Prospects of Sustainable Ecotourism in Afghanistan:

A case Study of Band-e-Amir National Park, Bamian Province,

Afghanistan

(Research Proposal)

Submitted by:

Zia Urahman
Reg. No. 811-FBAS/MSES/F19

Department of Environmental Science

Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................1

1.1 National Parks and Protected Areas.............................................................................1

1.1 What is Sustainable Ecotourism?..................................................................................1

1.2 Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development?.......................................................2

1.3 Band-e-Amir National Park...........................................................................................2

1.4 Ecotourism Approach in Band-e-Amir National Park................................................3

1.5 Aim and objectives of the Study....................................................................................5

1.6 Significance of the study.................................................................................................5

2. Literature Review..................................................................................................................6

3. RESEARCH METHODS......................................................................................................8

3.1 Secondary Data Collection.............................................................................................8

3.2 Primary Data Collection.................................................................................................8

3.3 RESEARCH TOOLS......................................................................................................8

3.3.1 Questionnaire...........................................................................................................8

3.3.2 Focus Group Discussion..........................................................................................8

3.3.3 Stakeholder Consultation........................................................................................9

3.3.4 Data Analysis and Interpretation...........................................................................9

4. IMPLEMENTAION SCHEDULE.....................................................................................10

5. REFERENCES....................................................................................................................11
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 National Parks and Protected Areas

National Parks and Protected areas remain one of the most important mechanisms to conserve
biodiversity (MAIL, 2008; Miller, Minteer, & Malan, 2011). Moreover, they provide
immeasurable social and economic benefits and indefinite ecological and environmental services
(DeFries et al., 2007; Hockings, Stolton, & Dudley, 2000). Such as biodiversity conservation,
watershed protection, carbon storage, local climate mitigation, cultural services and recreational
opportunities. National parks represent the most widespread type of legally protected area in the
world. From the outset, the designation of national parks was an American invention and so was
the formulation of the national park concept. From the very start (when Yellowstone National
Park was established as the first of its kind in North America in 1872), the dual roles of
preserving the natural resources while providing outstanding nature experiences for visitors was
evident (Frost & Hall, 2009).

The Band-i-Amir National Park 6 lakes, with their crystal-clear, azure water separated by
travertine dams and surrounded by spectacular red cliffs, comprise one of the world’s most
beautiful natural landscapes. Band-i-Amir has been a destination for travelers since the 1950s
with a peak in visits during the 1970s. Tourism was almost entirely absent during the war-years
1979 – 2001. But, today Band-i-Amir is visited every year by thousands of domestic visitors and
religious pilgrims as well as by many foreigners currently living and working in the country
(MAIL, 2008; Mohibbi & Cochard, 2014).Protecting Afghanistan’s unique natural heritage after
decades of conflict and continuing political turmoil is one of the most challenging issues facing
Afghans today (Johnson et al., 2012; MAIL, 2008) and Conservation practitioners suspect that
the conflict in Afghanistan has been highly detrimental to the country’s natural resources
(Formoli, 1995; UNEP, 2003)..

1.1 What is Sustainable Ecotourism?

Tourism is one of the world‘s fastest growing industries and is a major source of income for
many countries. Sustainable ecotourism is defined as "tourism that respects both local people and
the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment". It seeks to provide people with an exciting
and educational holiday that is also of benefit to the people of the host country. It is the concept
of visiting a place as a tourist and trying to make only a positive impact on the environment,
society and economy (Raga, 2016).

In addition, ecotourism is one of the less destructive and more sustainable forms of tourism in
rural and urban environments and with sustainable management and development it could put
positive impacts on the urban and rural transformations (Agrawal, Baranwal, & Studies, 2012).
As according to Quebec declaration on ecotourism (2002), the economic, social and
environmental impacts of tourism should be considered to recognize the principles of sustainable
ecotourism (Das & Chatterjee, 2015).

1.2 Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development?

Ecotourism is a noticeable strategy for protecting environment and creating income for local
communities if its principles consider in a sustainable manner. It can deeply impact on economic
development and conservation of natural resources (Surendran & Sekar, 2011). Conservationists
have identified ecotourism as a valuable tool of protection of natural resources and development
of local communities (Stronza, 2007).

Ecotourism helps in community development by providing the alternate source of livelihood to

local community which is more sustainable. Its aim is to conserve resources, especially
biological diversity, and maintain sustainable use of resources, which can bring ecological
experience to travelers, conserve the ecological environment and gain economic benefit.
However, achieving the aims in ecotourism depends on whether they are environmentally and
ecologically sustainable and economically applicable (Kiper, 2013). In addition, It is one of the
less destructive and more sustainable forms of tourism in rural and urban environments and with
sustainable management and development it could put positive impacts on the urban and rural
transformations (Agrawal, 2012).

