In response to the growing threat of climate change, Erbil is launching an ambitious project to create a vast green belt encircling the city. The initiative involves planting millions of trees in a ring formation outside the newly constructed 150-meter street, aiming to reduce environmental impacts and increase urban greenery.
Sarwar Waisi, media official for Erbil’s Parks Department, explained that the green belt was initially planned to begin beyond the 120-meter street. However, with the completion of the 150-meter street, the project’s boundary was extended to encircle the city along this route, with a planned width of two meters. The belt will include more than 10 artificial ponds designed to irrigate the newly planted trees.
“This project is part of Erbil’s master plan to address climate change challenges,” Waisi said. “We plan to plant millions of pistachio and olive trees around the city, which will help reduce the effects of dust storms and enhance the city’s greenery.”
The idea originated from the Ministries of Municipalities and Agriculture in the Kurdistan Region and was proposed to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which will oversee the implementation of the project in cooperation with local authorities.
The green belt project complements recent infrastructure developments, including several dams built outside Erbil. These dams are expected to support tourism efforts and add to the natural beauty of the region.
With this initiative, Erbil hopes to create a sustainable, greener environment that will help mitigate climate change effects and improve the quality of life for its residents.
