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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.
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has announced that Tehran will host a regional meeting on Afghanistan next week.
Referring to Iran’s ongoing consultations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region, he said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches fundamental importance to security and stability in our neighboring environment, and in this regard, spares no effort to reduce tensions among regional countries and to strengthen mutual understanding.”
He described the upcoming meeting as the result of consultations held at various levels with neighboring countries and other regional actors, expressing hope that this initiative will play an effective role in enhancing regional cohesion and easing tensions.
According to Baqaei, the regional meeting will take place next week in Tehran, hosted by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will be attended by special representatives for Afghan affairs from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Russia.
The European Union has announced €25 million in assistance to the World Food Programme’s Afghanistan office.
According to the EU, the aid will be used to develop climate-resilient projects and strengthen local food systems in Afghanistan.
It will also help create employment opportunities for women and youth, as well as support school nutrition programs.
The EU added that this cooperation will continue to expand opportunities that improve the lives of Afghans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate has denied reports claiming that Afghan dual citizens living abroad are now required to obtain an Afghan visa when returning to their home country.
Zia Ahmad Takal, the ministry’s head of public relations, said in a statement that no new decision has been made in this regard.
According to him, Afghans who travel to Afghanistan with a foreign passport, as before, do not need to obtain a visa if they present proof of their Afghan identity, and they may enter the country without a visa.
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