This research examines the environmental rights and obligations of the Afghan government and citizens, emphasizing collaborative approaches. It investigates government rights, including legislative authority and regulatory oversight, with corresponding obligations such as enacting and enforcing environmental laws. Citizen rights encompass environmental participation and access to information, with obligations like responsible consumption and conservation support. The study highlights collaborative rights involving public-private partnerships and international cooperation, emphasizing joint decision-making and resource sharing. The findings stress collective action, utilizing case studies and examples, and recommend strategic focus areas for both government and citizens, including Monitoring and Evaluation, Public-Private Collaboration, Regulatory Oversight Improvement, and Legislative Framework Strengthening. The research contributes to environmental governance understanding in Afghanistan, guiding sustainable development and conservation strategies.

The intricate relationship between environmental stewardship, sustainable development,
and the shared obligations of governments and citizens has emerged as a criticalfocal point in thecontemporary global landscape. This study aims to explorethe delicate balancebetween progress and environmental preservation, with a specific focus on Afghanistan. A nation blessed with abundant natural resources, Afghanistan grapples with the dual challenge of fostering economic growth while safeguarding its unique ecological diversity (Godfrey 2007). As the Afghan government seeks to chart a sustainable development path, it faces the complex
taskof balancing economicimperatives with environmental protection. Concurrently, the citizens of Afghanistan play a pivotal role in shaping and responding to environmental policies, as they navigate the dual roles of beneficiaries and stewards of the environment (Lei, Haitao, and Jinfan 2018). This research seeks to dissect the intricate web of rights and duties inherent in
environmental stewardship, shedding light on the perspectives of both the Afghan government and its citizens in the realm of environmental protection. The significance of this study lies not only in its contribution to the nuanced understanding of Afghanistan's environmental challenges but also in its broaderimplications for the global discourse on sustainable development (Rahmani, Abi, and Azizi 2022). By examining the rights and
obligations embeddedin the Afghan context, this research aims to provideinsights that can inform environmental policy frameworks globally. This exploration is timely, given the increasing urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation on a global scale. Through an in-depth analysis of the Afghan experience, this study aspires to contribute valuable perspectives to the ongoing discourse surrounding the intricate interplay between government policies and citizen engagement in the realm of environmental protection. Environmental stewardship, particularly the balance between government obligations and citizen rights in environmental protection, is a subject of increasing importance in the global context (Chapin et al. 2011). While numerous studies have explored the nexus between sustainable development and environmental conservation, a focused examination of the Afghan experience provides valuable insightsinto the challenges and opportunities inherentin navigating this delicate equilibrium (Hidayat and Kajita 2020; Kurian and Ardakanian 2015; Sharifzai et al. 2016). One critical aspect of environmental governance is the role of the government in crafting and implementing policies that address environmental concerns (Zhouri 2008). Scholars such as Altham and Guerin (1999) have highlighted the significance of robust legal frameworks and regulatory mechanisms to guide government actions in safeguarding the environment (Althamand Guerin 1999). The examination of the Afghan government's rights and duties in environmental protection necessitates an understanding of the legislative landscape and policy frameworks that underpin theseefforts. Such investigations can shed lighton the efficacy of existingenvironmental laws and regulations and identify areas where improvements may be required to strike a more effective balance between development and conservation. In parallel, the role of citizens in environmental protection has been underscored in the literature.
The work of Middlemiss and Parrish (2010)emphasizes the importance of community engagement and grassroots initiatives in fostering environmental sustainability. In Afghanistan, where communities often have a close relationship with the environment, understanding the perspectives and roles of citizens is paramount (Gritzner 2010). Investigations into the rights and duties of Afghan citizens in environmental protection may reveal the extent of public awareness, participation, and advocacy, thereby informing strategies to enhance community involvement in sustainable practices (Sharifzai et al. 2016).
The intersection of government policiesand citizen actionsis a crucial focal pointin the literature on environmental stewardship. Studies by Ali‐Khan and Mulvihill (2008) highlight the need for collaborative efforts between governments and communities to address environmental challenges effectively. This perspective is particularly relevant to Afghanistan, where the harmonization of government policies with community aspirations is pivotal for successful environmental management. Understanding the dynamics of this interplay is essential for crafting policies that are not only effective but also socially and culturally responsive.
Moreover, the global relevance of examining the Afghan experience in environmental stewardshipis underscored by the interconnectedness of environmental challenges (Hidayat and Kajita 2020). Scholars such as Fazey et al. (2013) stress the importance of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in addressing environmental issues. Analyzing the Afghan context in this
global framework can provide valuablelessons for othernations grappling with similar challenges, contributing to a broader understanding of sustainable development. In

conclusion, the literature reviewreveals the multifaceted nature of environmental stewardship, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination of the rights and duties of the Afghan government and citizens in environmental protection (Ghaffari and Tonkaboni 2020). By building upon existing scholarship, this study aims to contribute to the global discourse on environmental governance and inform policy decisions that foster sustainable development in Afghanistan and beyond.

