Updates: polution; hunting; animal slaughter; climate change

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Sewage Management Project

From River Purification to Farmland Irrigation, Project Signals Long-Term Sustainability Goals

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Municipalities and Tourism Sasan Aouni on Tuesday announced the signing of an agreement with Japanese company Itochu to implement the first phase of the Erbil sewage management project, valued at approximately $195 million, with all eight phases planned to be completed in three years.

Speaking at the official ceremony, Aouni emphasized the project’s importance in protecting public health and safety, not only in the Kurdistan Region but also in Iraqi cities along the Greater Zab River and the Tigris River, where untreated sewage and drainage problems have posed significant health and environmental risks.

“This project will provide significant benefits, including soil preservation, groundwater management, agricultural protection, river water purification, fish farming, and overall river and sewage cleanup,” Aouni said. “Additionally, treated wastewater will be reused for irrigation and agricultural development.”

The minister noted that Erbil’s sewage discharge volume reaches 318,000 cubic meters per day, while this project's first phase will treat 52,000 cubic meters per day, leaving 266,000 cubic meters still to be managed.

He stressed the ongoing need for comprehensive sewage management to prevent risks to public health, soil, and water resources in Erbil and across Iraq.

Aouni added that the KRG Council of Ministers had been informed that Prime Minister Masrour Barzani approved the continuation of the project’s seven remaining phases to be executed by local contractors and with international quality standards.

Upon completion, the treated sewage from across Erbil will be safely diverted to the Erbil sewage management reservoir in the village of Arab Kand, ensuring greater protection for the city and its residents.

By combining international expertise with local execution, the initiative demonstrates the KRG’s commitment to modern infrastructure and long-term environmental management, ensuring a cleaner and safer future for the region.

From Tokyo to Erbil: Itochu’s Role in Sustainable Sewage Solutions

Itochu Corporation, a prominent Japanese general trading company, is renowned for its extensive involvement in infrastructure and environmental projects worldwide. Established in 1858 and headquartered in Tokyo, Itochu ranks among Japan's largest sogo shosha (general trading companies), with a global presence and a diverse portfolio.

In the field of water and sewage infrastructure, Itochu has built strong expertise through its work in water supply, sewerage concessions, and seawater desalination projects.

The company has also managed large-scale energy-from-waste projects, including one of the world’s largest facilities in Dubai, which contributes to improved sewage and waste management. Committed to sustainability, Itochu continues to advance global sewage treatment systems while supporting broader environmental goals.

By partnering with Itochu, the Kurdistan Region is not only addressing urgent sewage and environmental challenges but also aligning itself with international standards of sustainable infrastructure.

This collaboration reflects the KRG’s broader vision of modernizing essential services, attracting global expertise, and building resilient systems that will support the region’s economic growth, public health, and long-term environmental security.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... ese-itochu

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Half Population Has 24-Hour Electricity

The Kurdistan Government (KRG) is celebrating a landmark achievement in its energy sector, announcing that more than half of the Region’s population now has access to uninterrupted, 24-hour electricity

Kamal Mohammed Salih, the KRG Minister of Electricity, hailed the development as a “major turning point,” crediting the success of the “24-hour electricity project” to the unwavering support of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

“With the support of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, we were able to implement reforms in the electricity sector and build a robust infrastructure,” Salih said.

He added that these efforts laid the foundation for both the smart meter program and the continuous power supply initiative.

According to Salih, the ninth cabinet resolved one of the Kurdistan Region’s most persistent challenges in less than a year, well ahead of the government’s original timetable.

The sweeping reforms include the construction of hundreds of new substations, the expansion of high-pressure electricity networks, contract restructuring, increased power generation, and the installation of smart meters designed to curb illegal connections and improve efficiency.

Currently, four million citizens — representing more than 50% of the Kurdistan Region’s population — are benefiting from 24-hour electricity. This includes the urban centers of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja, along with surrounding areas.

More than 115,000 commercial establishments are also connected to the upgraded system.

Halabja Governorate became the first in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq to achieve full-time power coverage.

