National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Afghanistan 2024-2030

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (NBSAP) FOR AFGHANISTAN 2024 – 2030 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (NBSAP) FOR AFGHANISTAN 2024 – 2030 Afghanistan's unique geographic location, distinct topography and associated climatic conditions make the country home to a great diversity of fauna and flora. Despite more than four decades of war and civil unrest, Afghanistan still harbors rich biodiversity that deserves national and international attention. Although biodiversity conservation is relatively new to the country, Afghans understand and recognize the intrinsic value of biodiversity, and the services it provides to the country. The conservation of biodiversity is therefore a national cause and must be a priority for the entire Nation. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) is also aware of the values of biodiversity as well as the benefits it provides to the Afghan people, and therefore considers the preservation of biodiversity as an important objective for Afghanistan. The IEA is committed to protecting the country's natural heritage, including Afghanistan's rich but in many cases imperiled biodiversity and will therefore take all necessary measures to protect it nationally. The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) has retained under the IEA its assigned duties and responsibilities and will continue playing a pivotal role in protection of nation's biodiversity, including through proposing and supporting laws and policies for the environment, and complying with commitments made by the country to international conventions on biodiversity and the environment in light of the Islamic Sharia. Among the important policy documents related to the protection of natural heritage is the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) whose revision was initiated under the previous regime, and which was completed in 2023 by NEPA with financial support from UNEP/GEF and under the technical leadership of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) program in Afghanistan. The revised NBSAP articulates conservation priorities and actions for the period 2024-2030 in Afghanistan. This comprehensive document has several objectives including providing a clear and updated strategy for the IEA that will guide the development of its future biodiversity conservation and management; communicating Afghanistan's biodiversity conservation priorities to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); and defining the role of other governmental and non-governmental organizations and development partners in the conservation of biodiversity in Afghanistan. Additionally, this strategic document aligns Afghanistan's conservation programs and priorities with global needs and commitments. NEPA management thanks UNEP and GEF for funding this project, as well as WCS Afghanistan for providing technical support from initiation to completion of the project. NEPA also appreciates the various contributions to the process made by other partners and stakeholders. NEPA leadership remains committed to ensuring that all actions and approaches articulated in this the NBSAP are implemented and looks forward to seeing all relevant partners and supporters take serious steps to achieve the biodiversity conservation targets outlined in this national document. Sincerely Yours Dr. Zainul Abedin Abid Deputy Director General of Policy and Technical Affairs National Environmental Protection Agency The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Forward i NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN The NBSAP process for Afghanistan and the preparation of the 2024-2030 NBSAP document was funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the Project Cooperation Agreement PCA/2020/2519 between UNEP and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The civil society consultations were funded by the European Union (EU) through the Opportunities for Mountain Areas Integrated Development (OMAID) project implemented by UNEP, and under SSFA/2019/1283 between UNEP and WCS. Scientific insights on climate change impact on species and ecosystems were retrieved from outputs produced by the EU-funded project “Improving participatory management and efficiency of rangeland and watershed focusing on Wakhan, Yakawlang, Kahmard and Saighan Districts, Contract ACA/2018/399-742”. The NBSAP consultation workshops were conducted between January and May 2021, and facilitated by NEPA and WCS. In addition, the Helping Hand for Women (HHW, a national NGO for the women support) also participated as supporting organization for training purpose and facilitating discussions with women and youth. Consultation workshops were mainly facilitated by Jallaluddin Naseri, Muhibullah Fazli, and their other colleagues from NEPA, Zalmai Moheb, Mujtaba Bashari, Hafizullah Rahmani, Zarifa Sabet, Rima Saleh, Naqibullah Sedeqi, Sweeta Qaderi and other colleagues from WCS, and Humaira Habibi and Zarlasht Farahi from the HHW. Muhibullah Fazli, Kashif Sheikh and Shehzad Saleem provided advice on the religious content in the Introduction. A three-day workshop was conducted in May 2023 where stakeholders from NEPA, MAIL, the Kabul University, the Kabul Zoo, the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtar News Agency, Ministry of Mine and Petroliam, Ministry of Information and Culture, Ministry of Justice, Kabul Municipality, and Department of National Intelligence reviewed the NBSAP document and provided comprehensive recommendations and comments. NEPA hosted this workshop with WCS technical and financial support. From the side of WCS the NBSAP revision project was led by Zalmai Moheb with assistance from Christopher Shank, Stephane Ostrowski, Richard Paley, WCS Afghanistan, and WCS Conservation Solutions teams. Acknowledgements iiNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Afghanistan’s rich natural environment is under increasing threat of degradation and loss resulting from 45 years of instability and a rapidly increasing human population. Protecting biodiversity is critical to maintaining the capability of the land to support human livelihoods and sustain ecosystem integrity. The Government of Afghanistan ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2002 and is therefore committed to implementing the decisions of the CBD Conference of Parties (COP). The Convention requires that countries prepare a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which is the principal instrument for implementing the Convention at the national level. The present plan is a revision of Afghanistan’s 2014 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and provides direction for the actions that Afghanistan will undertake between 2024 and 2030 to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and to put the country on the path to biodiversity recovery. It is intended as a practical plan of action reflecting realities in Afghanistan and capable of being fully implemented by 2030 if sufficient international financial and technical resources can be provided. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will submit it to the Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat prior to the 16th Conference of Parties in 2024. The status of Afghanistan’s biodiversity is briefly described in text, maps and tables. The core of the NBSAP is the 17 Targets and 43 associated Actions. Emphasis is placed on the means of monitoring necessary to determine the extent to which the Targets and Actions have been successfully implemented. The Targets are aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework but are modified to practically address the constraints of the current Afghanistan situation. Six of the Framework Targets are impractical for successful implementation within the Afghanistan context and are not included in the current revised NBSAP. Development of the NBSAP was informed by six consultation workshops held in five regional cities in 2021 with 669 attendees. The draft NBSAP was then reviewed in detail during a three-day workshop hosted by the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) in May 2023 and attended by multiple government Ministries and representatives from other relevant organizations. While the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is committed to environment and biodiversity conservation, its financial resources are currently limited, therefore support for implementing the NBSAP will fall largely on the international community. The estimate for fully implementing the NBSAP by 2030 is 80 – 110 million dollars. Recognizing that biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation and sustainable use are all interdependent, the NBSAP also proposes three development portfolios linking the NBSAP targets to the broader development agenda. Executive Summary NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTANiii Acronyms BII Biodiversity Intactness Index CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EVI Enhanced Vegetation Index IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature MAIL Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NEPA National Environmental Protection Agency OECM Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measure PA Protected Area SBSTTA Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change WCS Wildlife Conservation Society WDPA World Database on Protected Areas WWF World Wildlife Fund © Esmat Tarhan Technical Glossary Afghanistan Wildlife Executive Committee Technical committee determining status of Afghanistan species. Agricultural Diversity Variation in species and genotypes of agricultural plants and animals. Amphibians Cold-blooded vertebrate with aquatic larvae and adults that are semi- terrestrial. For example, frogs, toads, salamanders. Biodiversity The variety of all living species, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. Biodiversity Intactness Index Average abundance of species in a location as a percentage of the original species present. Biotechnology The use of an organism or part of an organism to create a product or process. Blue Spaces Land areas near bodies of water. Climate Change Long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources No agreed definition. Refers generally to digitally stored data on nucleotide sequences in DNA and RNA. Ecological Integrity Generally, an ecosystem that retains all of its original components, usually species. Ecology Science of the relationships between organisms and their environments. Ecoregion Relatively large land units containing a unique assemblage of natural communities and species. Ecosystem Complex of living organisms, their physical environment, and all their interrelationships in a particular unit of space. Ecosystem Function Biological, geochemical, and physical processes that take place or occur within an ecosystem Endemic Species Species whose geographic range or distribution is confined to a single given area. Free, Prior Informed Consent Principle stating that indigenous or local people must consent to any project or activities that affects them or their territories. Fungi Distinct group of organisms comprised of yeasts, molds, smuts, mushrooms, and toadstools. Different from plants. Genes Unit of heredity; a segment of DNA or RNA that is transmitted from one generation to the next, and that carries genetic information such as the sequence of amino acids for a protein. Genetic Diversity Measure of variation in the genes of a population. Genetic Resources Genetic material of actual or potential value. Genotype Organism’s complete set of genetic material. v NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Green Spaces No agreed definition. Generally, refers to areas with natural vegetation such as trees and grass. Human Footprint Quantitative measure of human influence on ecosystems. Indicator A measurement signifying status or change in a system. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Plan agreed in 2022 by Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity to conserve and restore global biodiversity by 2050. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan National plan to identify threats to biodiversity and determine actions to be undertaken to conserve and restore biodiversity. National Protected Area Systems Plan Design of a reserve system to protect the full range of ecosystems and communities found in a particular country. Other Effective Area- based Conservation Measures A geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity with associated ecosystem functions and services and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio–economic, and other locally relevant values. Overexploitation Harvesting plants and animals at a greater rate than they can reproduce. Protected Areas Clearly defined geographical spaces, recognised, dedicated, and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long- term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Resilience Ability of an ecosystem and/or living beings to maintain their normal functions after being subjected to damage caused by an ecological disturbance. Species Diversity Number of different species in a particular area weighted by the abundance of each species. Species Richness Number of species in a particular area. Sustainability “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Threatened Species A species close to global extinction. Traditional Knowledge Knowledge systems embedded in the cultural traditions of regional, indigenous, or local communities. Non-scientific knowledge. Wetland Land that is covered or saturated with water. For example, shallow lakes, swamps, bogs. Wildlife Living beings that are not human or domesticated, existing in their natural environment. Often restricted to vertebrate species. viNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN © Zalmai Moheb, WCS Afghanistan © Zalmai Moheb, WCS Afghanistan Forward i Acknowledgments ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii ACRONYMS iv TECHNICAL GLOSSARY v [ 1 ] INTRODUCTION 1 [ 2 ] AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 3 Genetic diversity 4 Species Diversity 5 Ecosystem diversity 8 Major Threats to Afghanistan’s Biodiversity 12 Threatened Species 17 Agricultural Diversity 17 Protected Areas 18 [ 3 ] CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS 21 [ 4 ] THE KUNMING-MONTREAL GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK 24 [ 5 ] AFGHANISTAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS 27 REDUCING THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY 29 TARGE T 1. Afghanistan will undertake biodiversity-inclusive land-use planning in all protected areas. 29 TARGET 2. Afghanistan will restore degraded habitat in protected areas. 29 TARGET 3. Afghanistan will ensure that at least 10% of the country is in protected areas. 30 TARGET 4. Afghanistan will maintain population numbers of targeted species. 31 TARGET 5. Afghanistan will ensure that the harvesting, trade and use of wild species is sustainable and legal. 31 TARGET 6. Eliminate, minimize, reduce and or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services. 32 TARGET 7. Reduce pollution risks and the negative impact of pollution from all sources. Afghanistan will not address Target 7. 32 TARGET 8. Afghanistan will minimize the impact of climate change on biodiversity. 32 MEETING PEOPLE’S NEEDS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE USE AND BENEFIT-SHARING 32 TARGET 9. Afghanistan will Ensure benefits, including nutrition, food security, medicines, and livelihoods. 32 Table of Contents TARGET 10. Afghanistan will ensure all agricultural area are managed sustainably. 33 TARGET 11. Restore, maintain and enhance nature’s contributions to people. Afghanistan will not address Target 11. 33 TARGET 12. Afghanistan will Increase the area of, access to, and benefits from green and blue spaces. 33 TARGET 13. Ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits that arise from the utilization of genetic resources. 32 TOOLS AND SOLUTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINSTREAMING 33 TARGET 14. Afghanistan will fully integrate biodiversity conservation into policies. 33 TARGET 15. Ensure that national and transnational businesses and financial institutions monitor and disclose their impacts on biodiversity. 34 TARGET 16. Ensure that people are encouraged and enabled to make sustainable consumption. 34 TARGET 17. Establish, strengthen capacity for, and implement in all countries, biosafety measures for the handling of biotechnology and distribution of its benefits. Afghanistan will not address Target 17. 34 TARGET 18. Eliminate, phase out or reform incentives. Afghanistan will not address Target 18. 34 TARGET 19. Afghanistan will seek to increase the level of financial resources substantially. 34 TARGET 20. Afghansitan will seek to Strengthen capacity-building and development. 35 TARGET 21. Afghanistan will ensure that the knowledge base, both scientific and traditional, necessary for the management. 35 TARGET 22. Afghanistan will Ensure the full, equitable, inclusive, effective representation and participation in decision-making by local communities. 35 TARGET 23. Ensure gender equality in the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Afghanistan will not address Target 23. 35 [ 6 ] INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION, POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE 36 ANNEXES ANNEX 1. Summary of Goals, Targets, Headline Indicators Actions, Action Indicators, Responsibilities, and Completion Dates. 41 ANNEX 2. Summary of stakeholders’ consultations carried out between January and May 2021 54 ANNEX 3. Global status of Afghanistan species listed by the IUCN Red List. 60 ANNEX 4. Status of priority species to be considered for conservation action (Target 4) 64 ANNEX 5. Protected species list of Afghanistan designated by the National Environmental Protection Agency 71 ANNEX 6. List of alien species in afghanistan 77 Figure 1. Timeline for revised NBSAP initiation, development, approval and submission. 2 Figure 2. Afghanistan’s relative species richness. 7 Figure 3. Global status and geographical distribution of Afghanistan ecoregions. 9 Figure 4. Afghanistan land cover in 2020 at 10m resolution. 10 Figure 5. Afghanistan’s vegetation productivity. 11 Figure 6. Comparison of Afghanistan’s yearly plant productivity. 11 Figure 7. Afghanistan population density (per 0.01 km2) in 2020. 12 Figure 8. Afghanistan’s human footprint in 2013. 13 Figure 9. Afghanistan’s Biodiversity Intactness Index in 2015. 13 Figure 10. Change in Afghanistan’s Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) between 2000 and 2015. 14 Figure 11. Modeling of priority protected areas for Afghanistan with provincial and district boundaries. 20 List of Figures Table 1. Number of Afghanistan species in major taxa. 6 Table 2. Area and global status of 17 Afghanistan Ecoregions. 