1.3 Band-e-Amir National Park

Band-e-Amir National Park (BNP), is one of the important tourism areas in Bamyan Province of
Afghanistan. Bamyan is a historical province of Afghanistan located on 67 degrees, 29 minutes,
41seconds of eastern longitude and 34 degrees, 33 minutes, 22 second on northern latitudes
while it is 2, 500 meters above the sea level with the total area of 18, 029 square kilometers with
warm weather during spring and summer and cold and snowy in winter.

Band-i-Amir lies in a westward extension of the Hindu Kush Mountains just north of the Koh-i-
Baba Range. On April 22nd 2009 the scenic Band-e-Amir Lakes and surrounding landscapes
(2800–3800 m elevation) and encompassing 59,648 hectares area were declared Afghanistan‫׳‬s
first national park (BANP) with the hope to protect six major lakes and that the lakes will
eventually attract tourists at levels as before the war period (1979–2001) (MAIL, 2008; Mohibbi
& Cochard, 2014).

The Band-i-Amir’s 6 lakes, with their crystal-clear, azure water separated by travertine dams and
surrounded by spectacular red cliffs, comprise one of the world’s most beautiful natural
landscapes (Fig. 2). Band-i-Amir has been a destination for travelers since the 1950s with a peak
in visits during the 1970s. Tourism was almost entirely absent during the war-years 1979 – 2001.
But, today Band-i-Amir is visited every year by thousands of domestic visitors and religious
pilgrims as well as by many foreigners currently living and working in the country (MAIL, 2008;
Mohibbi & Cochard, 2014).

Figure 1: Tourists playing Soccer at Band-i-Amir National Park Lake.

1.4 Ecotourism Approach in Band-e-Amir National Park

Since the late 1950s, Band-i-Amir has been a popular visitor destination. Today, Band-i-Amir is
once again a popular picnic spot and religious pilgrimage site for Afghan citizens, particularly on
Fridays. Numerous expatriate foreigners working in Kabul or elsewhere in the country travel to
Band-i-Amir for a short holiday. However, very few international travelers currently visit
Afghanistan and Band-i-Amir because of the perceived security situation. Most visits are in July
and August, the area is little visited during the winter months (November – April) when the lakes
freeze over and snow blocks the roads (Bedunah, Shank, & Alavi, 2010; PAN, 2019).

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Sustainable Ecotourism
Approach at Band-e-
Amir National Park

Figure 2. The Sustainable Ecotourism approach at Band-i-Amir National Park.

This cycle illustrates the interdependence of each component of the ecosystem approach. The
cycle will be broken if visitors do not come to Band-i-Amir, if local people do not receive
economic benefits from tourism, if local people do not alter their land use practices, or if
sustainable practices do not lead to intact ecological conditions. Failure to achieve any one of the
cycle components jeopardizes chances for success of the National Park (MAIL, 2008).

1.5 Aim and objectives of the Study

The proposed study is aimed at exploring the potential of sustainable ecotourism for sustainable
development in Afghanistan.
i. To identify and analyze social, economic and environmental aspects of activities in
Band-e-Amir National Park.
ii. To evaluate the identified aspects in the context of sustainable ecotourism in Band-e-
Amir National Park (BNP).
iii. To suggest future prospects and strategies for sustainable ecotourism in Band-e-Amir
National Park (BNP).

1.6 Significance of the study

Protecting Afghanistan’s unique natural heritage after decades of conflict and continuing
political turmoil is one of the most challenging issues facing Afghans today. Therefore, studying
the socio-economic and environmental aspects of tourism in Band-e-Amir National Park will be
of importance. Furthermore, this study will be significant in providing a basic knowledge on the
relationship of the national parks with sustainable ecotourism. This study will help to take
measures for achieving the targets set in SDGs, 8, 11,12, 14 and 15 by 2030.

2. Literature Review

Protected areas remain one of the most important mechanisms to conserve biodiversity (Miller et
al., 2011; Watson et al., 2010). The rapid expansion of national parks constitutes one of the
largest planned changes of land use in recent decades (CBD, 2006; McGuinness & White, 2010).
The establishment of protected areas are seen as “a key tool to counter the continuing loss of 11
ecosystems and species” (GreenFacts, 2011). In line with this view, IUCN’s general standard for
classifying protected areas (into six principal categories) is based on ecological criteria and
management objectives (McNeely & Harrison, 1994). In this classification system, national
parks represent category II, where the primary objective is to protect natural biodiversity, the
underlying
ecological structure and supporting environmental processes, and also to promote education and
recreation (IUCN, 2011). Objectives other than nature protection are now included to ensure
visitors’ inspirational, educational, cultural and recreational experiences at a level which do not
produce ‘significant biological or ecological degradation’ (IUCN, 2011).

