KABUL, 17 November 2015 – The fourth and last in a series of special ‘Afghanistan Emrooz’ radio programmes, which are part of the United Nations’ 70th anniversary celebrations, is to be broadcast across Afghanistan this week.

Broadcast in Dari and Pashto, the programme features Afghan professionals who are making positive contributions in support of a stronger Afghanistan.

The professionals in this week’s episode cover the areas of cultural heritage and protection of the environment: Habib Noori is Director of the Afghanistan Cultural Heritage Consulting Organization (ACHCO), while Kobra and Naikbakht are park rangers at Bamyan’s Band-e-Amir National Park.

Mr. Noori heads an NGO focused on preserving Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage for future generations. With particular emphasis on the restoration of historic monuments, one of his most recent restoration projects is the magnificent 15th century Shahzada Abdullah mausoleum in Herat.

“We try to raise awareness of the importance of preserving history: we need to protect the history and culture of our ancestors,” said Mr. Noori.

ACHCO is not directly supported by the UN but does receive input from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on work to preserve the country’s heritage.

Protection of the environment is another important challenge for the country. Afghanistan’s first women park rangers are working to protect the environment and country’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Kobra and Naikbakht, along with two other woman rangers, have worked in Band-e-Amir National Park for the Wildlife Conservation Society over the past two years. Their work is supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and other organizations.

The rangers guide and inform tourists, educating them and raising awareness among the local community about conservation and wildlife protection.