Prime Minister Masrour Barzani Delivers Speech at Erbil Green Belt Phase Two Launch

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani delivered a speech on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, during a ceremony formally launching the second phase of Erbil's Green Belt project, a major environmental initiative intended to expand green coverage around the Kurdistan Region's capital.

Excerpts from Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's remarks:

- In this phase, more than 1.8 million saplings will be planted.

- We will do everything within our ability to improve the climate and will continue these efforts.

- This project can benefit the people of Kurdistan in several ways.

- Many people can find employment through this project, and the trees are productive, so the project can also provide benefits in terms of food production.

- We thank the Peshmerga forces and the volunteer brothers and sisters who are participating in this project.

- Erbil's air had become polluted because of private generators.

- The "Runaki" project has had a major impact on improving air quality in Erbil and across Kurdistan.

- Efforts have previously been made to prevent the cutting down of Kurdistan's forests.

- The attack on Khor Mor is a crime against all the people of Kurdistan and Iraq and is unacceptable.

- I hope the investigative committee reaches its conclusions soon and that those who committed the crime, as well as those behind it, receive the punishment prescribed by law.

- Protecting the entity of the Kurdistan Region is the responsibility of all of us.

- We will confront every attempt to divide the Kurdistan Region.

- I am confident that every loyal and patriotic Kurd will stand against any further division of the Kurdistan Region.

- We will continue implementing public service projects across all areas of the Kurdistan Region.

- I thank Greece for its cooperation with us in implementing this project.

The latest phase covers 11,000 dunams around Gazna village on the Erbil-Duhok road and Sibiran along the Erbil-Khabat road. Plans call for approximately 1.8 million trees, including olive and pistachio varieties, supported by three irrigation ponds.

The Greek consul attended the event, and project officials say the saplings will be imported from Greece. Local company Doski Holding is implementing the project.

According to the Erbil General Directorate of Agriculture, affected farmers and landowners will have their rights protected and receive compensation.

Nearly 700,000 trees were planted during the first phase, which began on Oct. 30, 2025. Preparatory work for the second phase had been reported earlier this year, ahead of Sunday's ceremony.

The broader Green Belt is planned as a two-kilometer-wide corridor beyond Erbil's 150-Meter Ring Road, ultimately containing around seven million trees.

The project is intended to expand green space, protect the environment and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

This is a breaking news report and will be updated as more information becomes available.