Center for a New American Security

This week, Afghan and U.S. officials co-hosted the grand opening of Band-e-Amir, Afghanistan’s first national park.  The Afghan government’s efforts were funded by both USAID and the Wildlife Conservation Society and open the door for other conservation efforts around the nation.  Much of the native flora and fauna in the region are already gone, but steps like these help secure the country’s natural environment – and preserve the biodiversity necessary for agriculture and other livelihoods – as development efforts continue.

Photo: One of the six cascading lakes in Band-e-Amir, Afghanistan.  Courtesy of flickr user Carl Montgomery.

Photographs are as valuable as words in explaining the natural security challenges the nation faces. The CNAS Natural Security Bloggers will post a Photo of the Week every Friday. Check back each week, and send us your photo ideas!