GOVERNMENTAL OBLIGATIONS: TALIBAN GOVERNMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Abstract

This study explores the environmental obligations of the Afghan government, examines the role played by the previous administration, and investigates the current environmental policies of the Taliban government. Given the ambiguity surrounding public perceptions of the Taliban’s governance and the pressing issue of environmental degradation affecting Afghanistan, understanding the Taliban’s stance on environmental matters is crucial. The research employs secondary data to analyze the government’s formal obligations and the actions of the previous administration. For insights into the Taliban’s policies, the study uses purposive sampling to conduct in-depth interviews with Taliban officials, providing firsthand perspectives.

The findings reveal that while Afghanistan had established an environmental governance framework during the previous government’s tenure, full implementation and enforcement of these policies remained limited. Challenges such as weak institutional capacity, political instability, and resource constraints hindered effective environmental management. Despite these difficulties, the study finds that the Taliban government acknowledges the severity of environmental issues and is taking concrete steps to address them. This includes efforts to build upon existing frameworks and prioritize environmental concerns within their governance agenda.