Japan and UNOPS Partner to Enhance Climate Resilience and Water Security in Afghanistan
2026/2/2
KABUL, Afghanistan – 29 January 2026 – The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have announced a new partnership to address the escalating water crisis and climate vulnerabilities in Afghanistan.
The initiative, titled “The Project for Promoting Climate Change Adaptation through Community-led Approach,” represents a USD 9.3 million investment by the Government of Japan. Over the next 36 months, the project will implement critical small-scale infrastructure and disaster risk management systems across Kabul province, protecting vulnerable populations from the increasing threats of flash floods and prolonged droughts.
Afghanistan is globally recognized as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to the 2021 Global Climate Risk Index Kabul, in particular, faces a severe groundwater deficit that risks the capital running out of water by 2030. This project aims to mitigate these risks by constructing check dams, water reservoirs, and irrigation canals designed to recharge aquifers and manage stormwater velocity.
A unique feature of this partnership is the integration of Japanese expertise and technology. The project will collaborate with specialized Japanese organizations, to enable technology improved community-led disaster risk reduction and innovative water-saving technologies.
Kenichi MASAMOTO, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, stated:
"Japan has shared its expertise in disaster risk management with partners around the world to promote practical and people-centered approaches that focus on preparedness, prevention and resilience. This project, implemented through the partnership with UNOPS, aims to support people of Afghanistan to adapt to climate changes not only through building small but vital infrastructure but through sharing expertise. Japanese organizations such as CWS Japan, Shibata Industrial and JICA join to add their valuable experiences, technologies and innovations. I hope that this project will contribute to a more resilient future for Afghanistan."
Katy Webley, UNOPS Country Director in Afghanistan, emphasized:
"We are honored to strengthen our long-standing partnership with the Government of Japan and JICA. This project is about more than just infrastructure; it is about empowering communities to lead their own adaptation efforts. By combining UNOPS’ technical expertise in resilient infrastructure with Japanese innovation, we are creating a replicable model for water conservation and flood protection that can serve as a lifeline for millions of Afghans."
The initiative, titled “The Project for Promoting Climate Change Adaptation through Community-led Approach,” represents a USD 9.3 million investment by the Government of Japan. Over the next 36 months, the project will implement critical small-scale infrastructure and disaster risk management systems across Kabul province, protecting vulnerable populations from the increasing threats of flash floods and prolonged droughts.
Afghanistan is globally recognized as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to the 2021 Global Climate Risk Index Kabul, in particular, faces a severe groundwater deficit that risks the capital running out of water by 2030. This project aims to mitigate these risks by constructing check dams, water reservoirs, and irrigation canals designed to recharge aquifers and manage stormwater velocity.
A unique feature of this partnership is the integration of Japanese expertise and technology. The project will collaborate with specialized Japanese organizations, to enable technology improved community-led disaster risk reduction and innovative water-saving technologies.
Kenichi MASAMOTO, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, stated:
"Japan has shared its expertise in disaster risk management with partners around the world to promote practical and people-centered approaches that focus on preparedness, prevention and resilience. This project, implemented through the partnership with UNOPS, aims to support people of Afghanistan to adapt to climate changes not only through building small but vital infrastructure but through sharing expertise. Japanese organizations such as CWS Japan, Shibata Industrial and JICA join to add their valuable experiences, technologies and innovations. I hope that this project will contribute to a more resilient future for Afghanistan."
Katy Webley, UNOPS Country Director in Afghanistan, emphasized:
"We are honored to strengthen our long-standing partnership with the Government of Japan and JICA. This project is about more than just infrastructure; it is about empowering communities to lead their own adaptation efforts. By combining UNOPS’ technical expertise in resilient infrastructure with Japanese innovation, we are creating a replicable model for water conservation and flood protection that can serve as a lifeline for millions of Afghans."
Key Project Outcomes:
- Infrastructure for Adaptation: Construction and rehabilitation of small-scale infrastructure, including check dams, riverbank protection, and floodways at multiple rural sites selected with the beneficiary communities.
- Water Security: Implementing groundwater recharge measures to address Kabul’s annual 60 million cubic meter water deficit.
- Direct Impact: Improving the resilience and livelihoods of 150,000 community members, aiming to ensure at least 40% of beneficiaries are women.
- Community Empowerment: Training around 30 practitioners and establishing disaster risk management systems in 20 communities to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.
- Economic Opportunity: Creating short-term employment through cash-for-work programs for local laborers, including ecological interventions like afforestation to combat soil erosion.