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Afghanistan losing its wildlife to war, poaching and climate change
At least 149 species of animal are in danger of disappearing from Afghanistan, Afghan officials said Saturday.
According to the officials, war, climate change, animal-trafficking, and illegal hunting are the main cause of loss of wildlife in the country.
Marking International Day for Biological Diversity, May 22, Ezatullah Sediqi Deputy Head for the National Environmental Protection Agency of Afghanistan, stated: “Different species of animals are living in Afghanistan. Climate change, smuggling, hunting, and war have endangered the wildlife and plants in Afghanistan.”
The officials, however, did not provide details on exactly what species this relates to in Afghanistan.
An estimated 1.9 million hectares of forest covers Afghanistan which is a natural shelter for various species of animals. But Afghan officials noted that ongoing conflicts in the country remained the main challenge for animals that are at risk of extinction domestically.
Experts, meanwhile, criticize the National Environmental Protection Agency for the lack of information about the exact number of animals at risk and the lack of a clear policy for the protection of wildlife in the country.
Qasim Haidari, a Deputy Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) official stated: “Every bullet fired and explosions that occurred have made most of the birds migrate to other countries.”
In addition to the war, Afghan officials stated that deforestation in the country has remained another issue ahead of wildlife protection.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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