The United Nations Development Programme has launched the Climate-Responsive Livelihoods and Forestry Based on Community project in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, aiming to strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods and improve community resilience to climate change impacts. The initiative is designed to support vulnerable rural populations by combining livelihood development with sustainable forestry practices tailored to local environmental conditions.
The project places a strong emphasis on investing in rural infrastructure and enhancing the adaptive capacity of residents in climate-affected areas. Central to its approach is the active participation of local communities in planning and implementation, which UNDP identifies as essential for ensuring that interventions respond to real needs and strengthen long-term resilience.
Badakhshan, a mountainous region, has been increasingly affected by climate-related challenges including shifting weather patterns, land degradation and growing pressure on natural resources. By addressing these interconnected risks, the project seeks to reduce vulnerability and protect rural livelihoods that depend heavily on the local environment.
At the same time, the long-term effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the presence of enabling conditions, including transparent implementation, safe access for adaptive institutions and genuine community engagement. These factors remain critical in ensuring that climate-focused development efforts can achieve sustainable outcomes in Afghanistan’s current context.
