On 18 September, in Bamyan, Afghanistan local community leaders, school children, and government representatives gathered for the sixth annual “Peace Trek” in Afghanistan’s Central Highlands. The event organized by UNEP and Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) was held to celebrate World Peace Day 2014.

The Peace Trek, which went through the rugged Shah Foladi mountains, provided an opportunity for different groups to join together and appreciate the natural beauty and historic landscape of the region. Home to a diverse range of species, habitats, and human settlements, Shah Foladi boasts a unique combination of pristine mountains, watersheds and cultural heritage.

Following the Peace Trek, on 20 September, UNEP in collaboration with NEPA, Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) and HELP, the Bamyan Tourism Association, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) co-organized a Football Eco-Cup.

The tournament brought together youth and professionals to discuss issues related to environmental change and opportunities for adaptation. It used sport and fun to raise awareness among local youth on environmental conservation, climate change, and health issues. These activities contribute to UNEP’s broader work in Afghanistan, which aims to foster environmental awareness and stewardship through dialogue and practical capacity building. UNEP has been working in Afghanistan since 2002 with a range of government partners, civil society, and other UN agencies to support sustainable environmental management.

This work has been made possible by support from the Global Environmental Facility, the UK Department for International Development and the Government of Estonia.

More information here or email andrew.scanlon@unep.org