The success of the project has also enabled the closure of over 3,222 neighborhood generators, which had long provided backup electricity.

Salih stressed that eliminating these generators brings “enormous benefits for the health and safety of citizens.”

The initiative is also easing financial burdens. “Now, 80% of the people are paying less for this electricity than what they previously paid for generators,” Salih noted.

The KRG says it will continue to expand 24-hour electricity coverage to the remaining areas of the region in the coming months.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894211

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Southern Iraq’s Marshes
Face Severe Water Crisis

The Hawizeh Marshes—one of the largest and most vital wetland systems in southern Iraq—are experiencing acute water shortages that residents say have destroyed their livelihoods and endangered their survival

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The marshes of southern Iraq are grappling with a devastating water crisis that has persisted for more than three months, inflicting heavy damage on local communities, their livestock, and the fragile ecosystem.

The Hawizeh Marshes—one of the largest and most vital wetland systems in southern Iraq—are experiencing acute water shortages that residents say have destroyed their livelihoods and endangered their survival. The crisis has particularly affected water buffalo, a cornerstone of the local economy and daily life in surrounding villages.

Residents told Iraqi media that the disaster is fueled not only by drought and the impact of climate change but also by what they described as government indifference and lack of action. They accuse both the federal and local authorities of negligence, saying no serious measures have been taken to ease their suffering.

“Dozens of water buffalo are dying every day,” one resident said, adding that the government bears responsibility for the ongoing losses, which they described as a form of “genocide.” Local sources estimate that hundreds of thousands of buffalo are at risk, with many already suffering from untreated diseases.

The economic fallout is severe. The price of a water buffalo has collapsed, falling from five million dinars to around one and a half million dinars, causing devastating financial losses for owners who depend on them for survival.

With conditions deteriorating, mass displacement is underway. Families are leaving their homes in search of drinking water, arable land, and grazing pastures. Residents are urgently calling on the Iraqi government, ministries, and relevant authorities to step in before the crisis deepens further.

They warn that without swift intervention, the crisis will not only destroy the marshes and their communities but also trigger wider economic consequences across Iraq

The Hawizeh Marshes, straddling the Iraq-Iran border, are part of the larger Mesopotamian Marshes—an ancient ecosystem often referred to as the “Venice of the Middle East.” These wetlands were once among the largest in the world, sustaining unique biodiversity and providing livelihoods for thousands of Marsh Arabs who rely on fishing, buffalo breeding, and reed gathering.

In the 1990s, the marshes suffered near-total destruction when Saddam Hussein’s regime drained large areas to punish rebellious communities, leading to mass displacements. After 2003, efforts were made to restore the wetlands, and UNESCO designated the marshes a World Heritage Site in 2016. However, recurring droughts, upstream dam projects on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and inadequate water management policies have left the marshes increasingly vulnerable.

Today, climate change and water scarcity are once again pushing the marshes and their people to the brink of collapse, raising fears of permanent ecological loss and cultural erosion.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... ts-to-flee

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Iraq Loses One Million Trees in Two Years

Iraq is facing a mounting environmental crisis, with one million trees lost across the country in just the past two years, according to a stark new report by the Green Iraqi Observatory released on Saturday

The report identifies five primary causes behind the alarming decline in Iraq’s green cover, ranging from natural pressures to destructive human activities.

Severe drought has been the most significant factor, with large numbers of trees succumbing to water scarcity, leaving many dried up or infected with disease.

Human intervention is further compounding the crisis. The Observatory pointed to the practice of diverting water away from orchards and forests to sell to grilled fish vendors, particularly in the provinces of Nineveh and Wasit.

This commercial exploitation has accelerated the devastation of already stressed ecosystems.

Infrastructure and service projects are also contributing to the destruction. Contractors are often ordered to replace mature trees with saplings after clearing land, but the Observatory dismissed these measures as ineffective.

“Planting small saplings is useless because they need years of watering and care to grow and mature,” the report stressed.

