Afghanistan Samsortya – 2013-01-14 23:29:29

www.AfghanistanSamsortya.org

Trees Are the Lungs of the Earth

Dear Friends,
At Afghanistan Samsortya, we directly address the challenges of environmental degradation, recognizing that a healthy environment is crucial for economic and social well-being.

As a grassroots organization directly involving communities in revitalization work, in 2009, we raised funds to establish a nursery that has now produced thousands of tree saplings.

In 2011, we drilled a well to supply water. In February, 2012 we began our third season, continuing to plant fast-growing species — like the Moringa oleifera, known as the “magic tree” because its leaves are edible by animals and people, and support lactation.

In response to requests, we were also able to distribute fig and lemon saplings to 100 households in the Surkhrud district of Ningrahar Province. Our fig trees bear fruit year round and provide an important source of nutrition. We are happy to report these trees are already thriving, and that our revitalization efforts have been well received by the local population!

We are optimistic that despite the extreme level of environmental degradation, Afghanistan’s natural environment can be revived and rehabilitated. We now have tree nurseries in Surkhrud in Eastern Afghanistan and outside of Jalalabad City.

Our most recent accomplishment is the conversion of a new four-acre plot into a nursery. We will use this nursery to plant, nurture, and harvest thousands of fig, lemon, orange and mulberry trees in the coming years.

How is this possible, and how can you help? Financial contributions combined with land and seed donations make us able to continue our reforestation projects.

By donating you support a healthier Afghanistan, and a healthier planet. Any amount, large or small, is greatly appreciated.

Send checks to The Afghanistan Samsortya, 200 Swanton St. #418, Winchester, MA 01890, or use PayPal. We are also looking for partners from public or private organizations. Schools would benefit extensively from this partnership, as students could help grow trees while learning important lessons about the environment, communities, and methods of revitalization.

As a contributor to this project, you will receive updates and photographs along with regular financial statements. Please know that 100% of our donations go toward the nurseries and distributing the saplings. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our work and contribute today at www.AfghanistanSamsortya.org.

Thank you for your support!

Dr. Mariam Raqib
Director, Afghanistan Samsortya

Background on Samsortya

The Afghanistan Samsortya is a non-profit organization currently operating in Surkrhud District near Jalalabad City in Eastern Afghanistan. The word Samsortya means “re-vitalization.”

We are a grassroots organization supported by the local population. We remain committed to our people-centered mission: development of programs that realistically meet the needs of often ignored populations in ways that are sustainable for future generations.

In the past three decades, an estimated 60 to 80 percent of Afghanistan’s land resource has been lost — forests stripped, irrigation systems destroyed, and farmlands abandoned.

We at Afghanistan Samsortya determined to help restore the region’s woodlands and ground water. We are helping the local community to plant and care for the trees, while at the same time encouraging them to a more fulfilling life and a more self-sufficient, independent and enduring community.

At Afghanistan Samsortya, we directly address the challenges of environmental degradation, with the recognition that a healthy environment is crucial for economic and social well-being.

Samsortya is a community project brought about by cooperation between agricultural workers in Surkhrud, Afghanistan, organizers and fundraisers in the New England region, and contributors like you.

Samsortya is supported by the New Forests Project World Seed Program. The Afghanistan Samsortya is a 501(c)3 organization.

Mariam Raqib, Director,
The Afghanistan Samsortya
Email: mraqib@afghanistansamsortya.org
200 Swanton St. #418, Winchester MA 01890
http://www.afghanistansamsortya.org/