Erbil Launches Large-Scale Tree-Planting Campaign to Expand Green Spaces

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Erbil Governorate has launched a large-scale tree-planting campaign aimed at beautifying the city and expanding its green spaces, with thousands of trees set to be planted across the city by the end of October.

According to a statement issued by the Erbil Governorate on Wednesday, teams from the Erbil Directorate of Gardens and Parks Engineering have begun planting hundreds of trees, including “Sisam and Narwand,” at designated locations along the 60-Meter Road and beneath the historic Erbil Citadel.

The directorate said the campaign will continue throughout October, with thousands of additional trees planned for various neighborhoods and areas within the jurisdiction of the Erbil municipality.

It also said further measures will be taken to expand Erbil’s green spaces in cooperation with residents, environmental organizations, and activists.

Green-space expansion

Increasing the city’s green coverage has become a priority for Erbil authorities in recent years, as the city seeks to improve its urban environment and meet international standards.

Authorities have set a target of increasing Erbil’s green-space ratio to more than 20 percent as part of broader efforts to develop a more sustainable urban environment.

The expansion of green areas is also increasingly important as the Kurdistan Region faces hotter summers, recurring dust storms, water-related challenges, and the wider effects of climate change.

Environmental experts say planting tree species adapted to Erbil’s climate can help provide shade, reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and contribute to efforts to combat desertification.

The campaign is part of broader efforts to increase vegetation across Erbil and create more environmentally sustainable public spaces as the city continues to expand.