Deliberate arson is another factor worsening the crisis. The Observatory cited repeated incidents in which orchards and forests were set on fire to clear land for sale, including a recent case in the Dora district of southern Baghdad

Meanwhile, rapid commercial and residential development is stripping away what remains of Iraq’s green areas. Countless trees are being uprooted to make way for new projects, with little to no effort to replant or preserve green spaces.

The Observatory warned that the loss of one million trees in just two years represents a critical threat to Iraq’s environmental health and long-term sustainability.

It urged immediate measures to combat drought impacts, curb destructive practices, and enforce meaningful reforestation and conservation efforts.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894419

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Runaki Project Reduces Kurdistan
CO2 Emissions by 600,000 Tons

The Kurdistan Government’s (KRG) “Runaki Project” has led to the shutdown of more than 3,200 private generators across the Region, cutting an estimated 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Ministry of Electricity

Faris Mirakhan, Director General of Electricity Production, told BasNews that 3,222 generators have been taken offline so far under the initiative.

Erbil saw the largest reduction, with 2,197 generators shut down, followed by Sulaymaniyah with 604, Duhok with 356, and Halabja with 65.

Mirakhan said the Ministry aims to close a total of 7,000 generators by the project’s completion.

The environmental gains are already substantial: CO2 emissions have been reduced by 410,000 tons annually in Erbil, 112,000 tons in Sulaymaniyah, 63,000 tons in Duhok, and 15,000 tons in Halabja.

“The total reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is 600,000 tons, which will have a very positive and easily noticeable impact on the cleanliness of the environment in the Kurdistan Region,” Mirakhan said.

For years, reliance on private generators has been a major source of air and noise pollution in the Kurdistan Region, compensating for gaps in the public electricity supply.

The Runaki Project, meaning “Lighting” in Kurdish, was launched by the KRG as a strategic initiative to modernize the Region’s power system and reduce reliance on private generators.

The project focuses on strengthening the public electricity grid to provide round-the-clock supply, gradually making neighborhood generators unnecessary.

By targeting thousands of privately-operated units, Runaki aims not only to cut harmful emissions but also to lower noise pollution, improve public health, and reduce household expenses tied to generator subscriptions.

The initiative represents one of the KRG’s most ambitious energy and environmental reforms to date, designed to align with broader sustainability goals while addressing long-standing power shortages that have forced citizens to depend on generators for decades.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894514

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Imminent Humanitarian Catastrophe
Over Iraq’s Water Crisis

Iraq is facing an “imminent humanitarian catastrophe” due to worsening water scarcity, the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq warned on Sunday, urging urgent intervention at both the national and international levels

In a statement carried by Iraqi media, the group pointed to alarming signs of crisis, citing the “deepening water scarcity crisis and the increasing number of incidents affecting infrastructure and citizens, without a clear and fundamental solution from the relevant authorities.”

The center called on the Iraqi government, the Council of Representatives, and state institutions to declare a “humanitarian state of emergency” and to immediately develop a comprehensive national strategy to tackle drought and its anticipated consequences.

It also appealed to the international community for assistance in addressing the impact of climate change and pressed for greater pressure on Iraq’s neighbors to respect water-sharing agreements in line with international law.

Such measures, it argued, are essential for preserving stability and safeguarding the rights of millions of Iraqis threatened by thirst and potential displacement.

The statement concluded with a stark warning that “negligence in this matter is a blatant violation of human rights.”

Iraq has long struggled with water shortages, largely stemming from upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran.

Ankara’s construction of massive dams on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers,
including the controversial Ilisu Dam, has sharply reduced water flows into Iraq

Meanwhile, Iran has diverted tributaries that traditionally fed into Iraq’s Diyala and Shatt al-Arab rivers, further compounding the crisis.

Baghdad has repeatedly accused its neighbors of violating international norms on transboundary water management. Despite bilateral talks, progress has been limited, leaving Iraq increasingly vulnerable to drought, desertification, and rising salinity in southern provinces.

The water crisis has already triggered protests in several Iraqi cities in recent years, particularly in Basra, where declining water quality has led to public health emergencies.