8 Table 3. Adherence to official protected area criteria by the nine protected areas declared by NEPA. 19 List of Tables 1 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN INTRODUCTION1 © John Winnie, WCS Afghanistan 2NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Islam affirms that Allah is the Creator, the Maker, the Giver of Form (Qur’an 59:24) and has perfected everything He has created (Qur’an 32:7). Living beings were created to reflect the glory of their Creator. Qur’an 6:38 reminds us that human beings are an integral part of nature just as are all living beings. The Surah-ar-Rahman 55:2 to 55:10 teaches that Allah created the universe and everything in it in a finely tuned balance that humans must not upset through unjust actions. Therefore, Afghanistan should consider it as a priority to protect the country’s species and ecosystems and to use these living resources sustainably now and in the future. The variety of all living species, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi is collectively referred to as biodiversity. A broad range of species act together to provide and sustain everything in nature needed to sustain life. However, humans are now utilizing these living resources faster than they can be renewed leading to loss of species and disruption of the delicate balance of nature. Recognizing the catastrophic loss of species and the resulting erosion of ecological integrity, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was instituted in 1992 to provide global leadership and promote cooperation in the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of its components. Afghanistan became a signatory and party to the CBD in 2002. Article 6 of the CBD commits parties to developing national strategies, plans or programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. In 2014, Afghanistan developed the country’s first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) based on the Aichi Targets approved by the CBD in 2011. Article 36(2) of the Environment Law (2007) states that measures identified in the NBSAP will be included in national development planning and that the NBSAP will be updated not less than every five years. This Plan updates the 2014 NBSAP for the years 2024 – 2030 based on the 23 global targets specified and approved by the Kunming- Montreal Biodiversity Framework adopted by CBD CoP-15 in December 2022. The NBSAP updating process has been illustrated in Figure 1. It provides direction for how Afghanistan will take immediate action to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity and put the country’s biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030 for the benefit of the Afghanistan environment and people. It reflects the realities of biodiversity conservation, its limited financial resources, and recent changes in government structures, institutions, and priorities. It is in accordance with the values and policies of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Figure 1. Timeline for revised NBSAP initiation, development, approval, and submission. CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION 3 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY2 © Inayat Ali, WCS Afghanistan 4NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN BIODIVERSITY DEFINITION Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life in all its forms—from genes, to species, to ecosystems. All elements of biodiversity interact together in a complex, interacting web creating the environments that all species, including humans, depend upon for their existence. GENETIC DIVERSITY Genes are substances in the bodies of all living things containing the information used to create the vast variety of life forms we see in nature. Genes determine the differences between species, the colour of our eyes, the hardiness of wheat, differences in breeds of sheep and all the variety we see in life. Maintaining large genetic differences within a species is important because it provides the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions. Genetic diversity is recognized as an essential element of successful agriculture allowing crops to respond to threats from disease and changing environmental conditions. Unfortunately, we know very little about genetic diversity in Afghanistan’s wild species. Genetic diversity tends to decline in small and decreasing populations, so it is particularly important to better understand genetic diversity in threatened species. © WCS Afghanistan CHAPTER 2AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 5 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN SPECIES DIVERSITY Species diversity is the most easily understood aspect of biodiversity. At its simplest, it is just the number of species that can be found in a given area, often called “species richness”. As a largely arid, mid-latitude, mountainous country, Afghanistan is not a species-rich country and has not been considered as a global biodiversity hotspot1. However, there have been recent suggestions that because there has been so little research, the country may harbour a number of hidden species and considerable genetic diversity2. The extreme northeast of Afghanistan is included in the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund’s “Mountains of Central Asia Biodiversity Hotspot”3. Afghanistan has a wide variety of ecoregions varying from high-altitude mountains to xeric deserts to monsoon forests resulting in a diversity of organisms with specialized adaptations. Table 1 summarizes what is known about Afghanistan’s species richness and indicates the number of species listed as protected by the Afghanistan Wildlife Executive Committee (AWEC). Afghanistan is home to very few amphibians and many reptile species. There are numerous species of vascular plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the world (i.e., are endemic). The number of less conspicuous species, such as insects and fungi, can only be estimated. 1. https://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/afg tech/theme 02/afg biodiv.pdf 2. Jablonski et al. 2021. Biodiversity research in a changing Afghanistan. Science 372(6549):1402. 3. https://www.cepf.net/sites/default/files/mountains-central-asia-ecosystem-profile-eng.pdf CHAPTER 2 AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY © WCS Afghanistan 6NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN 4. Including extinct and endemic species 5. https://www.iucnredlist.org 6. Wagner, P., A. M. Bauer, A. E. Leviton, T. M. Wilms, and W. Böhme. 2016. A Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of Afghanistan. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 4 Ser. 643:457-565. 7. Coad, B. W. 2015. Native fish biodiversity in Afghanistan. Iranian Journal of Ichthyology 2:227-234. 8. Breckle, S. W. 2007. Flora and vegetation of Afghanistan. Basic and Applied Dryland Research 1,2:155-194. 9. Bing Wu, et. al. 2019. Current insights into fungal species diversity and perspective on naming the environmental DNA sequences of fungi. Mycology.10:3, 127-140, DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2019.1614106 CHAPTER 2 Table 1. Number of Afghanistan species in major taxa. Native Species4 Uncertain Extinct Estimates Endemics Source Protected in Afghanistan by AWEC Listing Mammals 140 12 5 - 0 IUCN Red List5 76 Birds 448 45 - - 1 (semi) S. Ostrowski/ WCS bird database, 2021 57 Reptiles 107 0 ? - 6 Wagner et al. 20166 4 Amphibians 11 0 ? - 1 Ibid. 1 Fish 85 - - - 8 Coad (2015)7 2 Arthropods - - - 10s of 1,000s ? None 1 Vascular Plants - - - ≈5,000 ≈1,500 Breckle (2007)8 8 Fungi - - - Millions? ? Bing Wu, et. al. (2019)9 0 AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY © Ali Rajabi, WCS Afghanistan 7 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Figure 2 depicts the relative number of species in major plant and animal species throughout Afghanistan. Dry areas in Faryab, Nimroz, Helmand and Kandahar have the lowest species richness while the eastern forests of Nuristan, Kunar, Nangahar, Paktiya and Khost have the most species. Figure 2. Afghanistan’s relative species richness10. This represents the number of species of amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles and a representative set of plant taxa whose distribution overlaps in each 10 km cell. Darker cells represent greater species richness on a dimensionless scale. Screenshot from UN Biodiversity Lab11, November 2021. 10. Screenshot by Chris Shank from https://explorer.naturemap.earth/map. November, 2021. 11. https://unbiodiversitylab.org 12. Olson, D. M., E. Dinerstein, E. D. Wikramanayake, N. D. Burgess, G. V. N. Powell, E. C. Underwood, J. A. D’amico, I. Itoua, H. E. Strand, and J. C. Morrison. 2001. Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth: A new global map of terrestrial ecoregions provides an innovative tool for conserving biodiversity. BioScience 51:933-938. 13. https://assessments.iucnrle.org CHAPTER 2 AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 8NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN 14. https://www.worldwildlife.org/biomes Ecosystem Diversity Ecoregions are relatively large land units containing a unique assemblage of natural communities and species. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) classified the world into 867 terrestrial ecoregions of which 17 occur in Afghanistan12. Of these, not including Rock/Ice, two are considered Stable/Intact (1.0% of country area), nine are Vulnerable (60.5% of country) and five are Critical/Endangered (37.6% of country) (Table 2 and Figure 3). To date, there have been no Afghanistan assessments under the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems criteria13. Table 2. Area and Global Status of 17 Afghanistan WWF Ecoregions14. Biome Ecoregion “Zip-Code” Ecoregion Name Area in km2 (% of country) Global Status Temperate Coniferous Forests PA0506 East Afghan Montane Conifer Forests 12,749 (2.0%) Vulnerable IM0502 Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests 248 (<0.1%) Vulnerable Temperate Grasslands, Savannahs and Shrublands PA 0808 Gissaro-Alai Open Woodlands (minor occurrence in Afghanistan) 3,658 (0.6%) Critical/ Endangered Montane Grasslands and Shrublands PA1006 Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau Alpine Steppe 4,973 (0.8%) Vulnerable PA 1014 Pamir Alpine Desert and Tundra 5,020 (0.8%) Vulnerable PA 1005 Hindu Kush Alpine Meadow 28,260 (4.4%) Vulnerable PA 1004 Ghorat-Hazarajat Alpine Meadow 66,560 (10.3%) Vulnerable PA 1012 Northwestern Himalayan Alpine Shrub and Meadows 1,770 (0.3%) Relatively Stable/ Intact PA 1018 Sulaiman Range Alpine Meadows 4,873 (0.8%) Stable/Intact Deserts and Xeric Shrublands PA1307 Baluchistan Xeric Woodlands 34,358 (5.3%) Critical/ Endangered PA 1309 Central Afghan Mountains Xeric Woodlands 139,693 (21.6%) Critical/ Endangered PA 1301 Afghan Mountains Semi-Desert 13,689 (2.1%) Critical/ Endangered PA 1306 Badkhiz-Karabil Semi-Desert 53,930 (8.3%) Critical/ Endangered PA 1313 Central Persian Desert Basins 23,079 (3.6%) Vulnerable PA 1326 Registan-North Pakistan Sandy Desert 161,346 (24.9%) Vulnerable PA 1322 Paropamisus Xeric Woodlands 92,521 (14.3%) Vulnerable Rock and Ice 854 (0.1%) CHAPTER 2AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 9 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Figure 3. Global status and geographical distribution of Afghanistan ecoregions. The locations of protected areas declared prior to 2020 are also shown. Figure 4 indicates that most of Afghanistan’s land cover can be classified as “scrub” defined as a “mix of small clusters of plants or single plants dispersed on a landscape that shows exposed soil or rock…”. Other classifications characterize most of the scrub area in Figure 4 as “grasslands”. Croplands are concentrated around major urban areas while much of the mountainous and dry areas are bare ground. The distribution of closed deciduous and coniferous forest was probably always limited to the eastern part of the country where the Indian monsoon provides summer rain. It is estimated that in the 1970s there were about 3,600 km2 of eastern forest15 or 1.0% of the country. In 2018, the extent of tree cover (>30% cover threshold) was only 718 km2 or 0.1% of the country, a loss of about 2,900 km2 since the 1970s and 1,345 km2 since 200016. 15. Sayer, J. A., and A. P. M. Van der Zon. 1981. National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Afghanistan. A Contribution to a Conservation Strategy. 2 vols., 107 and 153 pp., 25 maps. Technical Report, Rome: FAO. 16. https://rainforests.mongabay.com/deforestation/archive/Afghanistan.htm (data from Global Forest Watch) CHAPTER 2 AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 10NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Figure 4. Afghanistan land cover in 2020 at 10 m resolution (Karra et al. 2021)17. Screenshot from UN Biodiversity Lab18, November 2021. Afghanistan is an arid country with very few wetlands. The Biodiversity Assessment of Afghanistan19 lists the locations of 21 significant wetlands but suggests there are likely to be more. In arid countries wetlands are crucial habitats for breeding and migrating birds. They are also critical for aquatic plants, many invertebrate species, fish and amphibians. It is not possible to indicate total wetland area in Afghanistan because the extent of many is dependent on seasonal water availability. Protecting and restoring Afghanistan’s wetlands is critical to maintaining the country’s biodiversity. The productivity of Afghanistan’s vegetation, that is the amount of photosynthetic activity, is profoundly influenced by interannual variation in precipitation. Over the entire country, plant productivity, as indicated by NASA’s MODIS-derived (250 m) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI)20, shows no significant trend since the end of the 1996 – 2001 drought despite very large between-year variability in productivity (Figure 5). Figure 6A shows the EVI in 2000 near the end of the prolonged drought of 1996 – 2001. The darker colour indicates sparser vegetation and lower productivity. Figure 6B shows the EVI in 2019 in a year of normal precipitation. The lighter colour and greener areas indicate more plant productivity. Climate change is expected to result in more drought conditions resulting in less vegetation productivity and significant ecosystem change21. 17. Karra et al. 2021. “Global land use/land cover with Sentinel-2 and deep learning.” IGARSS 2021-2021 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium. IEEE, 2021 18. https://unbiodiversitylab.org 19. https://postconflict.unep.ch/publications/afg tech/theme 02/afg biodiv.pdf 20. UN Biodiversity Lab, methodology from Clinton 2016. "Time Series Analysis in Earth Engine" url: https://docs.google.com/presentation/ d/1J1rUtf-bkfaJwYJY-tU17kzKI4U8FnF7Q2 VWqWdaak/edit#slide=id.g4954714e1 18 21. World Bank Group and Asia Development Bank. 2021. Climate Risk Country Profile: Afghanistan. CHAPTER 2AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 11 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 20 00 20 01 20 02 20 03 20 04 20 05 20 06 20 07 20 08 20 09 20 10 20 11 20 12 20 13 20 14 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 20 19 En ha nc ed V eg et at io n In de x Sc or e Non-Drought Year Drought Year Figure 5. Afghanistan’s vegetation productivity (Enhanced Vegetation Index) from 2000 to 2019 showing differences between drought22 and normal years (Clinton 2016) 23. Data from UN Biodiversity Lab24, November 2021. Figure 6. Comparison of Afghanistan’s yearly plant productivity (Enhanced Vegetation Index) in the drought year of 2000 (A) and 2019 (B), a year of normal precipitation25 (Clinton 2016). Weekly data are integrated for the year. Dark brown = lower plant productivity, dark green = higher plant productivity, red = water/snow/rock. Data from UN Biodiversity Lab26, November 2021. 22. Drought years from https://www.afghanistan-analysts.org/en/reports/economy-development-environment/droughts-on-the-horizon-can- afghanistan-manage-this-risk/ 23. Clinton, N. 2016. "Time Series Analysis in Earth Engine" url: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1J1rUtf-bkfaJwYJY-tU17kzKI4U8FnF7Q2 VWqWdaak/edit#slide=id.g4954714e1 18 24. https://unbiodiversitylab.org 25. Clinton, N. 2016. "Time Series Analysis in Earth Engine" url: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1J1rUtf-bkfaJwYJY-tU17kzKI4U8FnF7Q2 VWqWdaak/edit#slide=id.g4954714e1 18 26. https://unbiodiversitylab.org © WCS Afghanistan 12NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN 27. https://data.worldbank.org/country/AF 28. NSIA 2022. Estimated Population of Afghanistan 2022-2023 29. https://unbiodiversitylab.org MAJOR THREATS TO AFGHANISTAN BIODIVERSITY The three major threats to Afghanistan’s biodiversity are loss and degradation of natural ecosystems, the effects of climate change and overexploitation of living resources. Lesser, but still significant, threats are environmental pollution, invasive species, the diversion and unsustainable use of water, and the loss of genetic diversity in wild and domesticated species. Afghanistan’s 45 years of instability and rapidly increasing human population have amplified each of these threats. According to World Bank the Afghanistan’s population has increased from 9 million in 1960 to 40 million in 202127, however, the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) has reported a population of 34.3 million in 202228. Figure 7 shows the lowest population density is in the mountain highlands (> ca. 3,500 m asl), Paktika and the southwestern deserts. Figure 8 shows Afghanistan’s human footprint in 2013. The human footprint is comprised of human infrastructure (buildings, roads, etc.), human population density and croplands. The human footprint is least in Wakhan, upper Panjshir, northern Nuristan, Paktika and in the south/west provinces, and is the greatest across the northern provinces, and around large urban areas throughout the country such as in the Kabul-Jalalabad corridor. Figure 7. Afghanistan population density (per 0.01 km2) in 2020 (0.025 = fewer than 2.5 persons per km2; >1= more than 100 person per km2). Data from UN Biodiversity Lab29, December 2021. CHAPTER 2AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 13 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Figure 8. Afghanistan’s human footprint in 201330. Greener areas are lower human footprint and bluer areas represent greater human footprint. Data from UN Biodiversity Lab31, December 2021. Figure 9. Afghanistan’s Biodiversity Intactness Index in 201533 showing the modelled average abundance of species relative to abundance in an intact ecosystem. The global dataset encompasses 39,123 species in 18,659 locations. Darker green areas are more intact, darker grey areas are less intact. Red areas are water/snow/rock. Data from UN Biodiversity Lab34, December 2021. 30. Williams, B.A., et al. 2020. Change in Terrestrial Human Footprint Drives Continued Loss of Intact Ecosystems. One Earth 3, 371–382. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2020.08.009 31. https://unbiodiversitylab.org 33. Newbold et al. 2016. Dataset: Global map of the Biodiversity Intactness Index, from Newbold et al. (2016) Science. Natural History Museum Data Portal (data.nhm.ac.uk). https://doi.org/10.5519/0009936 CHAPTER 2 AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 14NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Figure 9 shows the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) for Afghanistan in 2015. The BII represents the average abundance of species in a location as a percentage of the original species present. The figure indicates that the mountainous regions of northeastern Afghanistan are the most intact areas of the country. In contrast, Kunduz, Kunar, Nangarhar, Laghman and Khost are the least intact. In general, areas with greater BII (Figure 7) correspond to areas with the lower human footprint (Figure 6). In 2021, Afghanistan’s BII was predicted to be 5% above the world average, 12% higher than Uzbekistan’s, 2% higher than Tajikistan’s, but 8% lower than Pakistan’s, and 11% lower than Iran’s32. Figure 10 shows the change in the BII between 2000 and 2015 indicating that, despite relatively intact biodiversity, degradation continues throughout the country. The northeastern part of the country changed the least with most loss in Faryab, Nangarhar and Khost. Small areas scattered throughout the country showed increases in the BII. 34. https://unbiodiversitylab.org 35. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/data/biodiversity-indicators/biodiversity-intactness-index-data?future-scenario=ssp2 rcp4p5 message globiom&georegion=001&min-year=1970&max-year=2050&georegion-compare=001.142.143.UZB&future-scenario-compare=null&show- uncertainty=false 35. Newbold et al. 2016. Dataset: Global map of the Biodiversity Intactness Index, from Newbold et al. (2016) Science. Natural History Museum Data Portal (data.nhm.ac.uk). https://doi.org/10.5519/0009936 36. https://unbiodiversitylab.org CHAPTER 2AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY Figure 10. Change in Afghanistan’s Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) between 2000 and 201535. Darker brown areas indicate more intactness loss, white areas indicate little change, green areas indicate increase in intactness. Data from UN Biodiversity Lab36, December 2021. 15 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN 37. NEPA & UNEP. 2019. Afghanistan’s National Inventory Report (NIR) 2019: submission under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Kabul: National Environmental Protection Agency & United Nations Environment Programme. 38. Aich, V., and A. J. Khoshbeen 2016. Afghanistan: Climate change science perspectives. NEPA, UNEP, 39. National Intelligence Council. 2021. National Intelligence Estimate: Climate Change and International Responses Increasing Challenges to US National Security through 2040. NIC-NIE-2021-10030-A. 40. National Intelligence Council. 2021. National Intelligence Estimate: Climate Change and International Responses Increasing Challenges to US National Security through 2040. NIC-NIE-2021-10030-A. 41. https://ourworldindata.org/co2/country/afghanistan 42. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. 2015. Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, Submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 43. NEPA & UNEP 2019. Afghanistan’s National Inventory Report (NIR) 2019: submission under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Kabul: National Environmental Protection Agency & United Nations Environment Programme. p77. 