June 22, 2003, New York City –
Following a Task Force visit to Afghanistan, the Global Partnership for Afghanistan (GPFA) announced plans to launch
multi-phase economic and agricultural development demonstration projects in the Guldara region, north of Kabul. The
projects will be aimed at increasing food security and generating income for poor rural farmers.
GPFA co-founders Dana Freyer and Bruce Freyer conducted from a two-week assessment visit to Afghanistan to evaluate
the organization's potential projects. In Afghanistan, Mohammed Anwarzai who is currently working in Afghanistan's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Prof. M. Ishaq Nadiri-also co-founders, joined the team. The assessment team also
included Afghan advisors and Dr. George Nercessian, a forestry/international development consultant.
Following extensive consultations with village, national and other NGO leaders,
GPFA agreed to launch three demonstration projects in the Kohdaman Valley north of Kabul. "Our quick-impact pilot
projects are designed to rapidly restore Afghanistan's long tradition of cultivating trees on the farm to provide food
and income," said Dana Freyer, GPFA Co-Chair. "They are the first step toward our goal of helping to reduce poverty,
repair the environment and generate economic growth."
Each project is based upon an assessment of local skills, resources, and conditions, and is designed to achieve rapid
financial sustainability for broad replication across Afghanistan. Three key project elements include renewal of
orchards and vineyards, development of commercial woodlots and planting of small family-owned tree nurseries.