Experts warn that without coordinated action, the crisis risks fueling instability, migration, and conflict over scarce resources.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894507

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No Water Surface on the Lake
Urmia MP Warns of Catastrophe

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a stark and damning assessment that confirms the worst fears of environmentalists and local communities, a representative for Urmia in the Iranian Parliament has declared that Lake Urmia, once Iran's vibrant "turquoise jewel" and one of the largest saltwater lakes on Earth, has effectively ceased to exist, with "no water surface" remaining

The parliamentarian, Hakem Mamkan, delivered a blistering critique of successive government administrations, accusing them of engaging in years of fruitless "talk therapy" and studies while failing to take the practical, executive measures necessary to avert a catastrophic environmental, social, and security crisis that now threatens to inflict "irreparable" damage on the region.

Speaking in an interview with the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), Mamkan painted a grim and unequivocal picture of the lake's current state. "The reality is that, if we are to assess the situation, the condition of Lake Urmia is extremely critical," he stated. "I can say that there is currently no water surface on the lake. It can be said that ninety-nine percent of it has dried up, and only a section around the mid-lake causeway is left."

This on-the-ground assessment from a local representative gives a powerful voice to the devastating satellite imagery from NASA, which, as previously reported by Kurdistan24, recently confirmed the complete disappearance of the 4,000-year-old body of water

Mamkan expressed the profound frustration felt by local and national representatives over the government's persistent inaction.

"The reality is that we, the province's representatives, and even many representatives at the national level, firmly believe that the government must enter the implementation and operational phase of restoring Lake Urmia," he asserted. He accused both previous and current administrations of wasting vast sums of money on ineffective measures and endless discussions that have yielded no tangible results.

"Although significant funds were spent on studying and restoring Lake Urmia in previous administrations, none of these efforts have yielded results," he said. "The Lake Urmia Restoration Committee held numerous meetings in previous administrations, and the 14th administration has also held regular meetings, but we have not seen any results that would improve the lake's condition."

The parliamentarian issued a direct and urgent demand to the current government, warning that the time for studies is over and that the consequences of further delay will be severe.

"One of our demands from the president and the 14th administration is that they take practical and executive measures to restore the lake as soon as possible," Mamkan said, "because this issue will unfortunately lead to social and even security-related discontent at the regional and national levels."

He detailed the cascade of catastrophic consequences that will inevitably follow the lake's complete desiccation. The environmental fallout, he warned, will be immense

The vast, exposed lakebed, now a saline desert, poses a severe threat to public health. The salt dust whipped up from the dry basin is predicted to cause a spike in high blood pressure, lead to an increase in skin cancer, and destroy vast swathes of agricultural land.

"Experts predict that this dust will have an impact as far as the vicinity of Zanjan and Qazvin," he noted, highlighting the far-reaching nature of the disaster.

The social and economic toll will be equally devastating, with some researchers warning that the disappearance of the lake could put between 6 and 15 million people at risk, potentially triggering a massive wave of environmental migration as agriculture collapses and living conditions become untenable.

Mamkan outlined a series of practical, multi-faceted measures that have long been proposed but never properly implemented.

He acknowledged that some "hardware measures," such as the Kani Sib water transfer project from Piranshahr, have been partially implemented, but he stressed that this is not enough.

A comprehensive solution, he argued, requires a concerted effort across multiple government ministries. "We are also requesting that crop patterns be reformed, and the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad must take action in this area," he stated. "Illegal wells must be dealt with, and the Ministry of Energy must act on this matter. Additionally, irrigation methods and techniques must be improved."

His core criticism is that while the solutions are known, the political will to implement them has been fatally absent. "There are many factors that could work together to restore Lake Urmia, but unfortunately, none of these actions have been properly carried out so far," he lamented.

"One of our criticisms of the government is that it has focused more on talk and studies ('talk therapy') and has not proceeded to the implementation phase." He dismissed the government's frequent excuse that such measures would be too costly.

"We do not accept this because this is a national, international, and regional issue, and it is necessary to use national funds to prevent these problems," he concluded.

