The great game

1. The great game Environmental challenges in the Afghan Wakhan corridor bordering Pakistan and China

3. The Great Game, a little history • Having a hand on the heartland of Asia being the triangle China, Afghanistan and Pakistan was in the interest of both the British as well as the Russian empire. • It start already in the 18e century when the Britisch and Russian empires wanted to control this area for geopolitical reasons. • Main reason : Controlling this area means controlling Asia and it’s trade routes. The Wakhan became the buffer between the 2 empires in the end.

4. The current (geopolitical) context • The rising economical power of China • The tribal context of northern Pakistan • The insecure Afghan/Pakistan border areas. • The geographical landscape of the region • It’s fragile environmental situation

5. Wahkan • A small stretch of land bordering Tadzjikistan, Pakistan and China. • At an altitude of 3000-7500 meters • Inhabitated by people of Wakhis and Kyrgyz background. • Being small farmers or having a big flock mainly sheep and goats

12. Current situation • Environmental degradation is evident in the Wakhan corridor due to : • Increasing flock size of the Kyrgyz population • Small agricultural plots of the Wakhi people living in the beginning of the Wakhan corridor is leaving two options: migration or using the plot of land more intensively

13. Future? • Other sources of income for the local population are important to avoid more environmental degradation • The borders are close leaving the trade opportunity out. • Water for irrigation is used little. • The Wakhan plays no role currently from a geo political point of view for the Afghan government • The Wakhan could be a unique tourist destination since the area can be accessed via Tadjikistan directly.

14. Questions /discussions • Please feel free