Research Problem
The delicate balance betweenenvironmental stewardship, economicdevelopment, and the
rights and duties of the Afghangovernment and citizensin environmental protection poses several challenges. Understanding and addressing these
challenges is essential for sustainable development in Afghanistan. The research problem, "Balancing Environmental Stewardship: Rights and Obligations of the Afghan Government and Citizens in Environmental Protection," delves into the intricate challenge of striking a delicatebalance between environmental stewardship, economic development, and the rights and duties of both the government and citizens in Afghanistan. This multifaceted issue presents several complexities that warrant in-depth exploration for the sake of sustainable development in the country.

Research Objectives

To explorethe Afghan Government's rights and obligations toward the environment.

To understand the Afghan civilianrights and obligations toward the environment.

To scrutinize the combined rights and obligations of the Afghangovernment and civilians toward the environment.

Research Questions

What are the AfghanGovernment's rights and obligations towardthe environment?

What are the rightsand obligations of Afghan civilians toward the environment
Are there combinedrights and obligations of the Afghangovernment and civilians toward the environment?

Methodology

Study Design: This research employs a qualitative-methods approach, that has qualitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the rights and obligations in environmental stewardship.

Data Collection: Datawas collected form open sourcesfrom Afghan government official websites.

Document Analysis: Systematic review of laws, regulations, policy documents, and reports related to environmental protection in Afghanistan.

Data Analysis: Coding and categorization employed to systematically analyze qualitative data.

Triangulation: The use of document analysis enhances the validity and reliability of the findings through triangulation of results. Data Validation: Research Members checking was employed, that allowing documents to review and confirm the accuracy and contributions to the study.

Data Interpretation: Findings interpreted in the context of existing literature, contributing to the objectives of the study that is surrounding environmental stewardship.

Limitations: Potential limitations include the Efforts made to mitigate biases and enhance the generalizability of findings.

Rights and Obligations of the AfghanGovernment and Citizensin Environmental Protection

The Afghan government possesses legislative authority to enact and amend environmental laws and regulations. Article 15 of the 2004 constitution emphasizes the government's obligation to adopt measures for the protection and improvement of forests and the living environment. This legislative right and obligation underscore the government's role in formulating and adapting laws to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices (Ministry of Justice 2004). The Afghangovernment has enacteda comprehensive set of laws and regulations aimed at environmental protection. These include the Environmental Law of 2004, regulations addressing
air pollution, medicalwaste, environmental and social impactassessments, noise pollution, ozone, water quality, and the Law of Access to Information. The government's obligations include the enactmentand periodic amendmentof laws, protection and improvement of forests and the living environment, and the enforcement of specific regulations.
Legislative Obligations: The government is responsible for enacting and periodically amending
comprehensive environmental laws,forming the foundation for regulating activities impacting the environment.Article 15 of the Constitution Law of 2004 obliges the government to adopt measures for the protection and improvement of forests and the living environment. Regulatory Oversight: The government has the right to establish regulatory bodies dedicated to overseeing environmental compliance. Obligations include the establishment of regulatory bodies, active monitoring, enforcement of regulations, public awareness, periodic review, and collaboration with stakeholders. 

Land Use Planning: The government holds the right to plan and regulate land use to prevent environmental degradation. Obligations include formulating land use policies, 

regulating development activities, identifying

ecologically sensitive areas, implementing zoning regulations, conducting environmental impactassessments, promoting sustainable practices, public engagement, and periodic review and adaptation. In summary, the Afghan government's efforts in environmental protection encompass legislative, regulatory, and land use planning domains. By fulfilling these obligations, the government aims to create a robust legal and regulatory framework, promoting sustainable environmental practices and safeguarding the nation's natural resources.

What are the rights and obligations of Afghan civilianstoward the environment? To answer our second question, it is argued as below: Environmental Participation: Right: Citizens have the fundamental right to actively participate in decision-making processes related to environmental policies.

Obligation: Citizens are obligated to engage actively in environmental initiatives, advocate for sustainable practices, participate in community engagement, stay informed, volunteer, adhere to environmental regulations, support conservation efforts, and contribute to civic engagement.

