those planted by the Ministry of Agriculture or municipalities, particularly for forest restoration.”
Meanwhile, the Head of Climate Change at the National Environmental Protection Agency said that several projects have been secured in coordination with the UNDP and that new initiatives are being developed.
Ruhullah Amin, Head of Climate Change, said: “Projects that are scheduled to be reviewed by the GEF Council in December this year, fortunately, include a $20 million project developed in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Water and UNDP, focusing on climate-resilient water and irrigation systems.”
Officials at the National Environmental Protection Agency also confirmed efforts to develop a roadmap for participation in the UN’s annual climate conference (COP30).
