6 August 2010 - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched an environmental awareness campaign in Afghanistan which will feature a range of outdoor nature-sharing activities for schools and local communities over 100 days in the lead-up to World Peace Day on 21 September.

The first event – "Trekking for Peace" – took place in the Central Highlands province of Bamyan on July 30th.

World Peace Day is following a theme of peace, youth and the environment this year. Children from local communities, together with officials from the local and national government, walked together in the pristine high-alpine areas of the Shah Foladi Conservation Area in Bamyan province.

UNEP has been supporting institutional capacity building for sustainable environmental management in Afghanistan since 2002.

The UNEP conservation programme, including the Shah Foladi field project, will encourage community management of natural resources, the conservation of biodiversity as well as the sharing of nature and environmental education programmes for all Afghans.

Further events celebrating the wonderful Central Highlands environment, youth and the journey towards peace in Afghanistan will take place over the coming months.

Website: UNEP