Online Public Lecture Series: Deforestation, Biodiversity Loss and Restoration Challenges in Afghanistan

Abstract

Afghanistan's forests and biodiversity face severe threats from deforestation caused by fuelwood collection, agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and conflict. Climate-related factors like droughts and fires exacerbate these issues, leading to ecological degradation, including habitat loss, soil erosion, and disrupted water cycles. This presentation explores the causes and consequences of deforestation and biodiversity loss, emphasising socio-economic impacts on forest-dependent communities. It highlights sustainable restoration strategies, such as agroforestry, community-led reforestation, and improved governance. Opportunities like ecotourism and inclusion of marginalised groups are also discussed. The presentation concludes with actionable recommendations to ensure the long-term health and resilience of Afghanistan's ecosystems.

About Speaker

Mujib Rahman Ahmadzai is a lecturer in the Department of Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Environment, at Kabul University, where he focuses on capacity building and research related to environmental sustainability, natural resource management, and climate-smart agriculture. He is completing a PhD at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia. He holds a master's in Land Resource Management from the same university. Currently, he is also a coordinator in the Liaison Office of a project to develop the natural resource strategy and policy for the Islamic Development Bank. He has published over 10 journal articles in recent years. One of his latest publications is "The Societal and Economic Impact of Reforestation Strategies and Policies in Southeast Asia—A Review", published in Forests (MDPI).

About Discussant

Dr Maksim Kulikov is a Research Fellow at the University of Central Asia’s Mountain Societies Research Institute. He holds Ph.D. in geography and natural sciences from Institute of Geography of University of Hamburg (Germany). He has broad experience in environmental research involving soil, vegetation, and climate system as well as remote sensing, GIS and modelling of natural processes. His research interests include geobotanical modelling using remote sensing and extensive data analysis and modelling with machine learning algorithms.

Moderator: Dr Bohdan Krawchenko Director of Afghanistan Research Initiative, Senior Research Fellow, Graduate School of Development, University of Central Asia
Format: Online
Language: English

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