44. Ibid. 45. World Bank Group and Asia Development Bank. 2021. Climate Risk Country Profile: Afghanistan. HABITAT LOSS AND ECOLOGICAL DEGRADATION Loss of habitat and degradation of ecosystems are by far the greatest threats to Afghanistan biodiversity. As population pressures on the environment mount, ever-increasing areas of Afghanistan’s natural landscapes are converted to human use or are damaged. Overgrazing, plant harvest and lalmi (rainfed cropland) all reduce vegetative cover leading to soil erosion, invasion of weeds, nutrient loss and decline in soil carbon. With the loss of vegetation, herbivores decline along with the predators that prey on them. Deforestation destroys the habitat of numerous forest dwelling plants and animals, results in soil erosion and landslides and deprives people of a critical resource for building, heating, and cooking. Diverting or damming stream courses for irrigation and overusing aquifers dries out species-rich wetlands with the loss of many species. CLIMATE CHANGE Climate changes observed to date in Afghanistan include increased frequency and duration of drought, increase in mean annual temperature, increased frequency of hot days and nights, declining spring precipitation, slightly increased winter precipitation and more extreme precipitation events37. Temperature projections for 2050 suggest increases of 1.4o to 2.0oC by 2050 with the Central Highlands, Hindu Kush and Wakhan, all significant for storage of winter precipitation, being the most affected. Annual precipitation is not expected to change greatly, but spring precipitation will continue to decline somewhat38. An October 2021 analysis names Afghanistan as one of the world’s 11 countries likely to be most acutely affected by climate change39. Afghanistan’s per capita CO2 emission (0.28 t in 2019, 0.6% of the global average) is one of the lowest in the world 40. Under the 2015 Paris agreement Afghanistan pledged to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases) by 13.6% by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual 2030 scenario; that is, to an estimated 42.7 Mt41. But by 2017 estimated emissions had grown to 43.5 Mt42. The leading source of Afghanistan’s GHG emissions is methane from livestock (18.7%) followed by carbon dioxide emitted by heavy trucks and buses (18.0%)43. Climate change is expected to result in ecosystem transitions and changes in local biodiversity44. The expectation is that some species will disappear, new species will appear, mobile species will move, while yet other species will adapt to the new conditions. There are few climate change adaptation options that directly benefit components of biodiversity. Instead, most recommendations entail protecting and restoring natural systems to maintain the resilience necessary to buffer the worst effects of climate change. For example, Afghanistan’s 2017 report to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change45 recommends protecting areas, reducing unsustainable use of natural resources and regeneration of degraded ecosystems as major approaches to climate change adaptation. CHAPTER 2 AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 16NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN 48. https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/SubmissionsStaging/NationalReports/Documents/9486351 Afghanistan-NC2-1-SNC%20Report Final 20180801%20.pdf 49. https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S2405844021013736?token=7BCA550AC2948995C340EB68CE04AEC1040E1B23CD1086FBC1744 E1AB905D7D5FFF4BB69F08FA31F52E17F16F2CA7767&originRegion=us-east-1&originCreation=20211106180906 50. https://www.cambridge.org/core/blog/2022/09/28/south-asian-vultures-and-diclofenac/ OVEREXPLOITATION Overexploitation of biodiversity refers to humans harvesting plants and animals at a greater rate than they can reproduce. Overgrazing by livestock, uncontrolled timber harvest, hunting of rare species and excessive commercial collection of wild plants for traditional medicine, are all serious overexploitation problems in Afghanistan. Loss of species through overexploitation has effects that ripple through the ecosystem not only from direct loss of the exploited species but also from those that depend on them. For example, overgrazing leaves less forage for wild ungulates which in turn affects populations of large predators such as snow leopards. Unsustainable harvesting of Afghanistan’s eastern forests is leading not only to direct loss of biodiversity but also to erosion, flooding, landslides, and avalanches. Overexploitation of natural resources leads inevitably to increased poverty among land users. UNSUSTAINABLE USE OF WATER As a mountainous country with significant winter snowfalls, Afghanistan hosts the headwaters of several major international drainages. But, damming of rivers and streams and diversion to irrigation has led to water shortages downstream and international tensions over water rights. The rapid proliferation of deep wells is depleting the ground water in many parts of the country. Coupled with periodic droughts, all these factors have depleted Afghanistan’s few wetlands resulting in biodiversity loss. POLLUTION Air and water pollution are major human health concerns throughout Afghanistan. However, it is difficult to assess the broad impact of environmental pollution on biodiversity. Heavy metals46 are found in fish and high levels of some pesticides47 are found in the Kabul River downstream of Afghanistan. Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently used in domestic animals to treat pain and fever. However, many of these drugs (and particularly diclofenac) are deadly to vultures consuming dead livestock that have been treated with them. Diclofenac poisoning has resulted in a greater than 90% decline in three vulture species in South Asia since 1990’s48. CHAPTER 2AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 17 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN THREATENED SPECIES The IUCN Red List categories indicate how close a species is to global extinction. Sixty-five Afghanistan species are currently listed in the three ‘Threatened’ categories: Critically Endangered, Endangered and Vulnerable. Annex 3 lists Afghanistan species in major taxonomic groups currently listed as Critically Endangered (9), Endangered (17), and Vulnerable (39) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species49. The Red List also cites 43 Afghanistan species as Near Threatened, 1113 species as Lower Risk, and 44 as Data Deficient. Article 47 of the Environment Law (2007) states that Afghanistan will list species with unfavourable conservation status as “protected”. The Afghanistan Wildlife Executive Committee (AWEC) is an expert committee established in 2009 to assess the status of the country’s wild species. The current list is comprised of 149 species of wild flora and fauna. AGRICULTURAL DIVERSITY Agricultural diversity refers to the variety of crops and livestock that farmers employ, the genetic variability within the diversity of varieties and landraces employed, the genetic variability of the wild progenitors of domesticated species as well as the micro-organisms that maintain soil fertility. Agricultural biodiversity is important because it provides the farmer with the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions50. 49. IUCN 2021. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2021-2. https://www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded November 2021. 50. UNEP. 2008. Biodiversity Profile of Afghanistan. CHAPTER 2 AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY © Zalmai Moheb, WCS Afghanistan 18NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN 51. https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/documents/PAG-021.pdf PROTECTED AREAS Protected areas—national parks, wildlife and waterfowl reserves and protected landscapes—are dedicated to the protection of nature and are therefore central to any country’s approach to biodiversity conservation. Articles 43 – 38 of Afghanistan’s Environment Law (2007) establish the legal basis for Afghanistan’s protected areas. The accepted international definition of a protected area is “… a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values”51. Article 42 of the Environment Law of Afghanistan states that protected areas must be created in consultation with local communities, have a justification for establishment, a physical survey of the area, comprehensive management plan and government funding. And finally, protected areas must be established by law. Following these criteria, to be an official protected area it must meet all the following minimal conditions: . 1 Be established in consultation with local communities, . 2 Have a justification document and/or management plan, . 3 Have clearly defined boundaries, . 4 Have some management in place, and . 5 5. Be established by law as a protected area Band-e-Amir, Ajar Valley, Big Pamir, Dasht-e-Nawar and Ab-e-Estada were all officially gazetted in the 1970s, but these designations have lapsed. None of the current protected areas have yet been gazetted. CHAPTER 2AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY © WCS Afghanistan 19 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Ta bl e 3. A dh er en ce to o ffi ci al p ro te ct ed a re a cr ite ria b y th e ni ne p ro te ct ed a re as d ec la re d by N EP A. Ar ea N am e IU CN Cl as s Ar ea k m 2 (% of c ou nt ry ) Co ns ul ta ti on Ju st ifi ca ti on M an ag em en t Pl an Cl ea r Bo un da ri es M an ag em en t Es ta bl is he d in L aw D ec la re d by N EP A Ba nd -e -A m ir N at io na l P ar k II 61 3 (0 .1 % ) Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s Pr es id en tia l D ec re e Ye s W ak ha n N at io na l P ar k II 10 ,9 50 (1 .7 % ) Ye s Ye s Ye s, n ot ap pr ov ed Ye s Ye s M in is te ria l Co un ci l Ap pr ov al Ye s Ba m ya n Pl at ea u Pr ot ec te d La nd sc ap e V 4, 20 0± (0 .6 % ) Ye s Ye s N o Ye s Ye s N o Ye s Sh ah F ol ad i Pr ot ec te d La nd sc ap e V 70 0± (0 .1 % ) Ye s Ye s N o Ye s N o N o Ye s Ko l-e -H as hm at Kh an W at er fo w l Sa nc tu ar y IV 2 (0 .0 % ) N o Ye s Ye s Ye s Ye s N o Ye s N ur is ta n N at io na l P ar k II 9, 22 5 (1 .5 % ) N o N o N o Ye s N o N o Ye s D ar qa d W ild lif e Sa nc tu ar y IV 62 8 (0 .1 % ) N o N o N o N o N o N o Ye s Im am S ah ib W ild lif e Sa nc tu ar y IV 58 2 (0 .1 % ) N o N o N o N o N o N o Ye s D as ht -e -N aw ar W at er fo w l Sa nc tu ar y IV 37 5 (0 .1 % ) N o N o N o N o N o N o Ye s TO TA L 27 ,2 75 (4 .2 % ) To ge th er th es e ni ne a re as c om pr is e ap pr ox im at el y 27 ,2 75 k m 2 or % 4. 2 of th e Af gh an is ta n’ s to ta l a re a. CHAPTER 2 AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY 20NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN CHAPTER 2AFGHANISTAN’S BIODIVERSITY An alternative to formal protected areas that has gained increased recognition in recent years are other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). An OECM is defined as “a geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in- situ conservation of biodiversity with associated ecosystem functions and services and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio–economic, and other locally relevant values”. The distinguishing criterion is that protected areas have a primary conservation objective whereas an OECM “delivers in-situ conservation of biodiversity, regardless of its objectives”52. For example, a hunting reserve might have the primary purpose of generating a profit through trophy hunting but may also serve to protect the environment and the long-term survival of the hunted species. Figure 11 presents the results of an analysis using the Zonation software to create a spatially explicit map of conservation priorities across the country and to identify key areas for future action. Zonation utilizes an iterative removal algorithm, wherein the landscape is divided into cells, each of which is given a value based on user-determined inputs. The lowest-value cells are then ‘removed’, and the remaining cells are then re-evaluated – this process is repeated iteratively until no cells remain. The order in which cells were removed gives their conservation priority with the cells removed first being lowest priority and the cells removed last given highest priority. Users can customize the inputs used to produce a priority ranking based on their specific factors of interest. In the analysis featured in Figure 10, measures of ecological representation, climate stability, habitat condition, terrestrial vertebrate species diversity and threatened species diversity were used to generate the rankings. High priority areas indicated in blue and green in Figure 10 have high potential for new protected areas. Field surveys must first be done to determine if the areas encompass sufficient biological value and community support to warrant designation as protected areas or OECMs. Figure 11. Modeling of priority protected areas for Afghanistan with Provincial and District boundaries. Functional protected areas are outlined in blue. Protected areas in yellow are yet to be fully functional. Modeling by Conservation Solutions, Wildlife Conservation Society. 52. IUCN-WDPA Task Force on OECMs. 2019. Guidelines for recognising and reporting other effective area‐based conservation measures. International Union for Conservation of Nature Switzerland, Gland, Switzerland. 21 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS3 © WCS Afghanistan 22NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Six consultation workshops were conducted between January and May 2021 jointly by WCS and NEPA for the NBSAP revision process (Figure 12). Stakeholders from 27 of the 34 provinces gathered in five regional cities (Mazar-e Sharif, Kabul, Jalalabad, Herat, and Faizabad) and shared their thoughts and opinions. These regional cities, as strategic urban centers, were selected to host the consultation workshop where participants from neighboring provinces come together and represent their provinces. A ‘Whole of Society Approach’ that ensured inclusiveness, was used to identify stakeholder organizations including national, provincial and municipal government offices, law enforcement authorities, universities, environmental NGOs and Provincial Assembly representatives. A total of 669 people participated in the workshops including 77 women, 109 youth (including 51 females) and 483 adult males. Results of these consultations have been categorized per topic and informed the development of the present revised NBSAP document. Descriptive statistics from these consultations are provided in Annex 2. Following development of the draft NBSAP, a three-day workshop was hosted by NEPA in May 2023 (Figure 13). The workshop was attended by representatives from NEPA, MAIL, the Kabul University, the Kabul Zoo, the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakhtar News Agency, Ministry of Mine and Petroliam, Ministry of Information and Culture, Ministry of Justice, Kabul Municipality, and Department of National Intelligence. The draft was reviewed and discussed line-by-line and comments were incorporated into the final version of the NBSAP. CHAPTER 3CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS 52. IUCN-WDPA Task Force on OECMs. 2019. Guidelines for recognising and reporting other effective area‐based conservation measures. International Union for Conservation of Nature Switzerland, Gland, Switzerland. © Suliman Haidari, WCS Afghanistan 23 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN CHAPTER 3 CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS Figure 12. Stage Banner used during the NBSAP regional consultation workshops in different regions of Afghanistan. Figure 13. The NBSAP Project Manager presenting the NBSAP contents to the stakeholders and moderating the discussions during the three-days review workshop at NEPA Headquarters in Kabul. © Suliman Haidari, WCS Afghanistan 24NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN THE KUNMING- MONTREAL GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK 4 © WCS Afghanistan 25 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN CHAPTER 4 THE KUNMING-MONTREAL GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK In 2010, the CBD approved a Strategic Plan for Biodiversity which included the “Aichi Biodiversity Targets”. This set of 20 Targets was to be achieved by 2020. However, an official review53 concluded that none of the 20 Targets had been met at the global scale although some progress was made. The reasons identified included vague language, uncertain goals, inadequate financing, and lack of consistent, quantitative monitoring. Recognizing the failure to achieve the Aichi Targets, the CBD approved the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December 2022 designed to address the lessons learned from the 2010- 2020 strategy. The Kunming-Montreal Framework, adapted to current Afghanistan realities, provides the basis for the target-setting in this NBSAP. The vision of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a world of living in harmony with nature where “by 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people.” The Framework defines a Mission stating what must be accomplished at the global scale by 2030 to be on track to meet the 2050 Vision. The 2030 Mission is: To take urgent action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss to put nature on a path to recovery for the benefit of people and planet by conserving and sustainably using biodiversity and by ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of genetic resources, while providing the necessary means of implementation. 53. https://www.cbd.int/gbo5/ © WCS Afghanistan 26NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN This NBSAP details how the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan intends to contribute nationally to the global Vision and Mission. The Framework has four over-arching global-level goals for 2050 related to the Vision. Of these four goals, only A and B are considered relevant to Afghanistan’s current national biodiversity planning. Goal C is intended to ensure that countries of origin benefit from their genetic resources and the genetic sequence data of species occurring in the country. Currently, Afghanistan lacks data on its genetic resources, does not have the capacity to acquire it, and has higher priority issues of biodiversity conservation. A post-2030 NBSAP should revisit this issue. Goal D is a global goal urging flow of financial resources and capacity building from richer nations to least developed nations, such as Afghanistan. GOAL A • The integrity, connectivity and resilience of all ecosystems are maintained, enhanced, or restored, substantially increasing the area of natural ecosystems by 2050. • Human induced extinction of known threatened species is halted, and, by 2050, the extinction rate and risk of all species are reduced tenfold, and the abundance of native wild species is increased to healthy and resilient levels. • The genetic diversity within populations of wild and domesticated species, is maintained, safeguarding their adaptive potential. GOAL C • The monetary and non-monetary benefits from the utilization of genetic resources and digital sequence information on genetic resources, and of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, as applicable, are shared fairly and equitably, including, as appropriate with indigenous peoples and local communities, and substantially increased by 2050, while ensuring traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources is appropriately protected, thereby contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, in accordance with internationally agreed access and benefit-sharing instruments. GOAL A • Biodiversity is sustainably used and managed and nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, are valued, maintained, and enhanced, with those currently in decline being restored, supporting the achievement of sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations by 2050. GOAL D • Adequate means of implementation, including financial resources, capacity-building, technical and scientific cooperation, and access to and transfer of technology to fully implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework are secured and equitably accessible to all Parties, especially developing country Parties, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing States, as well as countries with economies in transition, progressively closing the biodiversity finance gap of $700 billion per year, and aligning financial flows with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the 2050 Vision for biodiversity. CHAPTER 4THE KUNMING-MONTREAL GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY FRAMEWORK 27 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN AFGHANISTAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS 5 © WCS Afghanistan 28NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN To fulfill the Global 2030 Mission, every country must define Targets to be achieved by 2030, determine the Actions necessary to achieve those targets and how they will be monitored. