STORY: Efforts to protect Afghanistan's UNESCO heritage site intensify following flood threat
SHOOTING TIME: July 28, 2024
DATELINE: Aug. 11, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:37
LOCATION: FIROZ KOH, Afghanistan
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/CULTURE

SHOTLIST: 
1. various of Firoz Koh city
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): ISRAEL HAIDARI, Director of cultural affairs at Ghor's information and culture department
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): ISRAEL HAIDARI, Director of cultural affairs at Ghor's information and culture department
4. various of Minaret of Jam
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Dari): GHULAM RABBANI HADAFMAND, Tourist
6. various of Minaret of Jam

STORYLINE:

In the wake of the destruction of the world-renowned Great Buddhas in central Afghanistan's Bamiyan province, concerns are mounting over the fate of another UNESCO-listed site in Afghanistan, the Minaret of Jam. It is now facing severe threats from natural disasters, particularly the torrential floods this year.

The Minaret of Jam, along with its archaeological remains, was added to the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 2002. According to the organization, at 1,900 meters above sea level and far from any town, the 65m-tall minaret dates back to the 12th century.

In May, a huge flood, described by locals as "unprecedented in a century," hit the Ghor province. The disaster resulted in at least 50 deaths, destroyed farmland and homes, and submerged the base of the ancient minaret, which stands near the Hari River.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): ISRAEL HAIDARI, Director of cultural affairs at Ghor's information and culture department
"The flooding has damaged the minaret, with two meters of the monument being submerged under water (when the flood came)."

The official said that following a recent communication with the Ministry of Information and Culture in Kabul, a UNESCO team visited the site and began clearing the debris around the minaret.

In a recent statement, the ministry reiterated the importance of safeguarding the minaret. 

UNESCO, according to Haidari, plans to construct a protective wall around the minaret, build a bridge over the river and establish a new guesthouse, as the old one was washed away by floods.

As a reminder of the nation's rich cultural history, the Minaret of Jam not only serves as a significant cultural site but also contributes to the local economy.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Dari): ISRAEL HAIDARI, Director of cultural affairs at Ghor's information and culture department
"Last year, around 200 to 250 tourists, including foreigners, visited the Minaret of Jam. Before the floods hit the area this year, we received 73 to 74 foreign nationals among the visitors. The people from Ghor and other provinces visited the site of the Minaret of Jam and, after spending one or two nights in the area, returned to their homes."

Local residents also see potential in developing the area around the minaret to boost tourism. They believe that building facilities such as hotels, recreational parks, and guesthouses, along with renovating historical sites and beautifying the area, could attract more visitors.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Dari): GHULAM RABBANI HADAFMAND, Tourist
"The Minaret of Jam attracts many tourists, and I believe their visits could aid in rebuilding the country, addressing issues like poverty and rugged roads in the area."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Firoz Koh, Afghanistan.
(XHTV)