The National Organization of Initiative and Action (NOIA) is leading vital efforts to prevent the illegal hunting of migratory birds in Afghanistan — a growing threat to biodiversity and ecosystem health. In the provinces of Parwan and Kapisa, where migratory birds make critical seasonal stops, illegal hunting has become widespread.
Every year, thousands of migratory birds are hunted by local communities, driven by a lack of awareness, weak enforcement of conservation laws, and limited access to alternative livelihoods. In response, NOIA has stepped forward to raise awareness, engage local communities, and advocate for stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws. In early 2025, NOIA successfully conducted two intensive, two-day awareness campaigns in targeted districts of Parwan and Kapisa.

• Each session gathered 50 participants from surrounding villages — including local farmers, youth, elders, and community influencers — to discuss the importance of protecting migratory birds and the legal consequences of illegal hunting.
• Through interactive sessions, educational materials, and open dialogue, participants gained valuable knowledge and pledged to support conservation efforts in their areas.

While these campaigns were well-received and generated positive community engagement, NOIA teams also identified serious ongoing challenges:

• Lack of information and environmental awareness remains widespread, especially in remote villages.
• Many communities are unaware of existing conservation laws or the ecological importance of migratory birds.
• Illegal hunting is still deeply rooted in traditional practices, and more sustained education and community engagement are urgently needed to bring lasting change.

This initiative reflects NOIA’s growing leadership in grassroots conservation in Afghanistan and our commitment to protecting wildlife while empowering communities to become stewards of their natural environment.
However, sustained donor support is urgently needed to expand these life-saving efforts. Many more villages across Parwan, Kapisa, and neighboring provinces still need awareness and education to stop illegal hunting and protect Afghanistan’s rich biodiversity.
With your support, we can scale up these campaigns, reach hundreds more community members, and help build a future where migratory birds are safe, and local communities are active guardians of nature.
Together, we can turn awareness into action and ensure long-term protection for these vital species.

Success Story
— Farhad, volunteer bird conservationist in Kapisa the Siberian crane (Leucogeranus leucogeranus), one of the most critically endangered bird species in the world, faces an alarming extinction rate. Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, its population has dwindled due to habitat loss, wetland degradation, and hunting along migratory routes. Once widespread across Asia, the global population is now estimated at fewer than 4,000 individuals, with the western population nearly extinct. The bird's reliance on fragile wetland ecosystems for breeding, migration, and wintering makes it highly vulnerable to environmental disturbances and human activities. NOIA’s initiatives to protect migratory birds, including the Siberian crane, reflect a strategic effort to combat these threats in Afghanistan’s northern regions, particularly in Kapisa province. By raising awareness among local communities and training volunteers to monitor and reduce hunting activities, NOIA actively contributes to safeguarding the migratory paths and stopover sites essential for the survival of this iconic species.
NOIA’s bird conservation volunteer project, mobilized a team of 15 trained volunteers to protect Siberian cranes and Eurasian teal in key migratory routes. The program included a five-day intensive training with 35 local participants, focusing on bird habitat preservation, monitoring techniques, and community awareness. Feedback indicated heightened community interest in protecting migratory birds, with many expressing newfound pride in safeguarding these species. Fatima, a volunteer, noted, "Watching the Siberian cranes fly safely across our village gave me pride. Our efforts are making a difference." Since the training, the volunteer team has reported a 30% reduction in hunting activities in the region, showcasing the program’s tangible impact on reducing threats to migratory birds.

Message from Protecting Team of Freedom Team:
“Working to protect migratory bids has been a transformative journey for all of us Every step we take to preserve the habitats of the majestic Siberian cranes and vibrant Eurasian teals fills us with pride and purpose seeing these birds soar freely knowing our effort have reduced hunting threats, inspire us to keep pushing forward we have become more than volunteers-we are guardians of nature, driven by a shared hope for a future where wildlife and communities thrive together”
-NOIA Volunteer Team, Bird Conversation Project, Kapisa – Afghanistan.