His powerful intervention serves as a desperate, eleventh-hour plea for action to save what little may be left of a vital ecosystem that was once a cornerstone of the region's climatology, economy, and culture

The complete disappearance of Lake Urmia in Eastern Kurdistan, a slow-motion disaster driven by a combination of excessive water extraction for agriculture, the unrestrained construction of dams, and a significant reduction in rainfall, now stands as a stark and tragic symbol of the devastating consequences of environmental mismanagement and government paralysis.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... s-inaction

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Erbil Green Belt to Absorb
210,000 Tons of CO2 Annually

The Kurdistan Government (KRG) is rolling out two major initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and building a healthier future for its citizens, combining large-scale reforestation with innovative pollution reduction strategies

At the forefront is the Erbil Green Belt project, a landmark undertaking described as a “green lung” for the capital.

The plan calls for planting seven million fruit-bearing saplings, including olives and pistachios, across a 92-kilometer stretch two kilometers wide. Covering 184 square kilometers, the artificial forest is expected to absorb around 210,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually

“This large number will not only significantly increase green spaces but will also become an important economic resource and create job opportunities,” said Umed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil.

He added that the project symbolizes a commitment where “every citizen of the region will own a tree.”

Alongside the visible green transformation, the KRG is also advancing its Runaki Project, designed to cut emissions from thousands of private electricity generators — the region’s largest source of air pollution.

Officials estimate the initiative will slash 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year, equivalent to the environmental work of 24 million mature trees.

“The Lighting Project, without planting a single tree, has created an environmental impact equivalent to a forest larger than the city of Sulaymaniyah,” Khoshnaw noted.

Together, the Green Belt and Runaki initiatives will deliver an environmental benefit equal to more than 31 million trees, making the Kurdistan Region a potential leader in climate action across the Middle East

By blending visible forests with an “invisible” fight against pollution, the KRG is signaling a long-term commitment to sustainability, aiming to create a greener, cleaner, and more livable environment for future generations.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894733

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Federal Action on Iraq’s Water Crisis

As Iraq faces mounting threats from climate change and a worsening water crisis, influential religious and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr has called on the federal government to take urgent measures, while the Kurdistan Government (KRG) highlights its ongoing multi-faceted strategy to mitigate environmental challenges

On Wednesday, Muqtada Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement, issued a statement emphasizing the severe consequences of climate change and water scarcity across Iraq.

He urged Baghdad to engage immediately with Turkey to increase Iraq’s share of water from transboundary rivers and called for the rapid construction of dams and water reservoirs in suitable locations.

Sadr also recommended strict penalties for individuals and entities that overuse water resources, highlighting the urgent need for national-level action to secure Iraq’s future water supply.

In contrast to calls for new federal initiatives, the KRG has been actively implementing a long-term, strategic response to environmental threats. The ninth cabinet has prioritized projects to manage water resources, enhance urban green spaces, and reduce carbon emissions.

The KRG has emphasized dam construction as a key part of its water strategy. The Dwin Dam, with a capacity of 100 million cubic meters, is currently under construction. Last year, four dams — Gomaspan, Chamraga, Aqwban, and Bastora — were completed in Erbil Governorate.

Additional projects are underway in Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Halabja, complemented by hundreds of smaller rainwater-harvesting ponds across the region.

Historically dependent on groundwater wells, KRG cities are now transitioning to surface water systems. The Rapid Emergency Water Supply Project for Erbil channels water from the Great Zab River, projected to meet the city’s needs for the next 30 years and allow thousands of wells to be closed

Similar projects are underway using the Little Zab River to supply Qushtapa and surrounding areas, ensuring sustainable water management.

The KRG is actively expanding green areas across its cities through gardens, parks, forests, and other green projects. This urban greening effort aims to mitigate the visible effects of climate change, enhance biodiversity, and improve environmental quality for residents.

Efforts to curb CO2 emissions are central to the KRG’s climate strategy. Encouraging the import of electric vehicles and eliminating reliance on thousands of private generators through the Runaki (Lighting) Project has dramatically reduced pollution.