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework proposes 23 Targets. Considering the challenges currently faced by Afghanistan, the country can reasonably expect to address only 18 of them. Targets have been reframed into an Afghanistan perspective (see COP 15/4 for original wording). Recognizing Afghanistan’s constraints in capacity and funding, six of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Targets (7, 11, 17, 18, 23) will not be addressed. To maintain the integrity of the Framework’s Target structure, they are retained in the text together with the justification for Afghanistan choosing not to address them. The 15th Conference of Parties also adopted a monitoring framework to complement the Kunming- Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Monitoring Framework calls for mandatory monitoring of Headline Indicators for all Goals and Targets. It also includes optional Component and Complementary indicators which can be found in COP Decision 15/5. Some of the proposed indicators have not yet been fully developed. Although not called for in the Monitoring Framework, Afghanistan proposes Action Indicators intended to assess to what degree actions were undertaken and achieved. Annex 1 is a list of those proposed actions and indicators relevant to Afghanistan together with the entity responsible for delivery and the expected completion date. The total cost of implementing the NBSAP from 2024 – 2030 is estimated at approximately $80-110M. Recognizing that lack of funding and capacity are likely to limit full implementation of the NBSAP, priority should be given to addressing Targets 1 – 5. This will ensure the largest and most immediate results in conserving the Afghanistan’s biodiversity. © WCS Afghanistan CHAPTER 5AFGHAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS 29 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN REDUCING THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY TARGET 1. AFGHANISTAN WILL UNDERTAKE BIODIVERSITY-INCLUSIVE LAND-USE PLANNING IN ALL PROTECTED AREAS AND THEIR BUFFER ZONES TO ENSURE NO FURTHER LOSS IN ECOSYSTEMS OF HIGH ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY. PLANNING ELSEWHERE IN THE COUNTRY WILL BE OPPORTUNISTIC. Action 1.1. Include land-use planning in management plans for all protected areas. Action 1.2. Undertake spatial planning opportunistically throughout the remainder of the country with significant biodiversity values. TARGET 2. AFGHANISTAN WILL RESTORE DEGRADED HABITAT IN PROTECTED AREAS AND IN SPECIFIC ECOSYSTEMS AS RESOURCES ALLOW. Action 2.1. Reduce shrub harvest in protected areas. Action 2.2. Reduce impact of livestock grazing on grasslands in protected areas. Action 2.3. Reduce land conversion to lalmi and undertake research on restoration or replacement of lalmi inside and around protected areas. Action 2.4. Undertake community tree planting. © Ali Rajabi, WCS Afghanistan CHAPTER 5 AFGHAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS 30NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Action 2.5. Ensure adequate water supply to a minimum of three sizable wetlands. TARGET 3. AFGHANISTAN WILL ENSURE THAT AT LEAST 10% OF THE COUNTRY IS IN PROTECTED AREAS OR OTHER EFFECTIVE AREA-BASED CONSERVATION MEASURES (OECMS). ENSURE THAT SUSTAINABLE USE IN PROTECTED AREAS AND OECMS IS CONSISTENT WITH CONSERVATION OUTCOMES. Action 3.1. Create additional areas under protection totaling at least 65,000 km2. Action 3.2. Develop and/or update management plans. Action 3.3. Evaluate existing management plans for management effectiveness. Action 3.4. Effectively protect and manage all protected areas. Action 3.5. Afghanistan will revise the national protected area system plan with updated priorities for creation of new protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (oecms). Action 3.6. Establish protected areas based on law. © Zalmai Moheb, WCS Afghanistan CHAPTER 5AFGHAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS 31 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN TARGET 4. AFGHANISTAN WILL MAINTAIN POPULATION NUMBERS OF TARGETED SPECIES AND DOCUMENT BASELINE GENETIC DIVERSITY. Action 4.1. Undertake conservation programs for priority species noted in annex 4. Action 4.2. Establish baseline data on genetic diversity for targeted species. Action 4.3. Ban the import and sale of veterinary diclofenac to protect vultures. Action 4.4. Review and update the AWEC list of protected species noted in annex 5. TARGET 5. AFGHANISTAN WILL ENSURE THAT THE HARVESTING, TRADE AND USE OF WILD SPECIES IS SUSTAINABLE AND LEGAL. Action 5.1. Regulate hunting by law or decree. Action 5.2. Regulate firearms and ammunition; particularly shotguns and .22 calibre rifles. CHAPTER 5 AFGHAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS © Zalmai Moheb, WCS Afghanistan 32NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Action 5.3. Control illegal harvest of wild animals in protected areas. Action 5.4. Ensure that fur and other products of protected species are not offered for sale in Afghanistan. Action 5.5. Establish a functional cites office with trained management and scientific authorities. Action 5.6. Report on harvest and international trade of Hing (Asafoetida), licorice and medicinal plants. Action 5.7. Train and deploy border officials to intercept wildlife trafficking. Action 5.8. Eliminate hunting of wildlife by afghan armed forces personnel through internal education programs and enforcement. TARGET 6. ELIMINATE, MINIMIZE, REDUCE AND OR MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ON BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. Action 6.1. Afghanistan will continue to control alien species affecting agricultural production. TARGET 7. REDUCE POLLUTION RISKS AND THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF POLLUTION FROM ALL SOURCES TO LEVELS THAT ARE NOT HARMFUL TO BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES. Afghanistan will not address Target 7. It is not clear that pollution is a serious threat to Afghanistan’s biodiversity. The effects of air pollution and plastic waste are best addressed by another forum such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Pesticide and fertilizer use is relatively minor in Afghanistan and reducing them further jeopardizes food independence. TARGET 8. AFGHANISTAN WILL MINIMIZE THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BIODIVERSITY AND CONTRIBUTE TO MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION THROUGH ECOSYSTEM-BASED APPROACHES. Action 8.1. Undertake actions that contribute to resilience of natural systems as referenced in targets 1, 2 and 3. MEETING PEOPLE’S NEEDS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE USE AND BENEFIT-SHARING TARGET 9. AFGHANISTAN WILL ENSURE BENEFITS, INCLUDING NUTRITION, FOOD SECURITY, MEDICINES, AND LIVELIHOODS ESPECIALLY FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE THROUGH SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF WILD SPECIES AND PROTECTING CUSTOMARY SUSTAINABLE USE BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES. Action 9.1. Undertake actions that contribute to resilience of natural systems as referenced in targets 1, 2 and 3. CHAPTER 5AFGHAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS 33 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN TARGET 10. AFGHANISTAN WILL ENSURE ALL AGRICULTURAL AREA ARE MANAGED SUSTAINABLY, IN PARTICULAR THROUGH THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY, INCREASING THE PRODUCTIVITY AND RESILIENCE OF THESE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS. Action 10.1. In consultation with local communities and agricultural experts, adapt livestock husbandry and agricultural practices to ensure sustainability in protected areas and their buffer zones. Action 10.2 Introduce forest management approaches and halt illegal logging in forests. TARGET 11. RESTORE, MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE NATURE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO PEOPLE, INCLUDING ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES THROUGH NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS AND/OR ECOSYSTEM-BASED APPROACHES FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL PEOPLE AND NATURE. Afghanistan will not address Target 11. Target 2 addresses this issue through promotion of ecosystem resilience. TARGET 12. AFGHANISTAN WILL INCREASE THE AREA OF, ACCESS TO, AND BENEFITS FROM GREEN AND BLUE SPACES, FOR HUMAN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN URBAN AREAS AND OTHER DENSELY POPULATED AREAS. Action 12.1. Increase city green space in larger cities by planting native trees. Action 12.2. Explore practical approaches to maintaining and restoring water in larger urban water bodies. TARGET 13. ENSURE THE FAIR AND EQUITABLE SHARING OF BENEFITS THAT ARISE FROM THE UTILIZATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES AND FROM DIGITAL SEQUENCE INFORMATION ON GENETIC RESOURCES, AS WELL AS TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE ASSOCIATED WITH GENETIC RESOURCES, AND FACILITATING APPROPRIATE ACCESS TO GENETIC RESOURCES, AND BY 2030, FACILITATING A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF THE BENEFITS SHARED. Action 13.1. Promote the technical transfer of genetic knowledge, technology and benefit sharing to government staff and academic institutions. TOOLS AND SOLUTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINSTREAMING TARGET 14. AFGHANISTAN WILL FULLY INTEGRATE BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION INTO POLICIES, REGULATIONS, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES, POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGIES, ACCOUNTS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ASSESSMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. Action 14.1. Hold workshops (biodiversity roundtables) in all relevant ministries and major stakeholders describing the NBSAP and societal commitments to implement it. CHAPTER 5 AFGHAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS 34NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN Action 14.2. Implement approval procedures for industrial development projects affecting the environment outlined in chapter three of the environment law and the environmental impact assessment regulations. Action 14.3. Enact and enforce legislation and regulations governing hunting, rangeland use and protected areas. TARGET 15. ENSURE THAT NATIONAL AND TRANSNATIONAL BUSINESSES AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS MONITOR AND DISCLOSE THEIR IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY, PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THEIR CUSTOMERS ON SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION OPTIONS AND REPORT ON COMPLIANCE WITH ACCESS AND BENEFIT SHARING REGULATIONS. Action 15.1. National and international businesses conduct environmental impact assessment of their projects and products before implementation. TARGET 16. ENSURE THAT PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED AND ENABLED TO MAKE SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION CHOICES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING OVERCONSUMPTION AND SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCING WASTE GENERATION. Action 16.1. Explore afghan-relevant approaches to incentivise people to make sustainable choices. TARGET 17. ESTABLISH, STRENGTHEN CAPACITY FOR, AND IMPLEMENT IN ALL COUNTRIES, BIOSAFETY MEASURES FOR THE HANDLING OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION OF ITS BENEFITS. Afghanistan will not address Target 17. Biotechnology is not a significant threat to Afghanistan relative to other more pressing issues. TARGET 18. ELIMINATE, PHASE OUT OR REFORM INCENTIVES, INCLUDING SUBSIDIES, HARMFUL FOR BIODIVERSITY. Afghanistan will not address Target 18. Subsidies harmful to biodiversity are few in Afghanistan. TARGET 19. AFGHANISTAN WILL SEEK TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES SUBSTANTIALLY AND PROGRESSIVELY FROM ALL SOURCES, IN AN EFFECTIVE, TIMELY AND EASILY ACCESSIBLE MANNER TO IMPLEMENT AFGHANISTAN’S NBSAP. ACTION 19.1. Afghanistan will ensure that opportunities for biodiversity funding are open, transparent and clearly communicated. CHAPTER 5AFGHAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS 35 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN CHAPTER 5 AFGHAN CONSERVATION TARGETS, ACTIONS, AND INDICATORS TARGET 20. AFGHANSITAN WILL SEEK TO STRENGTHEN CAPACITY-BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT, ACCESS TO AND TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY, AND PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT OF AND ACCESS TO INNOVATION AND TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION FOR THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY AND STRENGTHENING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND MONITORING CAPACITIES. Action 20.1. Afghanistan will ensure that opportunities for capacity building, technology-transfer and scientific cooperation are open, transparent and clearly communicated. TARGET 21. AFGHANISTAN WILL ENSURE THAT THE KNOWLEDGE BASE, BOTH SCIENTIFIC AND TRADITIONAL, NECESSARY FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND AWARENESS OF BIODIVERSITY IS AVAILABLE AND COMMUNICATED. Action 21.1. Afghanistan will develop a digital repository of information on the country’s biodiversity for use. Action 21.2. Afghanistan will raise awareness about biodiversity through the Kabul zoo, schools, mosques and media. TARGET 22. AFGHANISTAN WILL ENSURE THE FULL, EQUITABLE, INCLUSIVE, EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION AND PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES, RESPECTING THEIR CULTURES AND THEIR RIGHTS OVER LANDS, TERRITORIES, RESOURCES, AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE. Action 22.1. All protected areas will have protected area committees with local people in the majority. Action 22.2. All OECMS will be developed with the full knowledge, cooperation and agreement of local people. TARGET 23. ENSURE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN. Afghanistan will not address Target 23. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers participation of women in society in accordance with the Islamic laws (Sharia) 36NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION, POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE 6 © Sorosh Poya-Faryabi, WCS Afghanistan 37 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN The NBSAP is largely focused on biodiversity conservation, but for its implementation to be effective in Afghanistan, it must be complemented by broader development and humanitarian initiatives. We have grouped the Targets into three 'portfolios' that help understand which sets of proposed actions address a specific component of integrating biodiversity conservation and sustainable development (Figure 14). Targets 19 (financing) and 20 (capacity-building) are broadly cross-cutting issues applying to all Portfolios and NBSAP Targets. Biodiversity Conservation, Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Use Portfolio #1 Biodiversity Conservation and strengthening governance, legislation and planning Target 1, 5, 12, 14 Portfolio 2# Biodiversity Conservation and direct benefit sharing Target 3, 4, 9 Portfolio #3 Biodiversity Conservation and sustainable land use Target 2, 8, 10 © Ali Rajabi, WCS Afghanistan CHAPTER 6 INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION, POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE Figure 14. This diagram shows the relevance of national targets to different biodiversity portfolios. 38NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN PORTFOLIO #1 Strengthen governance, legislation and planning. Target 1. Biodiversity-inclusive land-use planning • Undertake land reform. • Enforce land management law. • Enact rangeland law. • Enact protected area regulations. • Enhance capacity for environmental impact assessment (EIA). • Ameliorate land use conflicts. • Develop models of bottom-up participatory planning. • Assess and develop alternative land uses and livelihoods. • Develop holistic natural resource management (NRM) projects. • Develop criteria, guidelines, and legislation for OECMs. • Enhance protection for small (< 1 ha) wetlands. Target 5. Harvesting, trade and use of wild species is sustainable and legal • Enforce hunting law. • Enact regulations controlling firearms and ammunition. • Enforce forest law. • Enforce CITES procedures and reporting. Target 12. Increase green and blue spaces in urban areas • Improve the quality of urban planning. Target 14. Integrate biodiversity values into policies, regulations, planning • Further develop poverty eradication policies. • Enhance policy coherence. PORTFOLIO #2 Biodiversity conservation and direct benefit sharing Target 3. 10% of the country in protected areas • Promote sustainable tourism. • Empower local communities. • Increase cash income to local people (tourism and other protected area related incomes). • Promote community financing and revenue sharing. • Provide local employment and business opportunities. • Approve and pilot a limited number of OECMs and monitor their performance. Target 4. Maintain population numbers of targeted species • Support OECMs and other sustainable use models. • Enact direct payment approaches to reduce harm to protected species. • Support species monitoring initiatives including participatory monitoring and citizen science. CHAPTER 6INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION, POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE 39 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN PORTFOLIO #3 Biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use Target 2. Restore degraded habitat • Secure land tenure for traditional users. • Promote alternative climate-resilient, biodiversity-friendly, and sustainable agriculture and natural resource use practices. • Introduce alternatives to biomass for heating and cooking. • Develop community-based afforestation programs. • Ban conversion of seasonal wetlands to agriculture or land mining purposes. Target 8. Minimize impact of climate change on biodiversity • Reduce biodiversity exposure and vulnerability to climate-change related catastrophes. • Develop climate-resilient food production systems. • Promote crop and livestock diversity. • Maintain intact riparian habitats. Target 10. Manage agriculture and forestry sustainably • Increase agricultural productivity sustainably. • Secure land tenure for traditional users. • Provide micro loans to producers. • Improve profitability of agricultural markets to producers. • Support seed banks. • Implement community-based afforestation and reforestation programs. • Reduce illegal forest harvest through community involvement, legislation, and enforcement. • Promote understanding of sustainable forest management practices. Target 9. Ensure benefits through sustainable management of wild species and protecting customary sustainable use by local communities • Promote wildlife-based tourism. • Develop sustainable harvesting and trade programs for commercial use of wild plants. • Develop sustainable community forestry programs. CHAPTER 6 INTEGRATING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION, POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE 40NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX ANNEXES7 © WCS Afghanistan 41 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX ANNEX 1. SUMMARY OF GOALS, TARGETS, HEADLINE INDICATORS ACTIONS, ACTION INDICATORS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND COMPLETION DATES. Please note the following: • The CBD expects Headline Indicators to be assessed. This will ensure consistent summaries of performance at the global scale. Headline Indicator numbers are preceded by an “H” to differentiate them for Target Indicators. The CBD has not yet approved some of the Headline Indicators. Afghanistan will not address all Headline Indicators. • “Responsibility” means the entity that ensures that the work is initiated and completed. It does not mean that that entity necessarily undertakes the work itself. It can be considered as an “executing agency”. • Start dates cannot be determined since initiation of work will depend upon funding availability. • Goal A and Targets 1 – 5 are considered the highest priority for biodiversity conservation. In the event of limited resources, these are the issues that should be addressed first. © WCS Afghanistan 1 42NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX © WCS Afghanistan G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e G oa l A Th e in te gr ity , c on ne ct iv ity a nd re si lie nc e of a ll ec os ys te m s ar e m ai nt ai ne d, e nh an ce d, o r r es to re d, su bs ta nt ia lly in cr ea si ng th e ar ea o f na tu ra l e co sy st em s by 2 05 0. H um an in du ce d ex tin ct io n of k no w n th re at en ed s pe ci es is h al te d, a nd , b y 20 50 , t he e xt in ct io n ra te a nd ri sk o f al l s pe ci es a re re du ce d te nf ol d, a nd th e ab un da nc e of n at iv e w ild s pe ci es is in cr ea se d to h ea lth y an d re si lie nt le ve ls . Th e ge ne tic d iv er si ty w ith in po pu la tio ns o f w ild a nd do m es tic at ed s pe ci es , i s m ai nt ai ne d, sa fe gu ar di ng th ei r a da pt iv e po te nt ia l. H A. 1 Re d Li st o f E co sy st em s H A. 2 Ex te nt o f n at ur al ec os ys te m s. H A. 3 Re d Li st In de x H A. 4 Th e pr op or tio n of po pu la tio ns w ith in s pe ci es w ith a n eff ec tiv e po pu la tio n si ze > 5 00 H A. 1. N EP A H A. 2. N EP A H A. 3. N EP A H A. 4. M AI L H A. 1. M AI L, A ca de m ia , Ac ad em y of S ci en ce , M oF H A. 2. M AI L H A. 3. M AI L H A. 4. N EP A, N G O s, IN G O s H A. 1. 