Mountain partners: Applying ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (ECO-DRR) for sustainable and resilient development planning in the Koh-e Baba mountains, Afghanistan

This publication describes a pilot demonstration project on Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) in the Koh-e Baba Mountains of the Province of Bamyan, Afghanistan. In 2013-2016, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Commission (EC) supported and implemented the project in partnership with the National Government, the Conservation Organization for Afghan Mountain Areas (COAM), and the Community Development Councils.

The Eco-DRR project aimed to reduce harsh winter, flood, and avalanche risks and support community livelihoods through applying a landscape approach to development planning in the mountain environment of Afghanistan.

The project also promoted linkages to climate change adaptation under the umbrella of strengthening community resilience. The Eco-DRR project closely complemented resilience-building projects, which were carried out by UNEP with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Department of International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom and the Government of Estonia.