Culture and climate change, UNESCO activities in southern Afghanistan

Summary

The video script introduces the village of Bri, located in Afghanistan's remote, drought-affected region near the Registan Desert. This area, populated by indigenous nomadic tribes and farming communities, suffers extreme poverty and harsh conditions. Once home to an intricate irrigation system known as 'Carz,' this method tapped groundwater to provide vital water resources. With support from the UN and UNESCO, efforts are underway to rehabilitate these systems, bringing fresh water to thousands of households. The project highlights the connection between preserving cultural heritage and improving the livelihoods of rural Afghans.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Village of Bri is located 60 km northeast of Kaha, within a broad alluvial cone south of Afghanistan's Central Highlands.
• 😀 The region is part of the harsh Registan Desert and is characterized by extreme aridity and dry air.
• 😀 The sun is relentlessly harsh in this area, making it an unforgiving environment for the inhabitants.
• 😀 Bri is a remote area with no roads, only a dirt track, and is inhabited mainly by the nomadic Koochi people and pastoral farming communities.
• 😀 The region is severely impacted by drought, one of the worst Afghanistan has faced in the last 30 years.
• 😀 Historically, the area was scattered with an ingenious indigenous irrigation system known as 'Carz.'
• 😀 The Carz system involves tapping groundwater through tunnels, which is then directed to reservoirs for agricultural use.
• 😀 The Carz system once played a critical role in sustaining life and agriculture in the region.
• 😀 Similar ancient irrigation systems across Asia are recognized as World Heritage sites for their importance in cultural and environmental sustainability.
• 😀 The UN, UNESCO, and the FAO are supporting rural communities in Afghanistan through 'cash-for-work' projects to rehabilitate the ancient Carz irrigation systems.
• 😀 The rehabilitation project has provided fresh water to nearly 4,000 households across Afghanistan, benefiting 80 households and their livestock in the village of Bri.

Q & A

Where is the Village of Bri located?

The Village of Bri is located 60 km by air Northeast of Kaha, in a rural community within the broad alluvial cone south of Afghanistan's Central Highlands, near the Registan Desert.

What is the climate like in this area?

The climate in this area is extremely dry with intense sun and relentless heat due to the extreme aridity and dry air, making it an unforgiving environment.

Who inhabits the region around Bri?

The region is primarily inhabited by the Koochi people, indigenous nomadic tribes of Afghanistan, as well as scattered pastoral farming communities.

What is the significance of the ancient irrigation system called 'Carz'?

The 'Carz' is an ancient irrigation system that taps groundwater through a tunnel, bringing water to a reservoir. It was crucial for daily life and agricultural production in the area.

Why is the Carz system important to the people of this area?

The Carz system was vital for providing water to the land, supporting agriculture, and sustaining the livelihoods of the local communities. It played an important role in the region's economy and daily life.

How is UNESCO involved in the rehabilitation of the irrigation system?

UNESCO, in cooperation with the Food and Agricultural Organization, is supporting rural communities in Afghanistan through cash-for-work projects aimed at rehabilitating the Carz irrigation systems.

What is the purpose of the rehabilitation project for the Carz systems?

The rehabilitation project aims to restore the ancient Carz irrigation systems, ensuring fresh water is brought to households and agricultural activities are supported, thus linking humanitarian aid to the preservation of both living and tangible heritage.

How many households have benefited from the rehabilitation of these irrigation systems?

So far, the project has brought fresh water to nearly 4,000 households across Afghanistan.

How many households in the village of Bri benefit from this project?

In the village of Bri, 80 households, along with their livestock, are benefiting from the rehabilitation of the local Carz system.

What role does the UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan play in this project?

The UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan is part of the collaborative effort with UNESCO and the Food and Agricultural Organization to support rural communities in Afghanistan, especially in rehabilitating ancient water irrigation systems like the Carz.