As climate change intensifies, Kurdistan’s residents are increasingly turning their homes into green havens, with millions of ornamental plants and flowers now adorning apartments and houses across the region.
Each year, millions of flower buds are imported into Kurdistan, reflecting the growing demand for beauty and greenery in households. The number of these imports continues to rise, highlighting the significance placed on maintaining green spaces within homes.
Karim Ali Ahmad, an agricultural engineer, told The Kurdish Globe: “Every year, a significant number of ornamental flowers are sold for use in homes. Some of these plants require specific light conditions, thriving in either shade or indirect sunlight.” He added, “As a result, many households in Kurdistan, particularly those in apartments with limited outdoor space, have turned to indoor greenery and decorative plants. This trend is especially prominent in older apartment buildings, where residents often cultivate a variety of flowers and plants. However, with the increasing challenges posed by climate change, people are becoming more concerned about the heat. In response, they are initiating small but meaningful campaigns to enhance the greenery in their homes.”
According to available information, millions of flowers and vegetable seeds are imported into Kurdistan, primarily from Europe, with some coming from neighboring countries. Asmar Ali, a housewife, told The Kurdish Globe, “In recent years, we have prioritized adding greenery to our home because it is crucial both psychologically and aesthetically. There should be clear guidelines on how to care for these plants, as their requirements differ depending on whether they are grown indoors or outdoors.”
The overall rate of greenery in Kurdistan, particularly in Erbil, is encouraging and close to international standards. However, there is still considerable interest in increasing greenery further to better cope with climate change.
