KRG’s Ninth Cabinet Advances Environmental Reforms with Major Initiatives
Under the directive of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the government has taken decisive action against illegal oil refineries failing to meet environmental standards.

Feb. 4, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Over the past five years, the Ninth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has implemented a series of ambitious environmental initiatives, marking a noteworthy step toward ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for the Kurdistan Region.
During this period, the KRG has issued 14,390 environmental permits and closely monitored more than 25,000 projects for compliance with environmental guidelines.
Projects found in violation of these regulations have faced penalties as part of the government’s commitment to enforcing environmental protection laws.
Under the directive of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the government has taken decisive action against illegal oil refineries failing to meet environmental standards.
These refineries are subject to immediate closure and legal consequences, reflecting the administration’s firm stance on pollution control.
To enhance water security and promote agricultural sustainability, the KRG has prioritized the construction of dams and reservoirs.
Eight dams have been successfully completed, with additional projects underway to safeguard groundwater resources and support agricultural expansion.
The government has also introduced new environmental regulations requiring at least 25% of the land in investment projects to be allocated for green spaces.
Furthermore, industries and large-scale water-intensive projects are now mandated to install advanced water treatment systems to minimize resource wastage and improve efficiency.
Efforts to curb pollution extend to the transportation and industrial sectors, where vehicles emitting toxic pollutants and factories failing to meet environmental standards face stringent penalties.
These measures are aimed at reducing air pollution and enhancing public health.
As a result of these concerted efforts, the Kurdistan Region’s greenness rate has risen from 15% to over 18% during the tenure of the Ninth Cabinet.
The government’s proactive environmental policies underscore its commitment to sustainability, resource conservation, and ecological preservation for future generations.