The project now provides 24-hour electricity across the Kurdistan Region, significantly decreasing carbon emissions and reducing climate change impacts.

The KRG’s proactive and comprehensive approach underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. By combining infrastructure investment, urban planning, and technological solutions, the region sets a strong example for addressing climate change and water scarcity in Iraq.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/894757

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2 Billion Dinars to support
Erbil's Winter Preparations

Erbil (Kurdistan24) – The Governor of Erbil, Omed Khoshnaw, announced on Thursday, that two billion dinars have been allocated under the directive and approval of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to address water drainage problems, upgrade natural rainwater channels, and resolve shortcomings in this vital sector

The announcement came during a meeting held at the governorate headquarters, chaired by Khoshnaw, with the participation of deputy governors, district administrators from Binaslawa and Qushtapa, as well as directors-general of water, sewerage, municipalities, and heads of service and environmental units in Erbil.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, the meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming rainy season, emphasizing the cleaning of drainage networks, tunnels, and manholes, as well as the removal of obstacles from natural water channels to mitigate potential flooding risks.

Khoshnaw underscored that past plans, implemented with direct support from Prime Minister Barzani, had already helped reduce the dangers posed by seasonal floods in Erbil and its surroundings.

The statement added that the meeting called for raising the level of readiness ahead of winter through comprehensive cleaning campaigns and strengthened coordination among service departments to respond swiftly to unexpected climate developments.

Khoshnaw stressed that the allocated funds would be distributed among the directorates of sewerage, water, and road and bridge maintenance in Erbil to address weak points in the city’s infrastructure and ensure smoother water flow during heavy rainfall. He urged immediate action to implement necessary measures before the rainy season begins, to prevent crises that could impact citizens.

This latest initiative reflects the Kurdistan Regional Government’s broader policy of infrastructural preparedness and investment under its ninth cabinet. Since its formation, the cabinet has overseen projects worth more than $12 billion across key sectors, with nearly 45 percent of licensed projects completed during this period.

According to the Kurdistan Board of Investment, the government’s investor-friendly policies, including the removal of taxes and fees for investment projects, have played a major role in attracting capital and driving growth

International investors have echoed this sentiment. In a recent interview with Kurdistan24, Dutch businessman Peter de Graaf praised Erbil’s transformation, calling the Region’s development “remarkable” compared to his last visit 14 years ago. He highlighted not only infrastructural improvements but also a more open and accessible investment climate, which has encouraged both foreign investors and diaspora Kurds to establish businesses in the Region.

The decision to allocate two billion dinars for winter preparedness is not only a technical step to protect citizens from seasonal floods but also part of the government’s long-term vision of sustainable development. By integrating infrastructure upgrades with wider economic policies, the Kurdistan Region continues to project stability and progress, strengthening Erbil’s resilience against natural challenges while enhancing its attractiveness as a hub for investment and growth.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... eparations

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PM Barzani Calls for Collective
Responsibility to Protect Environment

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday inaugurated the modern Sarheldan Park in the Broshki neighborhood of Duhok, describing Kurdistan as “our great home” and stressing that protecting its environment is the responsibility of every individual.

The opening ceremony, held on Saturday, marked the completion of a year-long project aimed at expanding green spaces and providing residents with a modern recreational outlet. The park was built on land that once served as an industrial zone for car repairs, and has now been transformed into a vibrant space with sports, service, and leisure facilities for all ages.

In his speech, PM Barzani explained that the idea for the project emerged from earlier visits to Broshki, where he observed a shortage of public services. He said the neighborhood’s residents—many of them families of martyrs and Peshmerga fighters—deserved improved services as a gesture of recognition and appreciation.

The Prime Minister praised the company behind the project for completing the park efficiently within one year. He also underscored the importance of environmental protection, urging citizens to preserve the cleanliness of their surroundings and calling on tourists to respect the region’s natural beauty.

