ABSTRACT

This article interrogates local engagement in protected area development as a mechanism for peacebuilding in Afghanistan. Using interviews with representatives from the Band-e-Amir Protected Area Committee, I argue that protected area engagement produced mixed outcomes. In one sense, local engagement generated confidence that democratic processes introduced through governance reforms could transform power structures and resolve conflict. Yet, these same processes eroded confidence in the state's ability to deliver benefits and serve as a foundation for peace. This case suggests a need to consider how environmental peacebuilding at subnational scales can impede post-conflict peacebuilding through its effect on state-society relations.

摘要

本文探讨了地方参与保护区开发作为阿富汗建设和平的机制。通过对 Band-e-Amir 保护区委员会代表的采访，我认为保护区的参与产生了不同的结果。从某种意义上说，地方参与产生了信心，即通过治理改革引入的民主进程可以改变权力结构并解决冲突。然而，这些相同的过程削弱了人们对国家提供利益和作为和平基础的能力的信心。这个案例表明有必要考虑国家以下层面的环境和平建设如何通过其对国家与社会关系的影响来阻碍冲突后建设和平。