(MENAFN- Pajhwok Afghan News) NEILI (Pajhwok): Following the publication of a Pajhwok Afghan News report about a youth-led campaign to revive mountain forests and pastures in central Daikundi province, the drive-organiser says the report has motivated people, leading to broad public support and participation in the initiative.

On September 10, 2025, Pajhwok published a report titled“'Green Future' campaign: Daikundi activist's efforts to restore forests, pastures.”

The report highlighted a local environmental activist's efforts to restore greenery to the mountains.

Habibullah Najafizada, a 34-year-old activist from Ashtarlai district, began his work in environmental protection on April 10, 2025. His first step was raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic use in public spaces.

Najafizada said the Pajhwok report encouraged people not only in Daikundi but also in other provinces to join efforts to restore mountain forests and pastures and that now more people were actively involved in this campaign.

He said:“The Pajhwok report received excellent feedback and had a strong impact on public awareness. It encouraged people greatly, and they have shown support for us and our work. However, the government and institutions have not taken any practical steps yet.”

He added the public encouragement and support have motivated him to expand the“Green Future” campaign and focus more on seed sowing and restoring mountain forests.

Daikundi's soil, he says, is well-suited for wild almond, fig, juniper, erghi, arghawan, salbi and other hardy local species that require no irrigation. Some of these trees still survive in limited numbers.

Najafizada says he now travels to various districts to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of restoring mountain forests. With the help of residents, he is currently planting various types of wild plants in the mountains.

He stated that the goals of his activities were to revive mountain forests and pastures, expand green cover in the country, prevent the extinction of native wild trees, and protect wild grasslands from disappearance.

He believes these efforts can help prevent soil erosion and reduce natural disasters.

He added that the destruction of forests not only damages the landscape but also threatens people's lives and livelihoods.

Experts warn that most of Daikundi's mountains and hills are now barren due to climate change and insufficient public engagement in environmental protection.

kk/ma

MENAFN20112025000174011037ID1110375052