KRG Launches Strategic Greening of Duhok’s Mountains in Major Environmental Push

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a significant move to advance environmental stewardship and enhance the quality of urban life, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is embarking on a strategic project to green the iconic mountains surrounding the city of Duhok.

This ambitious initiative is a cornerstone of the KRG's broader policy to implement lasting environmental solutions, expand green spaces, and secure a more sustainable and healthier future for its citizens by transforming the very landscape that defines the governorate.

The city of Duhok, nestled between the southern flank of Mount Zawa and the northern face of Mount Spi, will soon witness the commencement of a project designed to restore and expand the forests on these natural sentinels.

A dedicated committee has been formed to supervise and implement the greening of both mountains, with work scheduled to begin in the near future. This initiative is being hailed not merely as a beautification project, but as a critical investment in the region's ecological health and the well-being of its residents.

A Strategic Vision for Duhok's Landscape

The project is designed to deliver a wide range of environmental and social benefits, fundamentally altering the city's climate and atmosphere. According to local officials, the impact of reforesting the two mountains will be profound and multifaceted.

Kawa Sabri, the Director of Forestry and Rangelands of Duhok Governorate, highlighted the project's strategic importance in a statement to Kurdistan24 correspondent Bewar Hilmi.

"The project to green both mountains will be of great benefit to the city of Duhok and will create a major change in the percentage of green space," Sabri explained. He emphasized the direct climate benefits, noting that the initiative "will also help lower temperatures and purify the governorate's air."

This vision reflects a proactive approach to mitigating the local effects of climate change, using nature-based solutions to create a more resilient and livable urban environment. The implementation of this project is expected to not only increase vital green cover but also to bestow a unique and special character upon the city, enhancing its natural beauty and creating a legacy for generations to come.

Reclaiming a Scarred Landscape

The need for this large-scale intervention is pressing.

The forests that once graced the slopes of Mount Zawa and Mount Spi have suffered significant degradation over the years.

According to reports, fires have broken out on numerous occasions for various reasons, destroying large portions of the existing green areas. The impact of these fires, compounded by periods of drought, has left a scarred landscape in need of restoration.

Officials and residents alike recognize the challenge and the collective effort required to bring the mountains back to life.

Hoshyar Waisi, a representative of the Duhok Municipality, underscored the urgency of the project in his comments to a Kurdistan24 correspondent. "It is very important that this work is done on these two mountains of Duhok, which are like a green belt for Duhok, because due to drought and fires, no forest remains on these mountains," Waisi stated. "Therefore, their green cover must be restored."

He acknowledged the scale of the task ahead but stressed the necessity of starting now. "It's true that greening this area will require effort, but everyone must take steps towards it. We must begin this step and gradually increase the percentage of green space."

His remarks also serve as a call to action for the public, as citizens have stressed the need for their own cooperation in monitoring and protecting these vital new green areas once they are established.

Bolstering Urban Green Spaces

The mountain greening initiative is a flagship component of a wider, multi-pronged strategy to increase green spaces throughout the city of Duhok.

The city already boasts 145 small gardens and 10 parks, but the KRG is investing in even larger public spaces.

 The construction of two major new parks, Aloka park in the west and Sarhaldan park in the east, is set to significantly boost the city’s green credentials.

Upon their completion, the percentage of green space in Duhok is projected to increase to an impressive 20%, marking a major achievement in urban planning and environmental health.

The Ninth Cabinet's Broader Investment Blueprint

The Duhok greening project, while locally focused, is a powerful reflection of the KRG's ninth cabinet's broader, region-wide commitment to strategic investment and sustainable development.

The project is one thread in a much larger tapestry of initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and improving the quality of life for all citizens of the Kurdistan Region.

According to a statement released on Monday by the KRG's Department of Media and Information, the ninth cabinet has overseen the implementation of 564 different investment projects valued at more than $24 billion across all sectors.

This massive investment portfolio demonstrates a holistic approach to regional development, with significant capital flowing into areas that directly impact citizen well-being and environmental sustainability.

The industrial sector has seen 142 projects valued at over $3.6 billion, while the commerce sector has received over $1.1 billion across another 142 projects.

Crucially, the tourism sector has been a major focus, with 78 projects implemented at a budget of over $7.5 billion, an investment that often goes hand-in-hand with preserving and enhancing natural beauty.

The housing sector has also received substantial backing, with 60 projects valued at nearly $4.9 billion.

Furthermore, direct investments in areas like agriculture ($561 million), education ($417 million), and health ($366 million) underscore the government’s focus on building a resilient and prosperous society. 

The Department of Media and Information's statement confirms that the ninth cabinet has reached an important stage in developing domestic investment, a process that is ongoing.

The strategic decision to reforest Duhok's mountains is a clear and visible manifestation of this larger commitment, transforming a policy vision into a tangible, green reality on the ground.

Kurdistan24 correspondent Bewar Hilmi contributed to this report.