Results:

As a result of this project, we have been able to obtain the signature of National Steering Committee (NSC) members at this point is for the complete and final duly review of the document and have finalized CPS OP7 as a holistic document and guide for the implementation of GEF SGP seventh operational phase (OP7) country program.




New Developments and unexpected difficulties/problems:

1. Lack of funds, government has limited resources and limited capacities in this very important sector.

2. Adequate information such as reports/data, case studies etc related to SGP projects was not available.

3. Organizing and conducting consultation meetings with Government officials has been time consuming process.

4. Limited knowledge and information among masses about importance of environment, environmental issues and its impact on the lives of people.



Remarks/lesson learned:

1. Air pollution is very severe issue; the organizations need to do very relevant activities that are environment friendly. Root causes of air pollution needs to be assessed, people use low quality coal in the stoves generating huge smoke thus polluting the air, there is need to introduce the improved version of stoves and improved cooking stoves.
2. The capacity of government officials needs to be build and further strengthened on the topics like climate change, why and when drought, floods occur, environmental monitoring, proposal writing, project planning tools/methods such as LFA, and report writing methods. NEPA has the role to develop capacities of the government departments and CSOs.
3. Mitigation of climate change by reducing air pollution and relevant diseases through sustainable conservation and management of natural resources, improvement of green cover and forestlands (forests, bushes, and forage cover) in and around Kabul City.
4. Much emphasis need to focus upon raising the awareness, establish and strengthen effective networking with media, academia, universities, schools, women networks, local communities and environment networks.
5. Community engagement, social environment and education of communities, students and wider society is very essential in order to promote the meaningful participation of women, youth, and indigenous local communities in SGP affairs as per government national policies and plans.
6. There is need to maintain and expand the partnership with private sector to promote the public-private partnership and further expand and strengthen existing partnership relations with donor agencies, UN organizations, national and international NGOs and relevant government sectors for resource mobilization and cost-sharing opportunities addressing the linkages between environment and poverty.

7. Create awareness on environmental issues and practices amongst youth, and support youth organizations to work for environmental sustainability.
8. A clear mechanism or procedure needs to be put in place and followed by NEPA, NSC, NC and CSO grantees for productive coordination, communication and technical support for CSO grantees from government line ministries/departments and UNDP.
9. Water conservation and water management is essential to construct small dams for bringing more land under agriculture.
10. Kol-i-Hashmat Khan landscape identified as wetland has water in spring season for 4 months and in the remaining months of the year it has only 20 % of water, it is suggested that the irrigation channel of Kol-i-Hashmat khan should be developed by constructing engineered system of irrigation.
11. The directorate of Kadestor and territories identification should identify the boundaries of Kol-i- Hashmat Khan as it was 30 years ago and government should protect the boundaries of Kol-i-Hashmat Khan by fencing etc.
12. Strengthen the capacities of CSOs and relevant stakeholders in selected landscape areas and ensure sustainability of conservation efforts through execution of conservation-friendly economic activities in participation with local communities.
13. Proposed solar enterprises, alternate livelihood opportunities, fruit and vegetable processing (fruit factory) renewable energy like Solar Micro hydle power projects mixed as medium enterprise (not using generator) and successful interventions need to be scaled up and replicated within and outside landscape areas.