PM Barzani instructed relevant authorities to impose penalties on those who pollute the environment, stressing that it is unacceptable for the “sacred land, nourished by the blood of martyrs,” to be defiled. He emphasized that rejecting harmful practices that damage Kurdistan’s culture and nature is key to safeguarding the region’s future.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has prioritized urban development and environmental initiatives in recent years, launching projects to increase public green spaces and improve the quality of life in cities across the region.

Duhok, known for its natural landscapes and role as a tourism hub, has seen rapid urban expansion, increasing the need for recreational spaces. The inauguration of Sarheldan Park reflects the KRG’s broader strategy of balancing modernization with environmental preservation.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/895010

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Second Phase of Water Project

The Director-General of Water and Wastewater in Kurdistan said work on the second phase of the Erbil rapid emergency water project is progressing, with testing expected to begin in homes by early November

Ari Ahmed, the director-general, told Kurdistan 24 that “the second phase of the project covers 65%, and upon its completion, the project will be 100% finished. Although the number of neighborhoods and areas falling within the scope of the second phase is greater than the first phase, work is progressing very quickly.”

He noted that 254 wells have already been closed under the project, and once the full system is operational, more than 1,000 wells across Erbil will be shut down. The aim is to reduce reliance on groundwater and ensure a stable long-term water supply for the city.

The $480 million project, implemented by a local company, was launched in 2024 after Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone. The initiative is intended to provide Erbil residents with uninterrupted 24-hour access to clean drinking water for the next three decades.

The second phase will supply neighborhoods and areas located between the 120-meter and 150-meter roads, including Ankawa, 32 Park, Kuran Ankawa, Baharka, Girdjutyar, Sibardan, Shawes, and Pirzin.

On July 20 this year, the KRG inaugurated the first phase of the project. In a message on social media platform X, Barzani said: “We inaugurated the first part of the rapid emergency water supply project for Erbil city, which is being built with a budget of 480 million dollars.

This project will provide 24-hour drinking water, and it is a source of pride that it was implemented in record time by local companies and local workforce.”

He added: “After less than a year, we promised to solve the water problem in Erbil, today we fulfilled our promise and the water problem has been solved for the next 30 years.”

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/895172

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Erbil Air Quality Improves by 80%

It was revealed that current air quality levels are 80% better than last year, with 50% of the improvement directly attributed to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Runaki program

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The director of the Erbil Environmental Office, Dilshad Hirani, announced on Sunday that the capital’s air quality has significantly improved compared to previous years, thanks to coordinated government initiatives and regulatory measures.

“The air in Erbil is getting cleaner, but it still requires more efforts to maintain this improvement,” Hirani told Kurdistan24. He revealed that current air quality levels are 80% better than last year, with 50% of the improvement directly attributed to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Runaki program.

“This is a significant accomplishment, as we haven’t been able to achieve such results in many years,” he emphasized.

Key Drivers of Cleaner Air

Hirani highlighted several factors behind recent progress, including:

1- A sharp reduction in diesel generators across neighborhoods.

2- The closure of illegal oil refineries.

3- Installation of filters in restaurants to reduce smoke pollution.

4- Stricter measures to curb excessive vehicle emissions.

5- Improved quality of diesel and gasoline supplied in the city.

He also pointed to the introduction of new regulations that have tightened oversight on fuel use and industrial activity.

Government Push Against Pollution

The improvement in air quality comes amid broader KRG efforts to address environmental challenges. On January 12, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired a high-level meeting focused on combating pollution in both Erbil and Duhok. The session resulted in a series of decisions, including stricter monitoring, enhanced enforcement, and investment in cleaner energy alternatives.

The government’s Runaki program, launched to promote sustainability and reduce pollution, has become a central pillar in these efforts. Its impact is now being reflected in measurable improvements to Erbil’s atmosphere, which in recent years had been plagued by rising smog, a heavy reliance on private diesel generators, and poorly regulated fuel sources.

Broader Environmental Context

Environmental concerns have grown in the Kurdistan Region in recent years as rapid urbanization, population growth, and increasing vehicle use have placed mounting pressure on air quality. Experts have long warned about the health risks of unchecked pollution, including respiratory illnesses and long-term ecological damage.

