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In northeastern Afghanistan, village leader Ghulam Ali Poya proudly observes residents embracing tree planting, a practice lost during decades of conflict. "There were forests of pistachio trees," he recalled, gesturing toward the barren mountains surrounding Char Bagh. "During the conflicts and the civil war, they were destroyed; no one could stop the logging."

Mohammad Nasir Shalizi, a researcher at North Carolina State University, noted that Afghanistan lost about 50 percent of its forest cover from the 1979 Soviet invasion until the early 2000s. Logging for timber smuggled to Pakistan and wood used for heating and cooking in the "pistachio belt" contributed to this loss. However, deforestation has slowed significantly in the last two decades.

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There were forests of pistachio trees. During the conflicts and the civil war, they were destroyed; no one could stop the logging.

Data from the National Statistics and Information Authority shows a 35 percent increase in forest cover nationwide since 2011. Despite this progress, only 2.5 percent of Afghanistan was forested in 2025, and some areas continue to experience shrinking cover. Both the former US-backed government and the current Taliban administration have backed tree-planting initiatives.

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Having these trees makes me feel good; my environment is green, and we breathe fresh air

In Char Bagh, the Aga Khan Development Network funded a significant grove featuring local species like poplars and pomegranates. Farmer Bas Begum Ahmadi, who owns the land, hopes to generate income from its produce while allowing community access. "Having these trees makes me feel good; my environment is green, and we breathe fresh air," said the 45-year-old.

This "micro-forest" employs Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki's principles of dense planting with local species. It offers ecological benefits, including improved soil fertility and climate resilience, and supports community livelihoods. Parisa Malikzada, Afghanistan agriculture coordinator for the organization, stated that they have planted 500 such micro-forests across seven provinces. Poya added that the forest's location near a river helps prevent soil erosion and serves as an example for others.

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restore ecosystems, improve soil fertility, help climate resilience, and support community livelihood

Experts emphasize that community-based forest management is the most effective reforestation strategy in Afghanistan, given the country's challenging terrain and limited state funding. Afghan authorities aim to plant 200 million trees between 2023 and 2030, with support from NGOs, the UN, and the private sector. Last year, 17 million trees were planted, exceeding the target of eight million.

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a model for people. Everyone comes to have a look, and they'd like to have one too