2 03 0 H A. 2. 2 03 0 H A. 3 20 25 an d 20 30 H A. 4. 2 03 0 G oa l B Bi od iv er si ty is s us ta in ab ly u se d an d m an ag ed a nd n at ur e’ s co nt rib ut io ns to p eo pl e, in cl ud in g ec os ys te m fu nc tio ns a nd s er vi ce s, ar e va lu ed , m ai nt ai ne d, a nd en ha nc ed , w ith th os e cu rr en tly in de cl in e be in g re st or ed , s up po rt in g th e ac hi ev em en t o f s us ta in ab le de ve lo pm en t f or th e be ne fit o f pr es en t a nd fu tu re g en er at io ns b y 20 50 . H B. 1. S er vi ce s pr ov id ed b y ec os ys te m s (in di ca to r i s un de ve lo pe d by C BD ) H B. 1. N on e H B. 1. N on e H B. 1. N on e G oa l C N ot c on si de re d by A fg ha ni st an G oa l D N ot c on si de re d by A fg ha ni st an Ta rg et 1 . A fg ha ni st an w ill u nd er ta ke bi od iv er si ty -in cl us iv e la nd -u se pl an ni ng in a ll pr ot ec te d ar ea s an d th ei r b uff er z on es to e ns ur e no fu rt he r l os s in e co sy st em s of hi gh e co lo gi ca l i nt eg rit y. P la nn in g el se w he re in th e co un tr y w ill b e op po rt un is tic . H 1. 1. R ed L is t o f E co sy st em s H 1. 2. E xt en t o f n at ur al ec os ys te m s H 1. 3. P er ce nt o f l an d an d se a ar ea c ov er ed b y bi od iv er si ty - in cl us iv e sp at ia l p la ns . 1. M AI L 2. N EP A 3. N EP A 1. N EP A 2. M AI L, IN G O 3. M AI L 1. 2 02 7 – 20 30 2. 2 02 7 - 2 03 0 3. 2 02 7 - 2 03 0 1 43 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e 1. 1. In cl ud e la nd -u se p la nn in g in m an ag em en t p la ns fo r a ll pr ot ec te d ar ea s. 1. 2. U nd er ta ke s pa tia l p la nn in g op po rt un is tic al ly th ro ug ho ut th e re m ai nd er o f t he c ou nt ry . 1. 1. A ll pr ot ec te d ar ea m an ag em en t p la ns in cl ud in g la nd -u se pl an ni ng . 1. 2. N o qu an tit at iv e ta rg et pr op os ed . T he e xt en t of s pa tia l b io di ve rs ity - in cl us iv e pl an ni ng o ut si de pr ot ec te d ar ea s w ill b e no te d. 1. 1. M AI L 1. 2. M AI L 1. 1 N EP A 1. 2. N EP A 1. 1. 2 02 5 – 20 30 1. 2. n o tim el in e Ta rg et 2 . A fg ha ni st an w ill re st or e de gr ad ed h ab ita t i n pr ot ec te d ar ea s an d in s pe ci fic e co sy st em s as re so ur ce s al lo w . H 2. 1. A re a un de r r es to ra tio n H 2. 1. M AI L H 2. 1. N EP A, IN G O H 2. 1. 2 03 0 2. 1. R ed uc e sh ru b ha rv es t i n pr ot ec te d ar ea s. 2. 2. R ed uc e im pa ct o f l iv es to ck gr az in g on g ra ss la nd s in pr ot ec te d ar ea s. 2. 3. R ed uc e la nd c on ve rs io n to la lm i a nd u nd er ta ke re se ar ch on re st or at io n or re pl ac em en t of la lm i. 2. 4. U nd er ta ke c om m un ity tr ee pl an tin g. 2. 5. P ro vi de a de qu at e w at er su pp ly to a m in im um o f t hr ee si za bl e w et la nd s. 2. 1. S hr ub c ov er de cr ea se d in d eg ra de d ar ea s of p ro te ct ed a re as as d et er m in ed b y re m ot e se ns in g an d fie ld s ur ve ys . 2. 2. G ra ss c ov er m ai nt ai ne d or in cr ea se d in p ro te ct ed a re a as de te rm in ed b y re m ot e se ns in g an d fie ld s ur ve ys . 2. 3. R ep or t o n la lm i re du ct io n, re st or at io n or re pl ac em en t p ro je ct s. 2. 4 In cr ea se in fo re st c ov er in d efi ne d ar ea s. 2. 5. R ep or t o n w at er av ai la bi lit y. 2. 1. M AI L 2. 2. M AI L 2. 3. M AI L 2. 4. M AI L 2. 5. M AI L 2. 1. N EP A, IN G O 2. 2. N EP A, IN G O 2. 3. N EP A, IN G O 2. 4. N EP A, P ro te ct ed Ar ea C om m itt ee 2. 5. C ity o f K ab ul , re le va nt e nt iti es 2. 1 20 26 -2 03 0 2. 2 20 25 -2 03 0 2. 3 20 25 - 20 30 2. 4. 2 03 0 2. 5. 2 03 0 1 44NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e Ta rg et 3 . A fg ha ni st an w ill e ns ur e th at a t l ea st 1 0% o f t he c ou nt ry is in pr ot ec te d ar ea s or o th er e ffe ct iv e ar ea -b as ed c on se rv at io n m ea su re s (O EC M s) . E ns ur e th at s us ta in ab le us e in p ro te ct ed a re as a nd O EC M s is c on si st en t w ith c on se rv at io n ou tc om es . H 3. 1. C ov er ag e of p ro te ct ed ar ea s an d ot he r e ffe ct iv e ar ea - ba se d co ns er va tio n m ea su re s H 3. 1. N EP A H 3. 1. M AI L, IN G O s H 3. 1. 2 03 0 3. 1. C re at e ad di tio na l a re as un de r p ro te ct io n to ta lin g at le as t 65 ,0 00 k m 2 . 3. 2. D ev el op a nd u pd at e m an ag em en t p la ns . 3. 3. E va lu at e ex is tin g m an ag em en t p la ns fo r m an ag em en t e ffe ct iv en es s. 3. 4. E ffe ct iv el y pr ot ec t a nd m an ag e al l p ro te ct ed a re as . 3. 5. A fg ha ni st an w ill re vi se th e na tio na l p ro te ct ed a re a sy st em pl an w ith u pd at ed p rio rit ie s fo r cr ea tio n of n ew p ro te ct ed a re as an d ot he r e ffe ct iv e ar ea -b as ed co ns er va tio n m ea su re s (O EC M s) . 3. 6. E st ab lis h pr ot ec te d ar ea s in la w . 3. 1. N um be r o f k m 2 o f ne w a re as u nd er e ffe ct iv e pr ot ec tio n. 3. 2. A ll ne w p ro te ct ed ar ea s w ill h av e ju st ifi ca tio n do cu m en ts or m an ag em en t p la ns in p la ce b y 20 30 a nd a ll ex pi re d m an ag em en t pl an s w ill b e up da te d. 3. 3. M an ag em en t p la n re vi ew s as se ss th e de gr ee to w hi ch p la nn ed a ct io ns ha ve b ee n co m pl et ed an d su ffi ci en t r es ou rc es al lo ca te d. 3. 4. M an ag em en t p la n re vi ew s as se ss th e ad eq ua cy o f p ro te ct io n an d m an ag em en t. 3. 5. P ro te ct ed A re as Sy st em P la n re vi se d an d up da te d. 3. 6. G az et te d pr ot ec te d ar ea s 3. 1. N EP A 3. 2. M AI L 3. 3. N EP A 3. 4. N EP A 3. 5. N EP A 3. 6 N EP A 3. 1. M AI L, N G O s, IN G O s, lo ca l co m m un iti es 3. 2. N EP A, N G O s, IN G O s, lo ca l co m m un iti es 3. 3. M AI L, N G O s, IN G O s, lo ca l co m m un iti es 3. 4. R el ev an t or ga ni za tio ns , N G O s, IN G O s, lo ca l co m m un iti es 3. 5. M AI L, IN G O s 3. 6. M in is tr y of Ju st ic e (T aq ni n) 3. 1. 2 03 0 3. 2. 2 03 0 3. 3. 2 02 6 3. 4. 2 02 6 3. 5. 2 02 8 3. 6. 2 03 0 1 45 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e Ta rg et 4 . A fg ha ni st an w ill m ai nt ai n po pu la tio n nu m be rs o f t ar ge te d sp ec ie s an d do cu m en t b as el in e ge ne tic d iv er si ty . H 4. 1. R ed li st In de x H 4. 2. T he p ro po rt io n of po pu la tio ns w ith in s pe ci es w ith an e ffe ct iv e po pu la tio n si ze > 50 0 H 4. 1. N EP A H 4. 2. M AI L H 4. 1. M AI L, A ca de m y of S ci en ce , A ca de m ia , N G O s H 4. 2. N EP A, N G O s, IN G O s H 4. 1. 2 02 5 an d 20 30 H 4. 2. 2 03 0 4. 1. U nd er ta ke c on se rv at io n pr og ra m s fo r p rio rit y sp ec ie s no te d in A nn ex 5 . 4. 2. E st ab lis h ba se lin e da ta o n ge ne tic d iv er si ty fo r t ar ge te d sp ec ie s. 4. 3. B an th e im po rt a nd s al e of ve te rin ar y di cl of en ac to p ro te ct vu ltu re s. 4. 4. R ev ie w a nd u pd at e th e AW EC li st o f p ro te ct ed s pe ci es no te d in A nn ex 6 . 4. 1. D ev el op A ct io n Pl an s an d re po rt o n co ns er va tio n ac tiv iti es fo r a m in im um o f t hr ee pr io rit y sp ec ie s no te d in An ne x 5. 4. 2. R ep or t o n ge ne tic di ve rs ity m ea su re m en ts fo r a m in im um o f t hr ee sp ec ie s no te d in A nn ex 5 . 4. 3. V et er in ar y di cl of en ac is n o lo ng er a va ila bl e fo r sa le . 4. 4. A ll AW EC -li st ed sp ec ie s w ill h av e st at us re po rt s le ss th an 5 y ea rs ol d. 4. 1. N EP A 4. 2. N EP A 4. 3. M AI L 4. 4. N EP A 4. 1. M AI L, IN G O s 4. 2. M AI L, N G O s, IN G O s 4. 3. M in is tr y of Fi na nc e, M in is tr y of In te rio r, M AI L, N at io na l fo od a nd M ed ic in e Ag en cy 4. 4. M AI L, K ab ul U ni ve rs ity , I N G O s 4. 1. 2 03 0 4. 2. 2 03 0 4. 3. 2 02 4 4. 4. 2 03 0 Ta rg et 5 . A fg ha ni st an w ill e ns ur e th at th e ha rv es tin g, tr ad e, a nd u se of w ild s pe ci es is s us ta in ab le a nd le ga l. H 5. 1 Pr op or tio n of fi sh s to ck s w ith in b io lo gi ca lly s us ta in ab le le ve ls (n ot a pp lic ab le in Af gh an is ta n) . H 5. 1. N on e H 5. 1. N on e H 5. 1. N on e 1 46NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e 5 .1 . R eg ul at e hu nt in g by la w o r de cr ee . 5 .2 . R eg ul at e fir ea rm s an d am m un iti on ; p ar tic ul ar ly sh ot gu ns a nd .2 2 ca lib re lo ng gu ns . 5 .3 . C on tr ol il le ga l h ar ve st o f w ild an im al s in p ro te ct ed a re as . 5 .4 . E ns ur e th at fu r a nd o th er pr od uc ts o f p ro te ct ed s pe ci es ar e no t o ffe re d fo r s al e. 5 .5 . E st ab lis h a fu nc tio na l C IT ES offi ce w ith tr ai ne d m an ag em en t an d sc ie nt ifi c au th or iti es . 5 .6 . R ep or t o n ha rv es t a nd in te rn at io na l t ra de o f h in g, lic or ic e an d m ed ic in al p la nt s. 5. 7. T ra in a nd d ep lo y bo rd er offi ci al s to in te rc ep t w ild lif e tr affi ck in g. 5. 8. E lim in at e hu nt in g of w ild lif e by A fg ha n Ar m ed F or ce s (A AF ) pe rs on ne l t hr ou gh in te rn al ed uc at io n pr og ra m s an d en fo rc em en t. 5 .1 . A g ov er nm en t-i ss ue d la w o r d ec re e re gu la tin g ha rv es t o f s pe ci fie d w ild an im al s. 5 .2 . A g ov er nm en t-i ss ue d la w o r d ec re e re gu la tin g ce rt ai n cl as se s of fi re ar m s an d am m un iti on . 5. 3. R ep or ts a nd do cu m en ta tio n fr om pr ot ec te d ar ea s ta ff on am ou nt o f h un tin g w ith in th e pr ot ec te d ar ea . 5 .4 . M ar ke t s ur ve ys as se ss in g sa le s of pr ot ec te d sp ec ie s. 5 .5 . C IT ES e xp or t/ im po rt pe rm its a re is su ed a nd a ce nt ra l p er m it da ta ba se is m ai nt ai ne d. 5 .6 . R ep or t o n ha rv es t, tr ad e an d ex po rt o f n at iv e pl an ts a nd th ei r r aw a nd pr oc es se d pr od uc ts . 5. 7. N um be r o f o ffi ci al s tr ai ne d an d st at io ne d at co nt ro l p oi nt s. 5. 8. R ep or t b y M in is tr y of N at io na l D ef en ce o n ac tio ns ta ke n to re du ce hu nt in g by A AF p er so nn el . 5. 1. N EP A 5. 2. M in is tr y of In te rio r 5. 3. N EP A 5. 4. N EP A 5. 5. N EP A 5. 6 M AI L 5. 7. N EP A 5. 8. M in is tr y of N at io na l D ef en ce 5. 1. M in is tr y of Ju st ic e (T aq ni n) 5. 2. M in is tr y of Ju st ic e (T aq ni n) 5. 3. M in is tr y of In te rio r 5. 4. M in is tr y of In te rio r 5. 5. M in is tr y of In te rio r, M in is tr y of Fi na nc e, M AI L 5. 6. N EP A, M in is tr y of C om m er ce a nd In du st ry 5. 7. M in is tr y of N at io na l D ef en ce 5. 8. N on e. 5. 1. 2 02 5 5. 2 20 25 5. 3. 2 03 0 5. 4 20 30 5. 5. 2 02 6 5. 6. 2 03 0 5. 7. 2 02 8 5. 8. 2 02 6, 20 30 1 47 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e Ta rg et 6 . E lim in at e, m in im iz e, re du ce a nd o r m iti ga te th e im pa ct s of in va si ve a lie n sp ec ie s on b io di ve rs ity a nd e co sy st em se rv ic es . H 6. R at e of in va si ve a lie n sp ec ie s es ta bl is hm en t. Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss th is in di ca to r N on e N on e N on e 6. 1. A fg ha ni st an w ill c on tin ue to co nt ro l a lie n sp ec ie s aff ec tin g ag ric ul tu ra l p ro du ct io n. 6. 1. R ep or t f ro m M AI L on eff or ts ta ke n to c on tr ol eff ec ts o f a lie n sp ec ie s on Af gh an a gr ic ul tu re . 6. 1. N EP A, M AI L 6. 1. M in is tr y of In te rio r, M in is tr y of F in an ce , M AI L, N at io na l I nt el lig en ce 6. 1. A nn ua lly Ta rg et 7 . R ed uc e po llu tio n ris ks a nd th e ne ga tiv e im pa ct o f p ol lu tio n fr om a ll so ur ce s by 2 03 0, to le ve ls th at a re n ot h ar m fu l t o bi od iv er si ty an d ec os ys te m fu nc tio ns a nd se rv ic es . Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss T ar ge t 7. H 7 .1 In de x of c oa st al eu tr op hi ca tio n po te nt ia l ( no t ap pl ic ab le in A fg ha ni st an ). H 7. 2 Pe st ic id e en vi ro nm en t co nc en tr at io n (In di ca to r i s un de ve lo pe d by CB D ) H 7. 1. N on e H 7. 2. N on e H 7. 1. N on e H 7. 2. N on e H 7. 1. N on e H 7. 2. N on e Ta rg et 8 . A fg ha ni st an w ill m in im iz e th e im pa ct o f c lim at e ch an ge o n bi od iv er si ty a nd c on tr ib ut e to m iti ga tio n an d ad ap ta tio n th ro ug h ec os ys te m -b as ed a pp ro ac he s. N on e pr ov id ed b y CB D . H 8. N on e H 8. N on e H 8. N on e 8. 1. U nd er ta ke a ct io ns th at co nt rib ut e to re si lie nc e of n at ur al sy st em s as re fe re nc ed in T ar ge ts 1, 2 a nd 3 . Re fe r t o In di ca to rs fo r Ta rg et s 1, 2 a nd 3 As p er re sp on si bi lit ie s in T ar ge ts 1 , 2 an d 3 As p er c oo pe ra to rs in Ta rg et s 1, 2 a nd 3 As p er co m pl et io n da te s fo r Ta rg et s 1, 2 , an d 3 Ta rg et 9 . A fg ha ni st an w ill e ns ur e be ne fit s, in cl ud in g nu tr iti on , f oo d se cu rit y, m ed ic in es , a nd li ve lih oo ds es pe ci al ly fo r t he m os t v ul ne ra bl e th ro ug h su st ai na bl e m an ag em en t of w ild s pe ci es a nd p ro te ct in g cu st om ar y su st ai na bl e us e by lo ca l co m m un iti es . H 9. 1. B en efi ts fr om th e su st ai na bl e us e of w ild s pe ci es Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss th is in di ca to r. H 9. 2. P er ce nt ag e of th e po pu la tio n in tr ad iti on al oc cu pa tio ns Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss th is in di ca to r. H 9. 1. N on e H 9. 2. N on e H 9. 1. N on e H 9. 2. N on e H 9. 1. N on e H 9. 2. N on e 1 48NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e Ac tio n 9. 1. U nd er ta ke a ct io ns th at c on tr ib ut e to re si lie nc e of na tu ra l s ys te m s as re fe re nc ed in Ta rg et s 1, 2 a nd 3 . As p er re sp on si bi lit ie s in T ar ge ts 1 , 2 an d 3 As p er c oo pe ra to rs in Ta rg et s 1, 2 a nd 3 As p er co m pl et io n da te s fo r Ta rg et s 1, 2 , an d 3 Ta rg et 1 0. A fg ha ni st an w ill e ns ur e al l a gr ic ul tu ra l a re as a re m an ag ed su st ai na bl y, in p ar tic ul ar th ro ug h th e co ns er va tio n an d su st ai na bl e us e of b io di ve rs ity , i nc re as in g th e pr od uc tiv ity a nd re si lie nc e of th es e pr od uc tio n sy st em s. H 10 .1 P ro po rt io n of ag ric ul tu ra l a re a un de r pr od uc tiv e an d su st ai na bl e ag ric ul tu re A fg ha ni st an w ill n ot ad dr es s th is in di ca to r. H 10 .2 . P ro gr es s to w ar ds su st ai na bl e fo re st m an ag em en t H 10 .1 . N on e H 10 .2 . M AI L H 10 .1 . N on e H 10 .2 . I N G O s H 10 .1 . N on e H 10 .2 . 2 03 0 10 .1 . I n co ns ul ta tio n w ith lo ca l co m m un iti es a nd a gr ic ul tu ra l ex pe rt s, a da pt li ve st oc k hu sb an dr y an d ag ric ul tu ra l pr ac tic es to e ns ur e su st ai na bi lit y in p ro te ct ed a re as a nd th ei r bu ffe r z on es . 10 .2 . I nt ro du ce fo re st m an ag em en t a pp ro ac he s an d ha lt ill eg al lo gg in g in fo re st s. 10 .1 . D es cr ip tio n of re vi se d pr ac tic es a do pt ed . 10 .2 . A re a of c lo se d na tu ra l f or es t ( >3 0% co ve r) s ta bl e or in cr ea si ng . 10 .1 . M AI L 10 .2 . M AI L 10 .1 . N G O s, IN G O s 10 .2 . N EP A, M in is tr y of In te rio r, IN G O s 10 .1 . 2 03 0 10 .2 . 2 03 0 Ta rg et 1 1. R es to re , m ai nt ai n, a nd en ha nc e na tu re ’s co nt rib ut io ns to p eo pl e, in cl ud in g ec os ys te m fu nc tio ns a nd s er vi ce s th ro ug h na tu re -b as ed s ol ut io ns a nd /o r ec os ys te m -b as ed a pp ro ac he s fo r th e be ne fit o f a ll pe op le a nd n at ur e. Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss T ar ge t 11 . Se rv ic es p ro vi de d by ec os ys te m s (in di ca to r i s un de ve lo pe d by C BD ) N on e. N on e. N on e. 1 49 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e Ta rg et 1 2. A fg ha ni st an w ill In cr ea se th e ar ea o f, ac ce ss to , a nd b en efi ts fr om g re en a nd b lu e sp ac es , f or hu m an h ea lth a nd w el l-b ei ng in ur ba n ar ea s an d ot he r d en se ly po pu la te d ar ea s. H 12 . A ve ra ge s ha re o f t he bu ilt -u p ar ea o f c iti es th at is gr ee n/ bl ue s pa ce fo r p ub lic us e fo r a ll. H 12 . M un ic ip al iti es an d U rb an D ev el op m en t D ep ar tm en ts H 12 . N EP A H 12 . 2 03 0 12 .1 In cr ea se c ity g re en s pa ce s in la rg er c iti es b y pl an tin g na tiv e tr ee s. 12 .2 . E xp lo re p ra ct ic al ap pr oa ch es to m ai nt ai ni ng a nd re st or in g w at er in la rg er u rb an w at er b od ie s. 12 .1 . I nc re as in g gr ee nn es s of m aj or c iti es u si ng sa te lli te im ag er y su ch a s H U G SI . 12 .2 . R ep or t f ro m w at er ex pe rt s on m os t e ffe ct iv e ap pr oa ch es to c on se rv e an d re st or e la rg e ur ba n w at er b od ie s. 12 .1 . M un ic ip al iti es 12 .2 . M in is tr y of E ne rg y an d W at er , M AI L 12 .1 . N EP A, M AI L 12 .2 . N EP A 12 .1 . 2 03 0 12 .2 . 2 03 0 Ta rg et 1 3. E ns ur e th e fa ir an d eq ui ta bl e sh ar in g of b en efi ts th at a ris e fr om th e ut ili za tio n of ge ne tic re so ur ce s an d fr om d ig ita l se qu en ce in fo rm at io n on g en et ic re so ur ce s, a s w el l a s tr ad iti on al kn ow le dg e as so ci at ed w ith ge ne tic re so ur ce s, a nd fa ci lit at in g ap pr op ria te a cc es s to g en et ic re so ur ce s, a nd b y 20 30 , f ac ili ta tin g a si gn ifi ca nt in cr ea se o f t he b en efi ts sh ar ed . H 13 .1 . I nd ic at or o n m on et ar y be ne fit s re ce iv ed . H 13 .2 . I nd ic at or o n no n- m on et ar y be ne fit s H 13 .1 . M in is tr y of F in an ce H 13 .2 . N EP A H 13 .1 . N EP A, M AI L H 13 .2 M AI L H 13 .1 . 2 03 0 H 13 .2 . 2 03 0 Ac tio n 13 .1 . P ro m ot e th e te ch ni ca l t ra ns fe r o f g en et ic kn ow le dg e, te ch no lo gy a nd be ne fit s ha rin g to g ov er nm en t st aff a nd a ca de m ic in st itu tio ns . 13 .1 . M AI L 13 .1 . N EP A 13 .1 . 2 03 0 Ta rg et 1 4. A fg ha ni st an w ill fu lly in te gr at e bi od iv er si ty c on se rv at io n in to p ol ic ie s, re gu la tio ns , p la nn in g, de ve lo pm en t p ro ce ss es , p ov er ty re du ct io n st ra te gi es , a cc ou nt s, la w en fo rc em en t a nd a ss es sm en ts o f en vi ro nm en ta l i m pa ct s at a ll le ve ls of g ov er nm en t. N on e N on e N on e N on e 1 50NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e 14 .1 H ol d w or ks ho ps (B io di ve rs ity R ou nd ta bl es ) in a ll re le va nt m in is tr ie s an d m aj or s ta ke ho ld er s de sc rib in g th e N BS AP a nd s oc ie ta l co m m itm en ts to im pl em en t i t. 14 .2 Im pl em en t a pp ro va l pr oc ed ur es fo r i nd us tr ia l de ve lo pm en t p ro je ct s aff ec tin g th e en vi ro nm en t ou tli ne d in C ha pt er T hr ee of th e En vi ro nm en t L aw a nd th e En vi ro nm en ta l I m pa ct Re gu la tio ns . Ac tio n 14 .3 E na ct a nd e nf or ce le gi sl at io n an d re gu la tio ns go ve rn in g hu nt in g, ra ng el an d us e an d pr ot ec te d ar ea s. 14 .1 . N um be r o f w or ks ho ps w ith s ig ni fic an t re pr es en ta tio n an d sh ar ed w or ks ho p re po rt s. 14 .2 . P ro je ct a pp ro va ls an d EI As . 14 .3 . G az et te d la w s an d pu bl is he d re gu la tio ns . 14 .1 . N EP A 14 .2 . N EP A 14 .3 . N EP A 14 .1 . M in is tr y of In fo rm at io n an d Cu ltu re 14 .2 . M in is tr y of Ju st ic e 14 .3 . M in is tr y of Ju st ic e (T aq ni n) , M in is tr y of In te rio r, M AI L 14 .1 . 2 03 0 14 .2 . 2 03 0 14 .3 . 2 03 0 Ta rg et 1 5. E ns ur e th at n at io na l an d tr an sn at io na l b us in es se s an d fin an ci al in st itu tio ns m on ito r an d di sc lo se th ei r i m pa ct s on bi od iv er si ty , p ro vi de in fo rm at io n to th ei r c us to m er s on s us ta in ab le co ns um pt io n op tio ns a nd re po rt o n co m pl ia nc e w ith a cc es s an d be ne fit sh ar in g re gu la tio ns . Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss T ar ge t 15 . H 15 . N um be r o f c om pa ni es re po rt in g on d is cl os ur es of ri sk s, d ep en de nc ie s an d im pa ct s on b io di ve rs ity (in di ca to r i s un de ve lo pe d by CB D ) N on e N on e N on e Ta rg et 1 6. E ns ur e th at p eo pl e ar e en co ur ag ed a nd e na bl ed to m ak e su st ai na bl e co ns um pt io n ch oi ce s si gn ifi ca nt ly re du ci ng ov er co ns um pt io n an d su bs ta nt ia lly re du ci ng w as te g en er at io n. N on e N on e N on e N on e 1 51 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e 16 .1 . E xp lo re A fg ha n- re le va nt ap pr oa ch es to in ce nt iv is e pe op le to m ak e su st ai na bl e ch oi ce s. 16 .1 . R ep or t s ug ge st in g be st a pp ro ac he s to in ce nt iv is e Af gh an c iti ze ns to m ak e su st ai na bl e lif es ty le c ho ic es . 16 .1 . N EP A 16 .1 . M in is tr y of In fo rm at io n an d Cu ltu re 16 .1 . 2 03 0 Ta rg et 1 7. E st ab lis h, s tr en gt he n ca pa ci ty fo r, an d im pl em en t i n al l co un tr ie s, b io sa fe ty m ea su re s fo r th e ha nd lin g of b io te ch no lo gy a nd di st rib ut io n of it s be ne fit s. Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss T ar ge t 17 . N on e N on e N on e N on e Ta rg et 1 8. E lim in at e, p ha se o ut or re fo rm in ce nt iv es , i nc lu di ng su bs id ie s, h ar m fu l f or b io di ve rs ity . Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss T ar ge t 18 . H 18 .1 P os iti ve in ce nt iv es in pl ac e to p ro m ot e bi od iv er si ty co ns er va tio n an d su st ai na bl e us e. H 18 .2 V al ue o f s ub si di es a nd ot he r i nc en tiv es h ar m fu l t o bi od iv er si ty th at h av e be en el im in at ed , p ha se d ou t o r re fo rm ed H 18 .1 N on e H 18 .2 N on e H 18 .1 N on e H 18 .2 N on e H 18 .1 N on e H 18 .2 N on e Ta rg et 1 9. A fg ha ni st an w ill s ee k to in cr ea se th e le ve l o f fi na nc ia l re so ur ce s su bs ta nt ia lly a nd pr og re ss iv el y fr om a ll so ur ce s, in a n eff ec tiv e, ti m el y an d ea si ly ac ce ss ib le m an ne r t o im pl em en t Af gh an is ta n’ s N BS AP . H 19 .1 In te rn at io na l p ub lic fu nd in g, in cl ud in g offi ci al de ve lo pm en t a ss is ta nc e (O D A) fo r c on se rv at io n an d su st ai na bl e us e of b io di ve rs ity an d ec os ys te m s. H 19 .2 D om es tic p ub lic fu nd in g on c on se rv at io n an d su st ai na bl e us e of b io di ve rs ity an d ec os ys te m s. H 19 .3 P riv at e fu nd in g (d om es tic a nd in te rn at io na l) on co ns er va tio n an d su st ai na bl e us e of b io di ve rs ity a nd ec os ys te m s (In di ca to r i s un de ve lo pe d by CB D ) H 19 .1 . M in is tr y of F in an ce H 19 .2 . N EP A, M AI L H 19 .3 . N on e H 19 .1 . N EP A, M AI L H 19 .2 . M in is tr y of Fi na nc e H 19 .3 . N on e H 19 .1 . 2 03 0 H 19 .2 . 2 03 0 H 19 .3 . N on e 1 52NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e AC TI O N 1 9. 1. A fg ha ni st an w ill en su re th at o pp or tu ni tie s fo r b io di ve rs ity fu nd in g ar e op en , t ra ns pa re nt a nd c le ar ly co m m un ic at ed . 19 .1 . F un di ng fr om a ll so ur ce s ea rm ar ke d fo r i m pl em en tin g Af gh an is ta n’ s N BS AP . 19 .1 . N EP A 19 .1 . M ai l, M in is tr y of Fi na nc e 19 .1 . 2 03 0 Ta rg et 2 0. A fg ha ni st an w ill s ee k to s tr en gt he n ca pa ci ty -b ui ld in g an d de ve lo pm en t, ac ce ss to an d tr an sf er o f t ec hn ol og y, a nd pr om ot e de ve lo pm en t o f a nd ac ce ss to in no va tio n an d te ch ni ca l an d sc ie nt ifi c co op er at io n fo r t he co ns er va tio n an d su st ai na bl e us e of b io di ve rs ity a nd s tr en gt he ni ng sc ie nt ifi c re se ar ch a nd m on ito rin g ca pa ci tie s. N on e 20 .1 . A fg ha ni st an w ill e ns ur e th at o pp or tu ni tie s fo r c ap ac ity bu ild in g, te ch no lo gy -tr an sf er an d sc ie nt ifi c co op er at io n ar e op en , t ra ns pa re nt a nd c le ar ly co m m un ic at ed . 20 .1 . R ep or t o n tr ai ni ng s re ce iv ed b y Af gh an s an d on te ch no lo gi es tr an sf er re d. 20 .1 . N EP A 20 .1 . M in is tr y of Ed uc at io n, M in is tr y of H ig he r E du ca tio n 20 .1 2 03 0 Ta rg et 2 1. A fg ha ni st an w ill en su re th at th e kn ow le dg e ba se , bo th s ci en tifi c an d tr ad iti on al , ne ce ss ar y fo r t he m an ag em en t an d aw ar en es s of b io di ve rs ity is av ai la bl e an d co m m un ic at ed . H 21 . I nd ic at or o n bi od iv er si ty in fo rm at io n fo r t he m on ito rin g th e gl ob al b io di ve rs ity fr am ew or k. H 21 . N EP A H 21 . M AI L H 21 . 2 03 0 21 .1 . Af gh an is ta n w ill d ev el op a di gi ta l r ep os ito ry o f i nf or m at io n on th e co un tr y’s b io di ve rs ity fo r us e. 21 .2 . A fg ha ni st an w ill ra is e aw ar en es s ab ou t b io di ve rs ity th ro ug h sc ho ol s, m os qu es , a nd m ed ia . 21 .1 . Es ta bl is he d di gi ta l re po si to ry . 21 .2 . Re po rt o n bi od iv er si ty a w ar en es s ra is in g eff or ts 21 .1 N EP A 21 .1 . N EP A 21 .1 . M AI L, A ca de m y of S ci en ce , A ca de m ia 21 .2 . M in is tr y of Ed uc at io n, M in is tr y of H aj a nd R el ig io us Aff ai rs , M in is tr y of In fo rm at io n an d Cu ltu re 21 .1 . 2 02 7 21 .2 . 2 03 0 1 53 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX G oa l/ Ta rg et H ea dl in e In di ca to r Ac ti on Af gh an is ta n In di ca to r Re sp on si bi lit y Po ss ib le C oo pe ra to rs Co m pl et io n D at e Ta rg et 2 2. A fg ha ni st an w ill e ns ur e th e fu ll, e qu ita bl e, in cl us iv e, eff ec tiv e re pr es en ta tio n an d pa rt ic ip at io n in d ec is io n- m ak in g by lo ca l c om m un iti es , r es pe ct in g th ei r c ul tu re s an d th ei r r ig ht s ov er la nd s, te rr ito rie s, re so ur ce s, a nd tr ad iti on al k no w le dg e. N on e N on e N on e N on e 22 .1 . A ll pr ot ec te d ar ea s w ill h av e pr ot ec te d ar ea c om m itt ee s w ith lo ca l p eo pl e in th e m aj or ity . 22 .2 . A ll O EC M s w ill b e de ve lo pe d w ith th e fu ll kn ow le dg e, co op er at io n, a nd a gr ee m en t o f lo ca l p eo pl e. 22 .1 . P ro po rt io n of pr ot ec te d ar ea s ha vi ng fu nc tio na l p ro te ct ed a re a co m m itt ee s w ith lo ca l pe op le in th e m aj or ity . 22 .2 . R ep or t o n de ve lo pm en t o f O EC M s de ta ili ng th e in pu ts o f lo ca l p eo pl e. 22 .1 . M AI L 22 .2 . M AI L 22 .1 . N EP A, N G O s, IN G O s 22 .2 . M AI L, N G O s, IN G O s 22 .1 2 03 0 22 .2 . 2 03 0 Ta rg et 2 3. E ns ur e ge nd er e qu al ity in th e im pl em en ta tio n of th e N at io na l B io di ve rs ity S tr at eg y an d Ac tio n Pl an . Af gh an is ta n w ill n ot a dd re ss T ar ge t 23 . N on e N on e N on e N on e 1 54NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX ANNEX 2. SUMMARY OF STAKEHOLDERS’ CONSULTATIONS CARRIED OUT BETWEEN JANUARY AND MAY 2021 A total of 669 people that included 483 men, 77 women, and 109 youth (including 51 females) participated in the workshops. Table 2.1 provides more details about the consultation workshops. Table 2.1. Details of the national consultation workshops carried out in 2021 in Afghanistan. Date Region No. of Provinces Number of participants Total ParticipantsMale Female Youth Male Female 11-12 Jan North 5 69 15 13 10 107 25-26 Jan Capital 4 51 9 0 0 60 16-18 Feb Northeast 4 82 11 8 25 126 2-4 Mar West 2 51 14 9 12 86 2-4 Feb East 4 70 18 16 0 104 8-11 May Southeast & Center 8 160 10 12 4 186 Total 27 483 77 58 51 669 The consultation process conducted a series of workshops over 2 – 4 days and included several presentations and discussion sessions. The presentations aimed to update the participants on the NBSAP process, the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and the role of religious scholars, urban and rural dwellers, women, and youth in conservation. In addition, questionnaire surveys were conducted to gather participant inputs on Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Targets, whole of society approach, and illegal wildlife trade. The workshops also included comprehensive group works to gain perspectives of religious scholars, urban dwellers, women, and youth on biodiversity in their respective areas. The information gathered during consultations was analysed and descriptive statistics are presented here on the views and perceptions of participants on a variety of key topics relevant to biodiversity. Land degradation – drivers and solutions Over 50% of the questionnaire respondents reported flooding, riverbank erosion, deforestation, overgrazing and conversion of rangeland to rainfed agriculture as major land degradation factors in their areas (Fig. 2.1). Amongst solutions to overcome land degradation, tree planting, better legal protection for trees, shrubs and rangelands, increase in number of protected areas, particularly in mountainous areas, were most frequently proposed (Fig. 2.2). 2 55 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX %0 %10 %20 %30 %40 %50 %60 %70 %80 %90 Mining Over hunting Over Exploitation of water Agricultural land conversion to residencial areas Natural land coversion to residencial areas Mountain and hillside erosion and landslides Conversion of forest and rangeland to rainfed farming Degradation of rangeland due to overgazing Flooding and riverbank erosion Figure 2.1. Factors associated with ecosystem and land degradation most often cited by consultation workshop participants (n = 392). Figure 2.2. Solutions to ecosystem and land degradation most often cited by consultation workshop participants (n = 397). Pass laws to limit number of livestock on rangelands Pass laws to stop land conversion to rainfed agriculture Stabilize the riverside with cemet and gabion walls Establish associations to sustainably manage rangeland Establish protected areas on mountains and hillsides Reforestation - tree planting Plant trees along rivers and on flood plains Land protection – justifications Among the ecosystem protection measures, nearly 70% of the workshop participants emphasized on the importance of establishing new protected areas. The proposed justifications are ranked in Table 2.2. 2 0% 0% 10% 10% 20% 20% 30% 30% 40% 40% 50% 50% 60% 60% 70% 70% 80% 80% 90% 90% 56NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Table 2.2. Justifications for land protection listed by order of frequency as proposed by participants to consultation workshops. Justifications No. of areas proposed to be protected for the corresponding purpose Biodiversity and wildlife protection 125 Forest, medicinal plants, and rangeland protection 111 Recreational values 88 Water sources and natural springs 62 Tourism potential 27 Beauty of nature 25 Cultural heritage protection and historical value 19 Economic values (e.g., forest production) 18 Prevention of natural disasters 12 Fish protection 10 Bird protection 9 Presence of gold, minerals, valuable stones, and other mines 7 Livestock protection* 7 Source of oxygen and clean air 6 Presence of wetlands and migratory birds 5 Prevent dust 4 Presence of waterfalls 2 Glaciers 2 *Respondents proposed areas to be protected as rangeland and pastures for their livestock Hunting – perceptions and understanding Over 90% of 400 participants stated that hunting was illegal in Afghanistan, whereas only 6% thought the opposite. Around 42% of respondents were in favor of a ban on hunting, while c. 55% of them supported the idea of having legal hunting in Afghanistan. Eleven percent of the respondents believed that the detention of wild animals as pet is legal and 89% believed the opposite. Wildlife trade – perceptions and understanding Wildlife markets appear to be widespread throughout the country with high variability in volumes and products offered for sale. Around 29% of 400 respondents reported the presence of wildlife markets and shops in their regions. Although not specified, shops with wildlife products seemed more frequent than shops with life animals. Climate change – perceived impacts Over 94% of the respondents thought that climate change impacted their areas and c. 91% of them associated natural disasters in their respective areas to the change in climate in recent years. Intense flooding, longer droughts, food shortage, flash floods and early dry seasons were most frequently associated with climate change by participants. Participants reported several other climate change impacts in their respective areas (Fig. 2.3). 2 57 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Natural disasters and pollution – perception and understanding The workshop participants were concerned about natural disasters in their respected areas. They were asked to agree or disagree with a set of proposed solutions that could help reduce natural disasters. They were also asked to list any traditional ways to address these issues in their areas. Most of the respondents (n=342) agreed with more than one proposed solution and 10 of them (around 3%) also proposed solutions to reduce pollution (Table 2.3). Table 2.3. Level of acceptance of proposed solutions against natural disasters by consultation workshop participants and solutions proposed by 10 of them against pollution. Potential solutions to reduce natural disasters and proposed solutions against pollution No. of respondents agreeing Percent (%) respondents agreeing Plant trees and shrubs along rivers to reduce impact of flooding 267 66.8 Plant trees on mountains and slopes to restore watershed and reduce erosion 255 63.8 Use energy efficient stoves to reduce fuelwood consumption 168 42.0 Restore degraded ecosystems and rangelands 161 40.3 Law enforcement on the collection of biofuels (tree and shrubs) from protected areas, forests and rangelands 141 35.3 Put in place protected areas in upper watershed 109 27.3 Use of electricity and gas to limit air pollution* 2 0.5 Use fuel efficient heaters (Sandali) to prevent pollution* 2 0.5 Enact community ban on deforestation* 2 0.5 Limit use of fossil fuels and pollutants* 1 0.3 Figure 2.3. Impacts of climate change as perceived by consultation workshop participants. The numbers in every bar correspond to the number of participants associating these impacts to climate change in their respective areas. 2 58NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Potential solutions to reduce natural disasters and proposed solutions against pollution No. of respondents agreeing Percent (%) respondents agreeing Establish natural resource committees* 1 0.3 Increase awareness about the pollution and natural disaster* 1 0.3 Use renewable energy to prevent air pollution* 1 0.3 * Respondents suggested solution Green spaces – perception and understanding In general, respondents had positive views about the increase in area, access, and benefits from green spaces, for human health and well-being in urban areas. Over 84% (n = 323) of the respondents stated that there were green spaces in their respected areas, however, more than half of them reported the absence of recreational areas specific to women and families. 98% (n = 377) of respondents thought their areas needed more green spaces. Figure 2.4 provides more details about respondents’ perception of urban green spaces. The actors of biodiversity conservation in Afghanistan According to Target 14 of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, Afghanistan is committed to fully integrate biodiversity values into policies, regulations, planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and assessments of environmental impacts at all levels of government and across all sectors of the economy. Participants to workshops (n=400) were asked to mention the sectors that have the most (r=3) and least (r=1) important roles in biodiversity conservation in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL) ranked high (r = 2.7), followed by the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) (r = 2.6), and Law Enforcement Agencies (r = 1.9). Figure 2.4. Views about green spaces as perceived by consultation workshop participants. 2 59 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Sources of funding for biodiversity conservation in Afghanistan Funding sources for biodiversity conservation were an interesting subject for the participants throughout the country. Most respondents thought that conservation funding should come from the United Nations (65% of the respondents), governmental budget (64%) and World Bank (55%), and around 36% of them agreed that biodiversity conservation funding should come from a variety of governmental and non-governmental organizations, including bilateral and multilateral donors, and the private sector. Only 2.2%, 1.5%, and 1% thought that the conservation fund should come only from the government budget, UN agencies and ‘conservation organizations’, respectively. Biodiversity conservation decision-making When questioned about conservation governance in Afghanistan, approximately 58% of respondents thought that stakeholders from various relevant organizations including national and subnational government authorities, community associations, academia, private sector and civil society, women, and youth should participate in decision makings on biodiversity conservation. Only 1.5% (6 out of 400 respondents) believed that only the national government has the right and responsibility to take decisions in biodiversity conservation. Some respondents (~1%) suggested that ‘Mullah Imams’ and religious scholars should also be involved in the decision processes. Women and youth participation in decisions over biodiversity conservation Participants also emphasized the legitimacy and role of women in biodiversity conservation decisions (Table 2.4). Table 2.4: Legitimacy and role of women in biodiversity conservation decisions as perceived by consultation workshop participants. Reasons why women should be involved in biodiversity conservation decisions Percent respondent suggested Women compose 50% of our population 81% Women* play important role in dairy production and are exposed to disease transmission among livestock, wildlife and human 71% Women* are dependent on biodiversity and natural resources for their livelihoods 70% Women have different needs and priorities related to biodiversity 67% Women* and children are more impacted by climate change 65% Women* play an important role in collection and storage of seeds for agriculture 62% Women* are less mobile and more dependent on biodiversity compared men 61% *Women in rural areas Over 70% of respondents also emphasized on the important role of youth in decision makings related to biodiversity conservation. They provided several reasons for including youth in decision making on biodiversity conservation: 1) 65% of the population is under the age of 24 years and their specific needs and priorities need to be addressed, 2) young people tend to be better educated and have a better understanding of the negative impacts of climate change, 3) young generations will be responsible for biodiversity conservation in the future, 4) youth, adolescents and children have rights under national and international laws, and these rights need to be protected. 2 60NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX ANNEX 3. GLOBAL STATUS OF AFGHANISTAN SPECIES LISTED BY THE IUCN RED LIST54. Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Near Threatened Species IUCN Listing Common Name MAMMALS Cuon alpinus Endangered (Extinct in Afghanistan) Dhole Moschus cupreus Endangered Kashmir Muskdeer Panthera tigris Endangered (Extinct in Afghanistan) Tiger Acinonyx jubatus Vulnerable (Likely extinct in Afghanistan) Cheetah Gazella subgutturosa Vulnerable Goitered Gazelle Ovis vignei Vulnerable Urial Panthera leo Vulnerable (Extinct in Afghanistan) Lion Panthera pardus Vulnerable Common Leopard Panthera uncia Vulnerable Snow Leopard Rhinolophus mehelyi Vulnerable Mehely’s Horseshoe Bat Ursus thibetanus Vulnerable Asiatic Black Bear Vormela peregusna Vulnerable Marbled Polecat Capra aegagrus Near Threatened Wild Goat Capra falconeri Near Threatened Markhor Capra sibirica Near Threatened Siberian Ibex Equus hemionus Near Threatened (Extinct in Afghanistan) Asiatic Wild Ass Hyaena hyaena Near Threatened Striped Hyaena Lutra lutra Near Threatened Eurasian Otter Miniopterus pallidus Near Threatened Pale Bent-wing Bat Species IUCN Listing Common Name Mustela altaica Near Threatened Altai Weasel Myotis bechsteinii Near Threatened Bechstein’s Myotis Myotis formosus Near Threatened Hodgson’s Bat Ovis ammon Near Threatened Argali BIRDS Gyps bengalensis Critically Endangered (Possibly extinct in Afghanistan) White-rumped Vulture Gyps indicus Critically Endangered (Presence uncertain in Afghanistan) Indian Vulture Leucogeranus leucogeranus Critically Endangered (Possibly extinct in Afghanistan) Siberian Crane Vanellus gregarius Critically Endangered Sociable Lapwing Aquila nipalensis Endangered Steppe Eagle Falco cherrug Endangered Saker Falcon Haliaeetus leucoryphus Endangered Pallas’s Sea- eagle Neophron percnopterus Endangered Egyptian vulture Numenius mad- agascariensis Endangered (Presence uncertain in Afghanistan) Far Eastern Curlew Oxyura leucocephala Endangered White-headed Duck Anser erythropus Vulnerable Lesser White- fronted Goose Aquila heliaca Vulnerable Eastern Imperial Eagle Aythya ferina Vulnerable Common Pochard 54. https://www.iucnredlist.org/ 3 61 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Species IUCN Listing Common Name Branta ruficollis Vulnerable Red-breasted Goose Chlamydotis macqueenii Vulnerable Macqueen’s Bustard Clanga clanga Vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle Columba eversmanni Vulnerable Yellow-eyed Pigeon Emberiza rustica Vulnerable Rustic Bunting Marmaronetta angustirostris Vulnerable Marbled Duck Melanitta fusca Vulnerable Velvet Scoter Otis tarda Vulnerable Great Bustard Podiceps auritus Vulnerable Horned Grebe Rissa tridactyla Vulnerable (Vagrant in Afghanistan) Black-legged Kittiwake Saxicola macrorhynchus Vulnerable White-browed Bush Chat Sterna aurantia Vulnerable River Tern Streptopelia turtur Vulnerable European Turtledove Aegypius monachus Near Threatened Cinereous Vulture Anthus pratensis Near Threatened Meadow Pipit Aythya nyroca Near Threatened Ferruginous Duck Calidris ferruginea Near Threatened Curlew Sandpiper Circus macrourus Near Threatened Pallid Harrier Falco jugger Near Threatened Laggar Falcon Falco vespertinus Near Threatened Red-footed Falcon Gallinago media Near Threatened Great Snipe Mareca falcata Near Threatened (Vagrant in Afghanistan) Falcated Duck Numenius arquata Near Threatened Eurasian Curlew Palaeornis eupatria Near Threatened Alexandrine Parakeet Species IUCN Listing Common Name Pelecanus crispus Near Threatened Dalmatian Pelican Phoeniconaias minor Near Threatened (Vagrant in Afghanistan) Lesser Flamingo Phylloscopus tytleri Near Threatened Tytler’s Leaf- warbler Tetrax tetrax Near Threatened Little Bustard Turdus iliacus Near Threatened Redwing Vanellus vanellus Near Threatened Northern Lapwing Glareola nordmanni Near Threatened Black-winged Pratincole Gypaetus barbatus Near Threatened Bearded Vulture Gyps himalayensis Near Threatened Himalayan Griffon Haematopus ostralegus Near Threatened (Vagrant in Afghanistan) Eurasian Oystercatcher Limosa lapponica Near Threatened Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Near Threatened Black-tailed Godwit REPTILES Nilssonia gangetica Endangered Indian Softshell Turtle Lissemys punctata Vulnerable (Possibly extant in Afghanistan) Indian Flapshell Turtle Testudo horsfieldii Vulnerable Afghan Tortoise Eryx johnii Near Threatened Sand Boa Varanus bengalensis Near Threatened Bengal Monitor AMPHIBIAN Afghanodon mustersi Critically Endangered Paghman Mountain Salamander FISH Pseudoscaphi- rhynchus kaufmanni Critically Endangered Amu Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon Capoetobrama kuschakewitschi Endangered Chu Sharpray 3 62NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Species IUCN Listing Common Name Tor putitora Endangered (Possibly extant in Afghanistan) No English common name Cyprinus carpio Vulnerable Common Carp Luciobarbus brachycephalus Vulnerable Aral Barbel Luciobarbus capito Vulnerable Bulamai Barbel Paraschistura punjabensis Vulnerable (Presence uncertain in Afghanistan) No English common name Schistura pakistanica Vulnerable No English common name Schizocypris brucei Vulnerable Waziristan Snowtrout Schizothorax richardsonii Vulnerable Asla INSECT Onychogomphus flexuosus Vulnerable Waved Pincertail Parnassius autocrator Vulnerable Apollo Butterfly Anormogom- phus kiritshenkoi Near Threatened Dragonfly, no English common name VASCULAR PLANTS Crataegus necopinata Critically Endangered (Presence uncertain in Afghanistan) Hawthorn species Lilium polyphyllum Critically Endangered White Himalayan Lily Species IUCN Listing Common Name Zygophyllum darvasicum Critically Endangered (Presence uncertain in Afghanistan) No English common name Atropa acuminata Endangered Indian Belladonna Malus niedzwetzkyana Endangered Niedzwetzky’s Apple Taxus contorta Endangered West Himalayan Yew Tecomella undulata Endangered Desert Teak Trillium govanianum Endangered Himalayan Trillium Ephedra gerardiana Vulnerable Asmania Malaxis muscifera Vulnerable Fly bearing Malaxis Ulmus wallichiana Vulnerable Himalayan Elm Abies spectabilis Near Threatened Web Fir Allium roylei Near Threatened Jungli piyaz, no English common name Carex kashmirensis Near Threatened Sedge, no English common name Pinus gerardiana Near Threatened Chilgoza (Gerrard’s) Pine Pistacia vera Near Threatened Pistachio Populus pruinosa Near Threatened Desert Poplar 3 63 N ATIO N AL BIO D IVERSITY STRATEG Y AN D ACTIO N PLAN FO R AFG H AN ISTAN AN N EXANNEX 4. STATUS OF PRIORITY SPECIES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR CONSERVATION ACTION (TARGET 4) The following species are considered as priorities for targeted conservation action. No. Common Name Scientific name General situation in Afghanistan Presence in Afghanistan confirmed recently 1 Snow Leopard Panthera uncia Afghanistan is one of the 12 snow leopard range states. No accurate estimate of snow leopard population in Afghanistan is currently available but based on assessment of suitable habitat and extrapolations from recent abundance studies in Wakhan the population in the country has been estimated at 189-224 individuals55. The species is confirmed present in Badakhshan Province - Wakhan National Park hosting more than 60% of the confirmed range in Afghanistan - and Nuristan Province. It possibly still occurs in east Baghlan, north-east Kapisa, Kunar, Laghman, Panjshir, and south Takhar provinces. The main threats to snow leopards are destruction of natural prey and killing in retaliation of livestock destruction. The species is estimated to have declined in Afghanistan over the past 1-3 decades 2 Common Leopard Panthera pardus The central part of the Hindu Kush Mountain range and its offshoots to the east connecting with the lower western Himalayan range in Pakistan are the two main strongholds in Afghanistan. There is currently no estimate of population size in the country for leopards, which are said to survive in declining and fragmented sub-populations. The species has been confirmed in Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Ghor, Laghman, Nangarhar, Nuristan, and Paktya provinces but many areas of suitable habitat remain unexplored56. The main threats to leopards are destruction of natural prey, killing in retaliation of livestock destruction, and negative perception of the species by rural communities. The species is estimated to have declined in Afghanistan over the past 1-3 decades. 3 Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus In Afghanistan the distribution of the species coincides with forest distribution in the eastern part of the country where its population size is unknown. The bear has been confirmed in Kunar and Nuristan provinces, the latter being probably the largest stronghold for the species in the country, and possibly also occurs in Paktika, Paktya and Khost provinces. The main threats to Asiatic black bears are forest destruction and killing by humans in retaliation of damages to agriculture (crops, orchards, beekeeping, rarely livestock)57. The species is estimated to have declined in Afghanistan over the past 1-3 decades. 4 55. Ostrowski, S. and Moheb, Z. 2021. A population estimate for snow leopards (Panthera uncia) in Afghanistan. WCS Unpublished report, Kabul, Afghanistan, 3p. 56. Ostrowski, S. et al. 2022. Distribution and status of the Persian leopard in the east part of its range. CATnews Special Issue 15:42–49. 57. Ostrowski, S. et al. 2009. The Asiatic black bear still survives in Nuristan, Afghanistan. International Bear News (IUCN) 18:14-15. 64 N ATIO N AL BIO D IVERSITY STRATEG Y AN D ACTIO N PLAN FO R AFG H AN ISTAN AN N EX No. Common Name Scientific name General situation in Afghanistan 4 Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra The species is said to be distributed throughout the major rivers and streams between 400 – 2,900 m asl in the northern, central, and west regions of Afghanistan58. Historically, it has been reported in rivers and streams in Kunar, Nangarhar, Kabul, and Kandahar59, but no recent investigations could confirm their presence in these areas. Recently, its presence has been confirmed from the upper (Wakhan District) and mid (Darwaz District) Panj River and villagers interviewed in 2010 also reported it in Zebak District, all these districts are in Badakhshan Province, in northeastern Afghanistan. Eurasian otter is among the least studied animals in Afghanistan and therefore there is currently no population estimate for the species in the country. The main threat to Eurasian otter includes hunting and unsustainable harvesting of fishes. In the past it was essentially hunted for its valuable pelt. 5 Urial Ovis vignei Urial is a wild sheep species occurring sporadically throughout the mountainous areas from northeastern Afghanistan all the way to the Central Highlands and western parts of the country. Presence of the species has recently been confirmed from Wakhan, Ishkashim and Zebak districts in Badakhshan Province, Bamyan Plateau and northern Band-e Amir in Bamyan Province, and in Kabul and Laghman provinces. There may be several subspecies of urial in Afghanistan, but in the absence of molecular data, subspecies differentiation is uncertain. Urial numbers are not known for the entirety of its range in Afghanistan, however, population estimates in 2018 confirmed the presence of around 400 urial in Wakhan National Park. The major threats to the species include poaching for meat, habitat degradation, and overgrazing of livestock. The species is estimated to have declined in Afghanistan over the past few decades and recent information of extensive poaching in 2023 suggests a high risk of extinction. 6 Argali Ovis ammon Argali are long-legged mountain sheep adapted to high elevation, open country. The subspecies found in Afghanistan (0. a. polii) is often referred to as the Marco Polo sheep. In Afghanistan, argali are largely limited to Pamirs in Wakhan National Park, but often move across borders to Tajikistan, and possibly to China and Pakistan. No reliable population estimates are available because of frequent transboundary movements. Population numbers in Afghanistan’s Pamirs are fluid but range between 1,000 -1,500 animals. Argali are prized trophy animals because of their impressive horns, but there is currently no legal hunting in Afghanistan. The major threats to Afghanistan argali are overgrazing, poaching and disease transmission by domestic livestock. 58. Ostrowski, S. 2016. The Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra in Afghanistan: A review of the sparse available information. IUCN Otter Spec. Group. Bull. 33(1): 50-53. 59. Melisch, R. and Rietschel, G. 1996. The Eurasian otter Lutra lutra in Afghanistan. Bonner Zoologische Beitrage, 46, pp.367-376. 4 65 N ATIO N AL BIO D IVERSITY STRATEG Y AN D ACTIO N PLAN FO R AFG H AN ISTAN AN N EX 60. Moheb, Z. et al. 2018. Markhor and Siberian ibex occurrence and conservation in northern Afghanistan. Caprid Specialist Group Newsletter (IUCN) 1:4-7. 61. Moheb, Z. et al. 2016. Bactrian deer (Cervus elaphus bactrianus) still exist in Afghanistan. Deer Specialist Group Newsletter (IUCN) 28: 5-12. 62. Habibi, K. 2003. Mammals of Afghanistan. Zoo Outreach Organization, Coimbatore, India. 168 + iv pp. No. Common Name Scientific name General situation in Afghanistan 7 Markhor Capra falconeri Markhor is the rarest Afghanistan mountain ungulate. It occurs in small patches in north and eastern Afghanistan with presence confirmed from Shar-e Buzurg and Koof Ab districts in northern Badakhshan60 and in south central Nuristan. Three subspecies of markhor were once present in Afghanistan, although one may no longer persist. Although population numbers of the species are not known for Afghanistan, the species has declined over the past few decades. Poaching for meat is the main threat to markhor population in the country. 8 Tarim Red Deer (Bukhara red deer) Cervus hangul It is the only cervid species found in tugai forest along the Amu Darya River in northern Afghanistan. Historical records of the species include Darqad in Takhar and Imam Sahib in Kunduz Province, however, presence of the species has only been recently confirmed in the floodplains of Darqad District along the international border with Tajikistan61. Recent interview data suggest that the species also occurs in Kaldar District of Balkh along the international border with Uzbekistan. The species may also occur in Kunduz and Jawzjan Provinces in northern Afghanistan. The size of the Afghanistan population of Tarim Red Deer is not known. Local knowledge suggests that the presence of the species is susceptible to human disturbance across their narrow strip of habitat in northern Afghanistan. Major threats to the species include poaching for meat, trapping young ones for pets, and habitat destruction. The species is said to have severely declined in Afghanistan over the past four decades. 9 Goitered Gazelle Gazella subgutturosa The species inhabits arid plains and treeless semi-desert environments. In Afghanistan, it is said to be distributed in western Afghanistan that includes Herat in the north all the way to Kandahar in the south. Historically, it has also been reported from Qalat in Zabul province in the south and Hairatan in Balkh province in the north62. Although there has been no research on goitered gazelle in recent years and the population numbers are not known, this species is thought to be very rare, hunting for meat and trapping for pet trade are most likely to be the major threats to the species in Afghanistan. 10 Chinkara Gazella bennettii Chinkara are gazelles adapted to arid environments. In Afghanistan, chinkara are limited to the deserts of Kandahar, Helmand and Nimroz provinces. Chinkara are thought to be very rare in Afghanistan, but population numbers are not known. Hunting is most likely to be the major threat to the species in Afghanistan. 4 66 N ATIO N AL BIO D IVERSITY STRATEG Y AN D ACTIO N PLAN FO R AFG H AN ISTAN AN N EX No. Common Name Scientific name General situation in Afghanistan 11 Kashmir Muskdeer Moschus cupreus The Kashmir musk deer was rediscovered in Nuristan in 2009 after having been last seen more than 60 years ago63. The species is found primarily in steep, remote areas of alpine scrub with scattered rock outcrops. Habitat modeling suggests that it may exist over an area of 1,300 km2 in Nuristan, Kunar and Laghman. No population estimates are available. The primary threat is thought to be unregulated hunting for meat and for the valuable musk from the preputial gland. 12 Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius This species breeds in Central Asia, mainly in Kazakhstan and is present during spring (March- April) and autumn (October-November) migration in Afghanistan64 where it is likely to occur in relatively small aggregated flocks in the north, and more scattered as individual specimens elsewhere. Sociable Lapwing is one of several globally threatened birds that rely largely or wholly on agriculture. During migration and on the wintering grounds, the species appears to be strongly associated with areas of agriculture, particularly along rivers, such as the Amu Darya in Afghanistan. The causes of decline of the Sociable Lapwings are not fully understood, although hunting during migration is likely to be one important driver. 13 Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus This species is rarely reported in Afghanistan but as passage migrant. A resident population was reported from Hamun e Puzak65 in the 1970’s but the area has not been surveyed recently. This species might therefore only be a passage migrant in the country. As for many declining waterbird species, the Dalmatian Pelican is threatened by the destruction of wetland, often through conversion to agriculture lands. Hunting is also a main cause of decline, and a recorded threat in eastern Afghanistan66. 14 Ferrugineous Duck Aythya nyroca This species is a rare but regular passage migrant in Afghanistan. It has been recorded in recent years in Kol-e Hashmat Khan and Pamir wetlands. It is also possible that it winters in Hamun e -Puzak but no survey was organized recently in this area to confirm it. 63. Ostrowski, S et al. 2016. Musk deer Moschus cupreus persist in the eastern forests of Afghanistan. Oryx 50:323-328. 64. Donald, P.F. et al. 2021. Migration strategy, site fidelity and population size of the globally threatened Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius. Journal of Ornithology 162:349-367. 65. Rasmussen, P.C. and Anderton, J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia, The Ripley Guide. Museum of Natural History – Smithsonian Institution. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. 66. Mostafawi, S.N. et al. 2017. Hunting for the wealthiest threatens migrating cranes in Afghanistan. Oryx 51(4):583-584. 4 67 N ATIO N AL BIO D IVERSITY STRATEG Y AN D ACTIO N PLAN FO R AFG H AN ISTAN AN N EXNo. Common Name Scientific name General situation in Afghanistan 15 Saker Falcon Falco cherrug This large falcon is a rare, yet typical, summer inhabitant of continental Eurasian rangelands. In Afghanistan it is assumed to breed in northern and western plains but can show up almost anywhere as a migrant or wintering visitor. The species suffers across most its distribution range from capture and trade to supply falconers from Gulf countries who prefer juvenile females. This unsustainable harvest is largely practiced in autumn where it occurs mainly in remote areas of Afghanistan’s central and northern provinces. It is essential to stop this illegal harvest that drives the species to extinction. 16 Pallas’s Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus The status of this species is poorly known in Afghanistan but it has been observed in summer and autumn in wetlands in the north-east and east parts of the country67. The survival of this eagle species depends strongly on healthy wetlands and riparian ecosystems. Drainage and conversion of wetlands are major causes of population decline across its range. 17 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus The species is reported breeding in the country68,69 but very little is understood on the species conservation status in the country. It might be affected by some level of persecution, intentional or accidental poisoning and hunting. Since the species leaves Afghanistan for winter, its exposure to threats in wintering areas would affect specimens breeding in Afghanistan. 18 Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis The species is not known breeding in Afghanistan but is a passage migrant in autumn and spring70 possibly wintering in the south-east71. The species is threatened across its range by conversion of steppe habitat to agriculture, collisions and electrocution with wind turbines and power lines (mostly in its range outside Afghanistan), diclofenac poisoning and hunting. Albeit the undiscriminated hunting pressure, Afghanistan seems a haven for passage birds during migration. This species has suffered severe decline over the past 30 years. 19 Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga The species is not known breeding in Afghanistan but is a passage migrant in autumn and spring72,73 possibly wintering in the south-east74. The species is threatened across its range by deforestation, hybridization with lesser spotted eagle, collisions with wind turbines and electrocution with power lines (mostly in its range outside Afghanistan), poisoning and hunting. Albeit the undiscriminated hunting pressure Afghanistan seems a haven for passage birds during migration. 67. WCS Bird Record Database (2006 – 2022) 68. Rasmussen, P.C. and Anderton, J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia, The Ripley Guide. Museum of Natural History – Smithsonian Institution. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. 69. WCS Bird Record Database (2006 – 2022) 70. CS Bird Record Database (2006 – 2022) 71. Rasmussen, P.C. and Anderton, J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia, The Ripley Guide. Museum of Natural History – Smithsonian Institution. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. 72. Strick, J. et al. 2011. Satellite tracking of a rehabilitated greater spotted eagle Aquila clanga. Zoology in the Middle East 54:sup3, 103-106. 73. WCS Bird Record Database (2006 – 2022). 74. Rasmussen P.C. and Anderton J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia, The Ripley Guide. Museum of Natural History – Smithsonian Institution. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. 