Access to Information: Right: Citizens have the inherent right to access information concerning environmental issues and government actions impacting the environment. Obligation: Citizens must actively pursue information, promote transparency, critically evaluate information, participate in public consultations, educate themselves and others, collaborate with environmental organizations, and responsibly share information.  

Environmental Conservation: Right: Citizens inherently possess the right to live in a healthy and sustainable environment.

Obligation: Citizens are obliged to adopt eco-friendly practices, reduce environmental impact, participate in waste reduction and recycling, support conservation efforts, preserve biodiversity, advocate for sustainable practices, promote education and awareness, participate in community initiatives, and practice responsible consumption.

In summary, citizens play a vital role by exercising their rights to environmental participation, access to information, and environmental conservation. Fulfilling corresponding obligations ensures active engagement, responsible behavior, and collective efforts toward sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of current and future generations.

Are therecombined rights and obligations of the Afghangovernment and civilians toward the environment?

Foranswering our third question we argued as below:
Public-Private Collaboration: Right: Both the Afghan government and citizens have the right to collaborate in public-private partnerships for environmental initiatives, recognizing the importance of joint efforts.

Obligation: Government: Obligated to create an enabling environment, formulate policies, and provide incentives for private sector participation.

Private Sector: Obligated to engage in sustainable practices, adhere to regulations, participate in collaborative projects, engage in joint decision-making, and share resources transparently.

Public: Citizens have the right to participate and an obligation to stay informed, provide input, support collaborative efforts, and assess community impacts.

International Cooperation: Right: Afghanistan has the sovereignright to engagein international cooperation for environmental protection, recognizing global interconnectedness.
Obligation:
Government: Obligated to engage with international organizations, participate in forums,
diplomatically engagewith other nations,align policies with global standards, share resources and technology, and contribute to disaster preparedness.
Public: Citizens have the obligation to be aware, support international engagement, participatein global environmental initiatives, and contribute to disaster preparedness.

In summary, recognizing the right to collaborate and fulfilling sharedobligations in public-private partnerships and international cooperation is crucial for Afghanistan. This approach fosters holistic, inclusive environmental governance, addressing complex challenges and contributing to global sustainability.

The analysis of the rights and obligations of the Afghan government and citizens toward the environment reveals a comprehensive framework aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. The Afghan government, endowed with legislative authority, regulatory oversight, and land use planning rights, carries the obligation to enact, amend, and enforce environmental laws, protect forests,and regulate land use. The government is also tasked with fostering public access to information and collaborating with stakeholders. On the other hand, Afghan civilians possess rights such as environmental participation, access to information, and the right to live in a healthyenvironment. Their corresponding obligations include active engagement in decision-making, advocating for sustainable practices, responsible consumption, and supporting conservation efforts. Citizens are also obligated to stay informed, participate in community initiatives, and ensure adherence to environmental regulations. Crucially, there are collaborative rights and obligations for both the government and citizens, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. Public-private collaboration involves joint decision-making, resource sharing, transparency, and accountability. International cooperation highlights Afghanistan's right to engage in global efforts, with corresponding obligations for the government and citizens to actively participate, adhere to international standards, and contribute to collaborative projects. In essence, the synergy betweenthe government and citizens, along with collaborative efforts both domestically and internationally, forms a robust foundation for environmental protection in Afghanistan. This comprehensive approach recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues and underscores the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in safeguarding the nation's, natural resources for present and future generations. By fulfilling their respective rights and obligations, the Afghan government and citizens can collectively contribute to a sustainable and resilient environmental future.

To fortify Afghanistan's environmental governance, key strategies encompass: periodic review and update of environmental laws, fostering public participation in legislative processes, enhancing the capacity of regulatory bodies through investments and technological integration for efficient oversight; adopting an ecosystem-based approach and integrating climate change considerations into land use planning; incorporating environmental education into school curricula, coupled with public awareness campaigns; facilitating access to information through user-friendly online platforms and community workshops; encouraging public-private collaboration by providing incentives and promoting joint initiatives; strengthening international collaboration through diplomatic outreach and resource mobilization; promoting community engagement in conservation, includingcommunity-based initiatives and recognition of indigenous knowledge; implementing monitoring and evaluation measures through comprehensive metrics and periodic evaluations; and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration through inter-ministerial cooperation and multi-stakeholder platforms. Implementation of these strategies is envisioned to create a resilient environmental governance framework, advocating sustainable practices, preserving natural resources, and ensuring the well-being of current and future generations in Afghanistan.