Currently some 13% of the world’s terrestrial surface and 4% of marine areas under national
jurisdiction is protected. These areas serve to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem goods and
services. However, it is well known that they face multiple drivers of change and threats that
contribute to their decline and degradation. As our conceptions of the roles and functions of
protected areas evolve over the coming decade, we expect that corresponding adjustments in
policy will allow protected areas to continue contributing to livelihoods, Sustainable ecotourism,
cultural practices, generating tourism revenues, bolstering local and national economies,
mitigating and adapting to climate change, and providing habitat for populations and species
(CBD, 2012).

There are many environmental problems such as increasing noise, air and water pollution,
decreasing biodiversity, draining of wetlands, and destruction of coral reefs. Because of this,
some organizations (like the International Union for Conservation of Nature) list ecotourism as
one of the most important threats to natural landscapes. Due to increasing negativities of
ecotourism, several authors reiterated tourism industry to grow carefully (Balmford et al., 2002;
Tepelus & Cordoba, 2005) and the needs of indigenous people and local communities should be
taken into consideration, and there is an explicit mention of the fact that national parks should
contribute to local economies through tourism (IUCN, 2011).

Protecting Afghanistan’s unique natural heritage after decades of conflict and continuing
political turmoil is one of the most challenging issues facing Afghans today (Johnson et al.,
2012; MAIL, 2008) and Conservation practitioners suspect that the conflict in Afghanistan has
been highly detrimental to the country’s natural resources (Formoli, 1995; UNEP, 2003).
3. RESEARCH METHODS
3.1 Secondary Data Collection

Data related to administration of Bamyan province, specifically Band-e-Amir National Park, its
demography, population profile, boundaries, existing management plans developed by NEPA,
MAIL, WCS and USAID will be collected through reviewing literature of published Reports,
books, articles, relevant journals and other relevant websites about Ecotourism, Sustainable
Development, National Park.

3.2 Primary Data Collection

For primary sources of data field survey, in-depth interviews, focus group interviews with local
communities and meetings (Structured and unstructured) government officials specifically with
NEPA, USAID, WCS, MAIL will be carried out.

3.3 RESEARCH TOOLS

3.3.1 Questionnaire

In this study I shall use specific questionnaires for the collection of data from different
stakeholders. The questionnaires are compiled in accordance with the objectives of the study, the
questions will be both open and close ended techniques. Stakeholders will include Tourists,
Tourism industries, Local community members, government officials such as NEPA, MAIL and
donors like, WCS and USAID.

3.3.2 Focus Group Discussion

Focus Group Discussion (FDGs) and Meetings will be carried out with local communities on a
structured and unstructured formats. I will collect their suggestions and recommendations
specifically on ecotourism and Sustainable use of Band-e-Amir National Park resources and will
incorporate them in my project.
3.3.3 Stakeholder Consultation

Interviews will be conducted (both structured and unstructured) with officials from various
ministries and international agencies such as NEPA, MAIL UNEP, WCS and USAID. These
interviews yield an in-depth understanding of the current Sustainable Management practices
along with future strategies and plans.

3.3.4 Data Analysis and Interpretation

The data obtained from primary and secondary sources will be analyzed through different
statistical Software such as Microsoft excel and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).

4. IMPLEMENTAION SCHEDULE
The proposed research Project will be accomplished within one year with following steps.
• Related literature review will be studied to deeply understand the concept.
• Development of Questionnaires for the purpose of primary data collection.
• Field visits will be carried out for different sites in the study area.
• Structured and Semi structured interviews will be carried out.
• The collected data will be analyzed and results will be documented and submitted.

Activities Time Frame

Proposal Development July,August, 2020
Review of Literature September -October, 2020
Data Collection, department Visits interviews November–December, 2020

Reporting January, February 2021

Publishing and Submission March, April 2021
5. REFERENCES

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Balmford, A., et al. (2002). Economic reasons for conserving wild nature. Science, 297(5583),
950-953.

Bedunah, D. J., Shank, C. C., & Alavi, M. A. J. R. (2010). Rangelands of Band-e-Amir National
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