4 68 N ATIO N AL BIO D IVERSITY STRATEG Y AN D ACTIO N PLAN FO R AFG H AN ISTAN AN N EX No. Common Name Scientific name General situation in Afghanistan 20 Imperial Eagle Aquila heliacal The species is not known breeding in Afghanistan but is a passage migrant in autumn and spring75 possibly wintering in the south-east76. The species is threatened across its range by deforestation, collisions and electrocution with wind turbines and power lines (mostly in its range outside Afghanistan), poisoning and hunting. Albeit the undiscriminated hunting pressure Afghanistan seems a relatively safe haven for passage birds during migration. This species has suffered severe decline over the past 30 years. 21 Laggar Falcon Falco jugger The species is reported breeding in the east and north-east of the of the country77 but very little is understood on the species conservation status in the country. It might be affected by trapping as a by capture of saker falcons. Elsewhere across its distribution range it seems to be affected by the increase in pesticide use for agriculture which kills its prey species. Since the species leaves Afghanistan for winter, its exposure to threats in wintering areas would affect specimens breeding in Afghanistan. 22 Macqueen’s Bustard Chlamydotis macqeenii The situation of this desert species is poorly known in Afghanistan. However, satellite telemetry has revealed that the western plains are used by many thousands of migratory birds and as winter quarters, mainly in the southwest. It is also possible that some birds reside in the southwest as an extension of resident population in Iran and in northern plains. The species suffers across all its distribution range of trade and over-hunting, which must be restricted to avoid either extinction or replacement and domestication propagated by captive-breeding programs for hunting. 23 Paghman Mountain Salamander Afghanodon mustersi This is an Afghanistan endemic species globally categorized as Critically Endangered. It was considered to exist only in a single fast-flowing, cold-water stream above the town of Paghman. A survey in 2007 found reduced stream flow, warm temperatures and no salamanders suggesting that the species may have gone extinct. However, field surveys in 2017 - 2018 confirmed that the species still exists near Paghman and appears to be present in the Panjshir, Salang and Ghorband Valleys78. No reliable information is available on population numbers. 75. WCS Bird Record Database (2006 – 2022). 76. Rasmussen, P.C. and Anderton, J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia, The Ripley Guide. Museum of Natural History – Smithsonian Institution. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. 77. Rasmussen, P.C. and Anderton, J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia, The Ripley Guide. Museum of Natural History – Smithsonian Institution. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. 78. https://www.rufford.org/projects/ahmad-samim-ayobi/establishing-conservation-management-for-paghman-stream-salamander-afghanodon-mustersi/ 4 69 N ATIO N AL BIO D IVERSITY STRATEG Y AN D ACTIO N PLAN FO R AFG H AN ISTAN AN N EXNo. Common Name Scientific name General situation in Afghanistan 24 Chilgoza (Gerrard’s) pine Pinus gerardiana Chilgoza pine is a valuable tree species from economic and traditional medicine points of views. It has been estimated that collecting, extracting, and selling Chilgoza nuts bring on average a revenue of $1,251 USD per household per year in communities inhabiting the tree distribution range in Afghanistan79. Chilgoza pine occurs in dry tempered forest in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region across the eastern part of the country often referred to as the “Eastern Forest Complex”. The species has been confirmed in Nuristan, Kunar, Laghman, Nangarhar, Kapisa, Paktya, Khost, and Paktika provinces with the latter three provinces being probably the largest stronghold for the species in the country. The main threats are cutting for timber trade or firewood, unsustainable seed collection, and overgrazing that limits tree restoration80. The species is estimated to have declined in Afghanistan over the past 1-3 decades. 25 Wild Pistachio Pistacia vera Pistachio is a very valuable tree species for Afghanistan as nuts are major source of income for local communities inhabiting around the species distribution range. Pistachio woodlands are distributed in a strip of land from northeast to west of the country across Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz, Baghlan, Samangan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Sar-e Pul, Faryab, Badghis, and Herat provinces. The main threats to Pistachio woodlands have been listed as cutting trees, unsustainable seed harvest, and overgrazing. The species is estimated to have declined in Afghanistan over the past few decades. 26 Amu Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni Endemic to the Amu Darya and its tributaries, now mainly found in the middle reaches of this river. There is one unclear report of a young washed-up specimen at the Friendship Bridge (connecting Termez in Uzbekistan to Hairatan in Afghanistan)81, and survey of fish market in Hairatan in spring 2021 by the WCS team confirmed that the species was offered for sale. Recent presence in Afghanistan unconfirmed 27 Asiatic Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus venaticus Extremely rare subspecies of cheetah only known to survive in less than 50-100 specimens in Iran. Any vagrant specimen would only occur in the west of the country. 28 Khulan Equus hemionus No recent records, nearest resident population is in south Turkmenistan behind an international border fence. 29 White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala The species was reported as possible migratory breeder in the country, but no known recent records83. 79. Shalizi, M.N. et al. 2018. Indigenous knowledge and stand characteristics of a threatened tree species in a highly insecure area: Chilgoza pine in Afghanistan. Forest Ecology and Management, 413, pp.1-8. 80. Amn, S., et al. 2019. Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) forests in Afghanistan: current status, trends in regeneration, management & protection with special reference to Nuristan Province. International Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences, 8, pp. 29-41. 81. Coad, B.W. 2014. Fishes of Afghanistan. Canadian Museum of Nature. Pensoft, Sofia-Moscow. 82. Madge, S. in litt. 83. WCS Bird Record Database (2006 – 2022). 4 70 N ATIO N AL BIO D IVERSITY STRATEG Y AN D ACTIO N PLAN FO R AFG H AN ISTAN AN N EX No. Common Name Scientific name General situation in Afghanistan 30 Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris The species was reported in the late 1970’s as a winter visitor to Hamun e-Puzak wetlands, and occasionally seen in migration in other wetlands (e.g., Kol-e Hashmat Khan), but Hamun e-Puzak was not visited in winter by ornithologists for the past 50 years, and there are no known recent records from Afghanistan84. 31 Siberian Crane Leucogeranus leucogeranus No known recent records85, this species is considered extinct in the wild in west and central Asia. 32 White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis No known confirmed records for the 20th and 21st centuries86. This species has lost nearly 90% of its population across its breeding range in south Asia due to diclofenac poisoning. 33 Great Bustard Otis tarda No known recent records in the country. It was known to winter in the extreme west of the country in the past87, but no ornithological mission was carried out recently in this area. There is a breeding population in south Kazakhstan88 from which perhaps several individuals winter in west Afghanistan. 34 Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax No known confirmed records for the 20th and 21st centuries89. There is a breeding population in south Kazakhstan90 from which perhaps several individuals winter in west Afghanistan. 35 Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus Latest confirmed records dates to 1972, likely migrating birds, in the extreme west of the country91. 36 Bengal Monitor Lizard Varanus bengalensis No confirmed recent record in Afghanistan but probably because of lack of survey in its claimed distribution range in the east and south of the country. 37 Fringebarble Sturgeon Acipenser nudiventris Included in the list of protected species of Afghanistan by AWEC but not known to be part of the fish fauna of Afghanistan92, its nearest population is in Caspian Sea. Likely a confusion with Pseudoscaphirhynchus hermanni historically a very rare sturgeon species endemic to the Amu Darya. No known specimens of P. hermanni in Afghanistan for at least 25 years. 84. WCS Bird Record Database (2006 – 2022). 85. Mostafawi, S.N. et al. 2017. Hunting for the wealthiest threatens migrating cranes in Afghanistan. Oryx 51(4):583-584. 86. Madge, S. in litt. 87. Rasmussen, P.C. and Anderton, J.C. 2012. Birds of South Asia, The Ripley Guide. Museum of Natural History – Smithsonian Institution. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. 88. Martin, T. E. et al. 2018. Breeding populations of Great Bustard and Little Bustard in South Kazakhstan province, Republic of Kazakhstan. Sangrouse 40: 138-143. 89. Madge, S. in litt. 90. Martin, T.E. et al. 2018. Breeding populations of Great Bustard and Little Bustard in South Kazakhstan province, Republic of Kazakhstan. Sangrouse 40: 138-143. 91. Smith, E.K. 1974. Birds in Afghanistan. Ardea 62:226-235. 92. Coad, B.W. 2014. Fishes of Afghanistan. Canadian Museum of Nature. Pensoft, Sofia-Moscow. 4 71 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX ANNEX 5. PROTECTED SPECIES LIST OF AFGHANISTAN DESIGNATED BY THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Designation Year Scientific Name Common Name MAMMALS 2008 Rhinolophus mehelyi Mehely’s Horseshoe Bat 2008 Capra falconeri Markhor 2008 Capra sibirica Siberian Ibex 2008 Ovis vignei Urial 2008 Ovis ammon Argali 2008 Moschus cupreus Kashmir Muskdeer 2008 Lepus capensis Cape Hare 2008 Vulpes corsac Corsac Fox 2008 Vulpes cana Blanford’s Fox 2008 Canis lupus Wolf 2008 Ursus thibetanus Asiatic Black Bear 2008 Ursus arctos Brown Bear 2008 Caracal caracal Caracal 2008 Panthera pardus Common Leopard 2008 Panthera uncia Snow Leopard 2008 Acinonyx jubatus Cheetah 2008 Felis chaus Jungle Cat 2008 Felis silvestris Wild Cat 2008 Prionailurus bengalensis Leopard Cat 2008 Lynx lynx Eurasian Lynx 2008 Otocolobus manul Pallas’s Cat 2009 Barbastella leucomelas Eastern Barbastelle 2009 Martes foina Stone Marten 2009 Hyaena hyaena Striped Hyaena 2009 Gazella subgutturosa Goitered Gazelle 2009 Gazella bennettii Indian Gazelle 5 72NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Designation Year Scientific Name Common Name 2009 Cervus elaphus Tarim Red Deer 2010 Pipistrellus kuhlii Kuhl’s Pipistrelle 2010 Pipistrellus savii Savi’s Pipistrelle 2010 Pipistrellus coromandra Coromandel Pipistrelle 2010 Pipistrellus javanicus Javan Pipistrelle 2010 Pipistrellus pipistrellus Common Pipistrelle 2010 Pipistrellus tenuis Least Pipistrelle 2010 Rhinolophus hipposideros Lesser Horseshoe Bat 2010 Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Greater Horseshoe Bat 2010 Rhinopoma hardwickii Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat 2010 Rhinolophus lepidus Blyth’s Horseshoe Bat 2010 Rhinopoma muscatellum Small Mouse-tailed Bat 2010 Rhinopoma microphyllum Greater Mouse Tailed Bat 2010 Rhinolophus blasii Blasius’ Horseshoe Bat 2010 Rhinolophus bocharicus Bokhara Horseshoe Bat 2010 Myotis bucharensis Bokhara Whiskered Bat 2010 Myotis formosus Hodgson’s Bat 2010 Myotis muricola Nepalese Whiskered Bat 2010 Myotis bechsteinii Bechstein’s Myotis 2010 Myotis blythii Lesser Mouse-eared Bat 2010 Myotis nipalensis Nepal Myotis 2010 Myotis emarginatus Geoffroy’s Bat 2010 Myotis longipes Kashmir Cave Bat 2010 Eptesicus gobiensis Gobi Big Brown Bat 2010 Eptesicus serotinus Serotine Bat 2010 Eptesicus nasutus Sind Serotine Bat 2010 Eptesicus bottae Botta’s Serotine 2010 Nyctalus leisleri Lesser Noctule 2010 Nyctalus montanus Mountain Noctule 2010 Miniopterus fuliginosus Eastern Bent-winged Bat 5 73 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Designation Year Scientific Name Common Name 2010 Miniopterus schreibersii Schreiber’s Long-fingered Bat 2010 Tadarida aegyptiaca Egyptian Free-tailed Bat 2010 Tadarida teniotis European Free-tailed Bat 2010 Vespertilio murinus Particoloured Bat 2010 Otonycteris hemprichii Desert Long-eared Bat 2010 Taphozous nudiventris Naked-rumped Tomb Bat 2010 Scotophilus heathii Greater Asiatic Yellow House Bat 2010 Hipposideros fulvus Fulvus Leaf-nosed Bat 2010 Asellia tridens Geoffroy’s Trident Leaf-nosed Bat 2010 Megaderma lyra Greater False Vampire 2010 Eoglaucomys fimbriatus Small Kashmir Flying Squirrel 2010 Petaurista petaurista Common Giant Flying Squirrel 2010 Vormela peregusna Marbled Polecat 2010 Lutra lutra Otter 2010 Equus hemionus Asiatic Wild Ass 2010 Vulpes rueppellii Ruppell’s Fox 2010 Canis aureus Golden Jackal 2010 Felis margarita Sand Cat 2015 Funambulus pennantii Northern Palm Squirrel 2015 Martes flavigula Yellow-throated Marten BIRDS 2008 Falco cherrug Saker Falcon 2008 Grus leucogeranus Siberian Crane 2008 Phoenicopterus roseus Greater Flamingo 2008 Chlamydotis macqueenii Macqueen’s Bustard 2009 Haliaeetus leucoryphus Pallas’s Fish Eagle 2009 Aquila heliaca Eastern Imperial Eagle 2009 Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel 2009 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture 2009 Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture 5 74NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Designation Year Scientific Name Common Name 2009 Oxyura leucocephala White-headed Duck 2009 Marmaronetta angustirostris Marbled Teal 2009 Vanellus gregarius Sociable Lapwing 2009 Acrocephalus orinus Large-billed Reed-Warbler 2009 Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican 2010 Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Sea-eagle 2010 Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonelli’s Eagle 2010 Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle 2010 Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle 2010 Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle 2010 Clanga clanga Greater Spotted Eagle 2010 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Snake-eagle 2010 Falco jugger Laggar Falcon 2010 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 2010 Falco pelegrinoides Barbary Falcon 2010 Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel 2010 Falco columbarius Merlin 2010 Falco vespertinus Red-footed Falcon 2010 Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby 2010 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier 2010 Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier 2010 Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier 2010 Circus aeruginosus Western Marsh Harrier 2010 Milvus migrans Black Kite 2010 Milvus lineatus Black-eared Kite 2010 Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard 2010 Buteo buteo Common Buzzard 2010 Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk 2010 Accipiter badius Shikra 2010 Pandion haliaetus Osprey 5 75 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Designation Year Scientific Name Common Name 2010 Aegypius monachus Cinereous Vulture 2010 Gyps himalayensis Himalayan Vulture 2010 Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture 2010 Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeier 2010 Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl 2010 Asio otus Long-eared Owl 2010 Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle Owl 2010 Athene noctua Little Owl 2010 Glaucidium brodiei Collared Owl 2010 Otus brucei Pallid Scops Owl 2010 Otus scops Common Scops Owl 2010 Strix aluco Tawny Owl 2010 Anas Formosa Baikal Teal 2010 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck 2010 Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican 2015 Otis tarda Great Bustard 2015 Lophophorus impejanus Himalayan Monal 2015 Montifringilla theresae Afghan Snowfinch REPTILES 2010 Testudo horsfieldii Afghan Tortoise 2015 Eublepharis macularius Leopard Gecko 2015 Uromastyx hardwickii Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard 2015 Varanus bengalensis Bengal Monitor Lizard AMPHIBIAN 2008 Afghanodon mustersi Paghman Mountain Salamander FISH 2010 Pseudoscaphirhynchus kaufmanni Amu Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon 2015 Acipenser nudiventris Fringebarbel Sturgeon 5 76NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX Designation Year Scientific Name Common Name INSECT 2008 Parnassius autocrator Apollo (Pamir) Butterfly PLANTS 2008 Corydalis hindukushensis No common name 2008 Corydalis adiantifolia No common name 2009 Ulmus wallichiana Himalayan Elm 2009 Abies spectabilis East Himalayan Fir 2009 Taxus contorta Himalayan Yew 2010 Pinus gerardiana Jalghoza Pine 2010 Pinus wallichiana Himalayan White Pine 2015 Dioscorea deltoidea Elephant’s Foot 5 77 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX ANNEX 6. LIST OF ALIEN SPECIES IN AFGHANISTAN The following 70 alien species are present in Afghanistan 93. # Scientific name MAMMAL 1 Cervus elaphus (Linnaeus, 1758) AMPHIBIAN 2 Bufotes viridis (Laurenti, 1768) FISH 3 Ballerus ballerus (Linnaeus, 1758) 4 Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) 5 Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes, 1844) 6 Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus, 1758) 7 Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard, 1853) 8 Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859) 9 Hemiculter leucisculus (Basilewsky, 1855) 10 Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes, 1844) 11 Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Richardson, 1845) 12 Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) 13 Oryzias latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) 14 Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) 15 Rhinogobius similis (Gill, 1859) 16 Rhodeus sinensis (Günther, 1868) INSECT 17 Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758) # Scientific name VASCULAR PLANTS 18 Acacia modesta (Wall.) 19 Acer oblongum (Wall.) (Ex DC.) 20 Acroptilon repens (L.) (DC.) 21 Ailanthus excelsa (Roxb.) 22 Ailanthus glandulosa (Desf.) 23 Albizia julibrissin (Durazz.) 24 Albizia lebbeck (L.) (Benth.) 25 Amygdalus communis (L.) 26 Araucaria japonica 27 Bombax ceiba (L.) 28 Bougainvillea glabra (Choisy) 29 Callistemon viminalis (G.Don) 30 Cassia fistula (L.) 31 Cedrela toona (Roxb.) (Ex Rottl. & Willd.) 32 Cercis griffithii (Boiss.) 33 Conyza bonariensis (L.) (Cronq.) 34 Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) (E.H.Walker) 35 Cryptomeria japonica (D.Don) 36 Cupressus arizonica (Greene) 37 Cuscuta campestris (Yunck.) 93. Sediqi E, Maiwandi S, Modaqiq W, Wong L J, Pagad S 2020. Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species - Afghanistan. v1.15. Invasive Species Specialist Group ISSG. Dataset/Checklist. https://cloud.gbif.org/griis/resource?r=afghanistan griis gbif&v=1.15 6 78NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR AFGHANISTAN ANNEX # Scientific name 38 Cynodon dactylon (L.) (Pers.) 39 Cyperus rotundus (L.) 40 Dodonaea viscosa (Jacq.) 41 Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) (P.Beauv.) 42 Elaeagnus umbellata (C.P.Thunb.) (Ex A.Murray) 43 Ficus benghalensis (L.) 44 Ficus religiosa (L.) 45 Fraxinus floribunda (Wall.) 46 Gleditsia triacanthos (L.) 47 Grevillea robusta (A.Cunn.) (Ex R.Br.) 48 Hibiscus mutabilis (L.) 49 Hibiscus syriacus (L.) 50 Imperata cylindrica (L.) (P.Beauv.) 51 Jasminum humile (Heyne) 52 Lamium amplexicaule (L.) 53 Lantana camara (L.) 54 Lolium temulentum (L.) # Scientific name 55 Mangifera indica (L.) 56 Melia azedarach (L.) 57 Pinus halepensis (Mill.) 58 Pinus roxburghii (Sarg.) 59 Piper nigrum (L.) 60 Ricinus communis (L.) 61 Robinia pseudoacacia (L.) 62 Rosa moschata (Herrm.) 63 Syringa emodi (Wall.) (Ex Royle) 64 Syzygium cumini (L.) (Skeels) 65 Taraxacum croceum (Dahlst.) 66 Thuja orientalis (L.) 67 Toona ciliata (M.) (Roem.) 68 Ulmus wallichiana (Planch.) 69 Xanthium spinosum (L.) 70 Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam.) 6 The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Afghanistan outlines a comprehensive framework to conserve and sustainably manage the country’s rich biodiversity. This plan recognizes the critical role that biodiversity plays in supporting ecosystem functions, providing livelihood opportunities, and contributing to the overall well-being of Afghan communities. It aims to address the key challenges and threats facing sustainable use and ensuring the equitable sharing of benefits. GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack GoBack