In a major environmental initiative, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched a project to plant a 2-kilometer-wide green belt encircling the city of Erbil. The project, developed under the ninth KRG cabinet, aims to protect the city’s environment, improve air quality, and provide long-term ecological benefits.
The first phase will cover 12,800 dunams of land, stretching from Baharka Road to Mosul Road. Officials from the Erbil Municipality stated that hundreds of thousands of olive and pistachio trees will be planted, alongside 150,000 flowers annually. These trees are chosen for their suitability to Erbil’s climate and low water requirements. The project is designed to be self-sufficient, generating income through the sale of tree products and supporting local agriculture.
Beyond beautification, the green belt will act as a natural barrier against dust storms and desert sand particles that blow into Erbil from southern Iraq, helping purify the city’s atmosphere and reduce exposure to harmful gases. The belt will include over 10 ponds to collect rainwater for irrigation, further enhancing sustainability.
The entire project area will be fenced, landowners compensated, and implementation will proceed in phases, with the first phase already underway. The initiative has been welcomed by Erbil residents, who praised the government’s efforts to provide greenery and forests surrounding the city.
The Erbil Green Belt is recognized as one of the most significant environmental projects of the ninth KRG cabinet, reflecting a strong commitment to protecting nature and promoting sustainable urban development.
By Farman Omar Saeed