In 2003, Dr. Nakamura, the director of Peace Medical Services (PMS) has launched a project called the “Green Ground Project”. The plan is to use traditional techniques of Afghanistan and Japan to create an irrigation system in Gamberi desert.
The aim of the project is to obtain a stable source of water, even during a drought or floods. By doing so, they wanted to bring agriculture back to the region, improving living environment (including public security), and ultimately to enrich the local community.
To create this irrigation, they have planted willows by the riverside, reinforcing the bank with their roots. In addition, Jyukago (a sort of a gabion where stones are wrapped inside a steel cage). All of these are traditional and are simple in structure, so it's not difficult to maintain and make repairs on site.
Residents are returning to the rejuvenated area
Thanks to the irrigation system, agriculture is returning to the area. In turn, approximately 150,000 people had already returned to live in the area. In addition, plants are expected to increase further.
The change in the environment also meant that crime had also dropped.
When Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan posted some pictures of the area on Facebook, many people left positive comments:
People of Afghanistan will always remember your long lasting and sustainable support, your support is totally based on loyalty.
For long time i am saying that japan assistance is based only on humanity agenda no other agenda, no reward or interfere they did or want. great work done.
Japan doesn't want something from us, Japan just want to assist us, based on humanity. Appreciated Respected Japan Assistance.
Thank you, Dr.Nakamura, Peshawar-kai, and everyone who worked for this project.
Not a Miracle, Japanese support plus Afghan hard work equals the big pay-off. Thanx for the support.
Peacekeeping is perhaps one of best-kept secrets of Japan - and we hope it stays that way.
In 2003, Dr. Nakamura, the director of Peace Medical Services (PMS) has launched a project called the “Green Ground Project”. The plan is to use traditional techniques of Afghanistan and Japan to create an irrigation system in Gamberi desert.
About 10 years into the project, this happened:
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
The aim of the project is to obtain a stable source of water, even during a drought or floods. By doing so, they wanted to bring agriculture back to the region, improving living environment (including public security), and ultimately to enrich the local community.
To create this irrigation, they have planted willows by the riverside, reinforcing the bank with their roots. In addition, Jyukago (a sort of a gabion where stones are wrapped inside a steel cage). All of these are traditional and are simple in structure, so it's not difficult to maintain and make repairs on site.
Residents are returning to the rejuvenated area
Thanks to the irrigation system, agriculture is returning to the area. In turn, approximately 150,000 people had already returned to live in the area. In addition, plants are expected to increase further.
The change in the environment also meant that crime had also dropped.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
When Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan posted some pictures of the area on Facebook, many people left positive comments:
Peacekeeping is perhaps one of best-kept secrets of Japan - and we hope it stays that way.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook