Band-e-Amir lakes national park in Afghanistan

Many people were on hand as Bamyan Governor Habbiba Sarobi hosted the grand opening for the first national park in Afghanistan, Band-e Amir lakes, June 18.

Guests and dignitaries from the U.S. Embassy, as well as government officials from throughout Afghanistan, gathered at the Band-e-Amir lakes natural dam to cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of Afghanistan’s first national park and reserve.

“This inauguration symbolizes a turning point in our history and future,” Sarobi said. “We should recognize this moment as a realization of not only the natural beauty, but of the significance of its promise for the future of our area.”

Among those in attendance were U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, who was making his first trip to Bamyan, and CJTF-82 deputy commanding general of support, Army Brig. Gen. William Mayville, who mentioned the area’s natural beauty and tranquillity.

“This place is so serene, and truly a marvel to look at,” Mayville said.

The lakes form a unique attraction in the mountainous Bamyan region. Formed by glacier water nearly 400 feet in depth, they give the appearance of being cut from the stone that forms the mountains around them.

After a presentation from the officials at the ceremony, guests of the inauguration were treated to rides on paddle boats and a meal prepared on site.

“This has been a day that I will long remember, as a look toward the future of our country,” said Second Vice President of Afghanistan, Kareem Khalili.” The air, the pure water and the true peace of this place is something that everyone should be able to enjoy,” he said.

Governor Sarobi spoke optimistically about the future of the national park and how new roads built by the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team and Task Force Warrior will provide access to the natural park and its many resources.

“Everyone should be able to experience this, and I hope that the roads are completed soon so that we can share this wonderful sight with all the citizens of Afghanistan,” Sarobi said.

CJTF-82
Written by Army Sgt. Sean C. Finch
Task Force Warrior Public Affairs Office

American troops and Afghans work with agricultural advisors at demonstration farm

Task Force Warrior’s Agri-Business Development Team made progress on an experimental farm and a demonstration farm designed to increase agricultural production in the Panjshir Valley, June 13 and 15.

“It’s important to develop this piece of land into something that can be used and improved upon in the coming years,” said Army Master Sgt. John Herron, an ADT agronomist and hydrologist.

Herron went on to explain how the land has the potential to feed more than a dozen villages in the area.
Members of the ADT visited the experimental farm on June 13, and worked with and trained 10 Afghans on improved soil hydration matters at the demonstration farm on June 15.

“We really want to come out here and get some soil samples, start making adjustments, and teach the local population how to get a better yield of crops,” said Army Staff Sgt. William J. Jones, an ADT agronomist.

The demonstration farm covers more than seven acres, and the farm will likely grow different crops that include corn.

“The soil is lacking in organic matter, and it’s very difficult for us to get it to retain water and moisture,” Herron said. He is working with the team to introduce straw into the soil to improve hydration.

Local Afghans have also been working to clear rocks from the field and finish an irrigation system that will pump water from the Panjshir River.

“The local Afghans are all very fast learners, and I think if they continue improving hydration in the soil and follow the other techniques we teach them, it could be the model for how crops can be grown in larger quantities,” Jones said.

CJTF-101
Written by Army Sgt. Sean C. Finch
Task Force Warrior Public Affairs Office

Members of the Task Force Warrior Provincial Reconstruction Team discuss tents being used as a temporary school with teachers and other school officials. The tents will provide the students with protection from the elements while a new school is being built in the area. Photo by Pfc. Derek Kuhn

Members of Task Force Warrior’s Provincial Reconstruction Teams joined forces with the local government here in late April to provide temporary shelter for local students whose school is in disrepair.

The Shadhatay school, which would be considered condemned by most western standards, has numerous broken windows, holes in the ceiling and mold infestation throughout. Instructors at the school have been holding classes outside since the building, originally intended for 400 students, will no longer hold the 1,250 students currently enrolled.

“The school is very run down,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Todd Davis, an engineer for the Kapisa province PRT. “There is a new school being built, but that is about a year away from completion, so, we wanted to provide some temporary protection from the elements for the students.”

