Northern Afghanistan's Bamiyan province is an area better known for the Taliban's destruction of two giant Buddha statues in 2001 than for its ecotourism. But its pristine lakes and limestone cliffs are home to the country's first national park, the stunning Band-e-Amir.

However, decades of war have eroded the area's natural wonders with local villagers hunting the wildlife, overfishing the lakes and chopping down the forests just to survive.

But as the country slowly moves to rebuild itself; there are new signs of life. In a country where only 16 percent of women work not only is the park doing groundbreaking conservation work, it is also challenging gender stereotypes by hiring four female wardens. 

From protecting endangered species from poaching to working with locals to end unsustainable practices, Afghani women are joining the battle to protect this precious ecosystem.

Join Gelareh Darabi in Afghanistan's Band-e-Amir National Park to meet the female rangers tackling stereotypes and helping rebuild a nation through conservation.

Courtesy: Aljazeera