Taliban Appointed Governor Unveils New Plan for Band-e Amir National Park
In a meeting chaired by Mawlawi Abdullah Sarhadi, the Taliban-appointed governor of Bamiyan province, discussions were held on developing a comprehensive management plan for the proper protection of Band-e Amir National Park.
Sarhadi stated that safeguarding this unique natural site is a shared responsibility between Taliban-run agencies and local communities. He called for the implementation of protective measures based on a clear and practical program.
According to Sarhadi, dispatching a working delegation to consult with local representatives and finalize the plan is considered a priority. However, environmental experts have repeatedly raised serious concerns about the Taliban administration’s performance and capacity to genuinely protect natural resources.
During the meeting, other committee members also discussed ways to boost domestic and international tourism, empower local communities, and increase the role of local residents in environmental protection. Several decisions were made in this regard.
Band-e Amir National Park, located in Bamiyan, is Afghanistan’s first national park. Renowned for its natural lakes and exceptional beauty, it is considered one of the country’s key tourist attractions. In recent years, the area has faced challenges such as reduced oversight, environmental pollution, and irresponsible administrative interventions.
