The Snow Leopard Project: And Other Adventures in Warzone Conservation

Afghanistan is a fragile, volatile, and perilous place, but it is also a place of extraordinary beauty. Conservation X Labs was created by evolutionary biologist Alex Deghan to save Afghanistan's unique and extraordinary wildlife and natural landscape after decades of war. The team successfully built the country's first national park, completed the first wildlife survey in thirty years, and worked to stop the poaching of the country's iconic endangered animals, restoring a part of Afghan identity that is ineffably tied to the land itself.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: PublicAffairs,U.S.

Post-war Afghanistan is a complex and challenging terrain, characterized by fragility, volatility, and peril. However, it is also a place of extraordinary beauty, home to a diverse array of wildlife and natural landscapes that are unique to the region. In the aftermath of decades of war, evolutionary biologist Alex Deghan arrived in Afghanistan with a mission to save the country's exceptional and precious wildlife and natural heritage. Working in a remote and isolated environment, his workplace was so far removed that roads would often disappear, and travel was limited to foot, yak, or mule, following ancient pathways that led deep into the mountain kingdoms and desolate landscapes.

Conservation emerged as a unifying force between Alex's team and the people of Afghanistan. Despite the inherent risks, his international team worked tirelessly, unarmed, in some of the most dangerous regions of the country. Their efforts were rewarded when they successfully established Afghanistan's first national park, conducted the first comprehensive wildlife survey in thirty years, and took significant steps to combat the poaching of the country's iconic endangered animals, including the elusive snow leopard.

Through their conservation work, Alex's team restored a vital part of Afghan identity that was inextricably linked to the land itself. For a people who had endured decades of displacement, conflict, and hardship, the quest to restore Afghanistan's wildlife became a means of reclaiming their culture and deep historical roots. The restoration of Afghanistan's wildlife not only preserved the country's natural heritage but also fostered a sense of pride and resilience among its people. It served as a reminder of the resilience and determination of a nation that had faced immense challenges but remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting its natural resources.

In conclusion, post-war Afghanistan is a complex and multifaceted landscape, characterized by both challenges and opportunities. However, the country's extraordinary beauty and rich biodiversity provide a source of hope and inspiration for those who seek to protect and preserve it. The work of conservationists like Alex Deghan and his team has played a crucial role in restoring Afghanistan's wildlife and natural heritage, and their efforts have had a profound impact on the country's people and culture. As Afghanistan continues to rebuild and evolve, it is essential to prioritize the conservation of its natural resources and to work towards a future where both human and wildlife can thrive in harmony.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 241 x 180 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781610396950