NEPA chief urges IFRC to enhance Afghan agriculture, water management

KABUL (Pajhwok): The head of the National Environmental Protection Authority (NEPA), Maulvi Mati-ul-Haq Khalis, has called on the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to collaborate with Afghanistan in addressing environmental protection, agriculture, livestock and water management issues.

According to a statement from NEPA, Khalis met with Alexander Matheou, the head of IFRC’s Asia-Pacific region, and Dr Hussam Faisal, the IFRC’s representative for Afghanistan.

Khalis highlighted that Afghanistan has been severely affected by drought, with its natural glaciers rapidly disappearing, groundwater levels declining, and the agriculture and livestock sectors suffering significant damage.

He noted that in many provinces, people have been forced to abandon their homes and villages, and in some areas, people are even paying for water to feed their livestock.

He also raised concerns about the ongoing refugee crisis, stressing that without international assistance, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

Khalis emphasized the need for international attention to humanitarian issues and urged IFRC officials to assist in the areas of environmental protection, agriculture, livestock, and water management.

Alexander Matheou, head of IFRC’s Asia-Pacific region, stated, “The purpose of my visit to Afghanistan is to closely assess the issues affecting refugees and those impacted by earthquakes, as well as to gather information on Afghanistan’s environmental situation. We will continue our efforts and work to facilitate the mobilization of international aid for Afghanistan.”

Dr Hussam Faisal, IFRC’s representative for Afghanistan, was directed to continue close collaboration with NEPA.

hz/sa