Alternative sources of heating help preserve Nuristan's environment
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been implementing a five-year project in Afghanistan called “Combating land degradation and biodiversity loss by promoting sustainable rangeland management and biodiversity conservation in Afghanistan” with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This project promotes integrated management and restoration of degraded landscapes for biodiversity conservation and community-based sustainable and regenerative rangeland management in Khost, Laghman, and Nuristan since 2021.
Nuristan, one of Afghanistan's most forested provinces, has an estimated population of 150 000, and an area, of 9 000 square kilometers. This remote province of eastern Afghanistan is known for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, rich natural and cultural heritage, and unique traditions. The province was historically isolated and remained relatively untouched due to its rocky topography, which contributed to the preservation of its unique culture. During the past 45 years, this remoteness made Nuristan an insecure place, used as a base by mujahideen and more recently Islamic State militants.
In Nuristan, the local community faces challenges related to the exploitation of natural resources. Deforestation is caused by the excessive use of forests for firewood which leads to soil erosion, landslides, and avalanches, negatively impacting the water cycle and the health of the rangeland ecosystems. These natural resources are vital for the community’s well-being and sustainable livelihoods, making their conservation crucial.
One success story from the project is the story of Bibi Fatima, an elderly woman from the remote village of Eshtiwi in Nuristan province. The construction of a passive solar house (PSH) has brought significant changes to her life and the health of her children and grandchildren. The PSH has reduced cold-related illnesses, provided a warm working environment, and created extra space for children to play. Additionally, the use of wood and shrubs for fuel has decreased significantly, reducing the burden on the community’s women who previously had to gather these resources from the nearby mountains.
“We experience heavy snowfall, with snow even reaching our doors and windows in the winter. The construction of the passive solar house provides us with a warm working environment and a suitable space for children to play and study. In the past, fires needed to be lit 3-5 times throughout the night, but now, it is only required 2 to 3 times, and during the daytime, it is not even highly necessary.”
A PSH is a wooden-framed structure positioned against the sun-facing wall of a house and covered with polyethylene sheets. It acts like a greenhouse, utilizing solar energy to warm the air inside the house throughout the day. The heated air circulates within the entire house, maintaining a pleasant indoor temperature during cold nights.
The project’s broader impact is the conservation of natural resources, enhancement of ecosystem health, and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods for the community in Nuristan. By providing alternative energy sources, such as the PSH, the project aims to decrease land degradation, discourage deforestation, and increase rangeland productivity. The construction of 50 passive solar houses in different Rangeland/Forest Management Associations has tackled excessive deforestation and shrub collection during the winter.