The recent progress in Erbil is seen as a step forward in aligning the Kurdistan Region’s environmental policies with global sustainability standards. However, as Hirani stressed, further efforts are needed to ensure that the gains achieved this year are sustained and expanded in the years ahead.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/86 ... ow-results

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Erbil Embarks on Major Greening
Projects to Transform Cityscape

ERBIL — Once known for its towering citadel rising from a barren plain, Erbil is undergoing a remarkable transformation as the Kurdistan Government (KRG) intensifies efforts to turn the city into a hub of greenery and sustainability

The ninth cabinet of the KRG has launched a series of projects in recent days aimed at increasing green spaces across the capital and its outskirts. Governor Omed Khoshnaw announced on his official Facebook page that park engineering teams have planted more than 200 trees around the historic Choli Minaret and 750 flowers at Sheikh Choli Fountain as part of beautification efforts in the city.

Beyond urban landscaping, larger projects are underway to address climate and environmental challenges. On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Khoshnaw said that prolonged drought, groundwater depletion, and poor irrigation had caused large areas of forest in the Khabat district to dry up. In response, the Erbil Irrigation Directorate has begun building a special water pumping station, marking the first phase of a broader irrigation project to restore the forest.

Two days earlier, on September 28, the governor announced the launch of the green belt project in Baharka, following directives from KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. The first phase will cover 13,000 dunams with millions of olive and pistachio trees, part of a plan to plant seven million trees in total around Erbil. The initiative aims to create a dense forest surrounding the city while greening empty urban spaces.

The KRG is also moving ahead with plans to build five large parks and plant trees along central street islands. To sustain these projects, officials say irrigation will be secured through a major water recycling initiative — one of the government’s flagship strategic programs. This ensures that new green areas will not face the same water shortages that have plagued forests in the past.

Currently, more than 20% of Erbil’s area is covered in greenery. With the completion of the green belt and other initiatives, that figure is expected to exceed 25%. Officials say this will not only enhance the city’s appearance but also make Erbil a place of “two springs” each year, with residents experiencing renewal in both spring and autumn.

For decades, Erbil, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, was surrounded by semi-arid landscapes with limited vegetation. Rapid urban expansion in the 2000s, combined with mismanagement of water resources, worsened the impact of climate change, leading to deforestation and shrinking farmland.

In recent years, record heatwaves, declining rainfall, and dust storms have made environmental sustainability a priority for the Kurdistan Region. By expanding green belts and recycling water for irrigation, the KRG hopes not only to improve quality of life in Erbil but also to create natural barriers against desertification and rising pollution.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/895985

[Anthea]

Hundreds of Iraqi Farmers Protest
Water Policies Amid Severe Drought

Hundreds of Iraqi farmers staged protests on Saturday in the southern province of Diwaniyah, demanding the government lift restrictions on land cultivation and compensate them for losses caused by water shortages

Iraq, long known for its fertile plains along the Tigris and Euphrates, has been gripped by consecutive years of drought and declining rainfall, leaving agriculture on the brink of collapse.

Authorities, facing dwindling water reserves, have drastically reduced farming activity to prioritize drinking water for the country’s 46 million people.

Farmers from several provinces gathered in the Ghammas area of Diwaniyah, urging the government to allow them to plant wheat and other crops.

“We have come from four provinces to demand the rights and compensation owed to farmers,” protester Mahmoud Saleh said, warning that water cuts threaten next year’s wheat cultivation.

Another farmer, Mohammed Amoush, who once cultivated 25 hectares, said his land had turned fallow.

“There is no agriculture, only financial loss. We are devastated,” he lamented.

Iraq’s water crisis is compounded by upstream dams in neighboring countries, which have sharply reduced river flows, and by decades of conflict that left irrigation and water management infrastructure in ruins.

Officials say the country now receives less than 35 percent of its agreed share of river water, with Euphrates levels at their lowest in decades and artificial reservoirs nearing record lows.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/896084