Erbil's Green Initiative: Planting a Million Oak Trees

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – With 300,000 trees planted thus far, Erbil is in the midst of an ambitious five-year plan to plant one million oak trees that began in 2020, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Department of Media and Information.

The goal of this ongoing initiative is to improve the abundant vegetation that borders the 120 Metre Road, which encircles the city. 

Interestingly, purified water from nearby settlements will be used to feed these trees.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism, which is dedicated to halting climate change and improving Erbil's air quality, is in charge of the project.

These hardy oak tree seedlings are harvested from the Kurdistan Region's mountains and then planted using intricate scientific methods under close supervision so they can withstand harsh weather.

Oak trees' extensive root systems make them nature's air and soil purifiers. They also give birds the essential nutrition they need, helping with their population recovery. 

It is believed that oak trees can have a lifespan of up to 1,000 years.

The adverse effects of climate change have been evident in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, leading to water scarcity, drought, and, thus, failed agriculture. Iraq is ranked by the United Nations as the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to the impacts of climate change.