Many of the local residents are pleased with the temporary solution: tents, which feature mesh-screened windows to allow greater air-flow, are intended to make teaching the students easier by offering shelter from the elements. The temporary shelters also reduce distractions from the outside world – challenges that make being a student in the Alasay District of Kapisa province difficult.

“The tents are very good; they will protect the students from the sun, wind, and rain,” said Amrullah, the Shadhatay headmaster. “The teachers are very happy because now they won’t have a problem with the students looking around and not paying attention during class. They will [also] be able to teach better, because they’ll be more comfortable.”

According to Davis, missions like this one are very rewarding and an integral part of the PRT’s mission. However, the most rewarding aspect of the project is its implications on the future, the headmaster added.

“Education is the key,” Amrullah said. “With education, the future of Alasay and Afghanistan is 100 percent brighter.”

DVIDS
Story by Pfc. Derek Kuhn

This is the phrasing for a small market / agricultural center being developed in a rural and isolated valley in Afghanistan. It is both an economic assistance program and a cultural and recreational center.

A Soldier from the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team stands guard while Capt. Eileen Stiffey, Task Force Warrior project purchasing officer, and John Weckera political advisor to the New Zealand PRT, await access into the Woman’s and Family Park in Bamyan province, Sept. 25, 2008.

Bamyan Valley, possessing a rugged beauty unmatched by most of Afghanistan, remains one of the poorest and least developed areas in the country.

“It is a priority of Task Force Warrior and the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team to bring more progress to the area,” said Capt. Eileen Stiffey, Task Force Warrior project purchasing officer.

At the request of the governor, a non-governmental organization agreed to create the Bamyan Woman’s and Family Park. Five acres of land encircled by an iron fence with large wooden doors on the majestic main entrance offers a welcoming park and economic catalyst for those living in the area.

Almost all of the 275 households surrounding the park earn their living as subsistence farmers, growing small quantities of wheat and potatoes. The nearest bazaar selling fruit, vegetables, and meat is more than eight miles away in Bamyan City. Due to a lack of cash and inaccessibility, locals rarely eat anything beyond bread, yogurt, rice and potatoes.

“Locals suffer the physical effects of a severely depleted diet and often are unable to afford medical care needed in relation to this poor diet,” said Capt. Katia Hayes, New Zealand PRT medical officer.

Guests are amazed at the beauty and details of the construction in the perimeter walls, greenhouse and training rooms located on the grounds of the Woman’s and Family Park in Bamyan. A talented Turkish architect gave it antique touches, creating a beautiful park for women and families to enjoy after 25 years of war in Afghanistan.

The Woman’s Park of Kabul, a similar project, opened several years ago and demonstrated the amazing potential gardening had with women and children for healing, restoration and joy.

“There is a horticultural training center at the Woman’s and Family Park,” said Stiffey, as she explained the added benefit of food production for the local population that are in need of nutritional improvements.

“The Commander’s Emergency Response Program donated over $167,000 for the park project,” said Stiffey.

The grand total for building the park was nearly $300,000. More funds are needed complete the project, which will include a teahouse, brick pizza oven, retail shops and horticultural training center.

“Two more phases to hire and recruit staff, gardeners, and kitchen guides for the park depend on gaining donors,” said New Zealand PRT Commander Col. Darryl Tracy.

Stiffey said local farmers are given horticultural starting plants to increase farming production.

Accessible fruits and vegetables, as well as community training in small scale gardening and cash-crop development, provide nutritional improvements and augment subsistence farming incomes.
The park project addresses multiple needs in the area and creates sustainable jobs in hospitality, tourism and horticulture.

“A large number of park employees will be widows or disabled,” said Stiffey, as she explained Bamyan has the world’s largest population of widows.

In one of the most heavily-mined countries in the world, Bamyan has a large population suffering from disabilities caused by mine explosions.

“The entire park is wheelchair accessible,” said Stiffey.

The park is designed to be self-supporting and self-sustaining within one year of park opening.

“The park is a project leading to more progress and development for Afghans in the area,” said Stiffey as she explained the park acts as a hub around which other business and services can develop.

DVIDS
By 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
Combined Joint Task Force – 101