Kurdistan Region takes significant steps towards sustainability with green initiatives and environmental
Over the past five years, Kurdistan has made remarkable strides in enhancing its green spaces, contributing significantly to improved environmental cleanliness. These efforts have been pivotal in creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment for the region.
A key move by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), spearheaded by President Masrour Barzani, is the immediate closure of unauthorized refineries that fail to meet environmental standards. As part of this initiative, 14,390 environmental permits have been granted to various projects, while over 25,000 projects have undergone rigorous environmental assessments to ensure compliance. Any projects found in violation of environmental regulations are held legally accountable.
In addition to addressing industrial pollution, the KRG is also focused on bolstering water security. This is being achieved through the construction of dams and ponds aimed at preserving groundwater resources and supporting agricultural development. Under the leadership of the ninth cabinet, the construction of eight dams has been completed, with several more currently under construction.
As part of the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, all new projects are required to allocate at least 25% of their land to green spaces. Additionally, projects with high water usage must install advanced water treatment units to minimize waste.
The government is also taking a firm stance against air pollution. Vehicles emitting smoke and toxic gases, along with factories that fail to meet environmental standards, will face penalties until they comply with the necessary guidelines.
These collective efforts by the ninth cabinet have already yielded results, with the green space ratio in Kurdistan increasing from 15% to over 18%. This progress is a testament to the region’s commitment to environmental protection and its future sustainability.