ICIMOD, together with the Wildlife Conservation Society,United Nations Environment Programme, and UK Department for International Development, supported the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA Afghanistan) to celebrate the World Environment Day in Kabul on 5 June 2016. The theme of this year’s celebration was ‘go wild for life’.

The event took place at Afghanistan National Radio and Television Stadium. Over 400 participants attended the event, including Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the chief executive of Afghanistan; the minister of education; members of parliament; and representatives from different governmental and non-governmental agencies, international organizations, civil society, and the media.

Dr Abdullah Abdullah launched the event, emphasizing that the government is determined to stop the illegal hunting and trading of wildlife, particularly birds. He also added that a clean and unpolluted environment could have a very positive impact on life as well as peace within the nation.

At the end of the conference, there was an exhibition at which some organizations displayed their activities and publications. Each booth was related to environmental issues. Some common themes included Islam and the environment, women and the environment, waste recycling, etc. ICIMOD’s booth as well its publications received a fair amount of attention from the participants.

ICIMOD’s Kabul office provided financial and technical support for the event. This was highly appreciated by the government of Afghanistan. Overall, the event received wide attention from the media and has created very positive social impact.

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