Peregraf- Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday planted the first tree of the Erbil Green Belt, marking the official launch of one of the city’s most ambitious environmental projects. Under the initiative, 7 million olive and pistachio trees will be planted in a circular zone beyond the city’s 150-meter road, covering an area two kilometers wide.
Speaking at the ceremony, Barzani said the initiative carries "historical significance" for current and future generations. He highlighted the symbolic value of planting olive trees, noting that the species has ancient roots in the region.
"The return of olive trees to these areas, which is their historical source, has great meaning," he said.
The Prime Minister described the Green Belt as "a ring around the city of Erbil" that will help ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for residents. He underlined his administration’s commitment to continued reconstruction, saying: "We, too, will gently and slowly continue to rebuild Kurdistan."
Barzani thanked Greek experts and the private sector for supporting the project, which he said reflects a broader strategy to strengthen the region’s economic, tourism, and environmental infrastructure.
"We don’t expect miracles to happen; we must create miracles ourselves," he said, adding that olive cultivation will not only serve environmental goals but also generate economic returns.
He explained that while the land will remain under the Ministry of Municipalities, private companies partnering in the project will be able to benefit from the commercial value of future agricultural products.
The initiative is also expected to create new employment and training opportunities.
"All of this will be a great effort to create job opportunities for our youth," Barzani said, noting that young people will be trained to manage the belt and develop expertise in related fields. Diversifying economic opportunities, he added, will reduce reliance on a single source of income.
Major Environmental and Economic Initiative
The project was formally announced on September 17 by Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw. Ten water retention ponds will be built in the area to support cultivation.
Khoshnaw said the Green Belt would significantly reduce carbon emissions — an estimated 140,000 to 210,000 tons of CO₂ per year — along with other harmful gases. Officials say it will also help decrease temperatures, limit desertification, and curb dust storms.
Besides its environmental benefits, the project will stimulate agricultural production and create hundreds of jobs.
Expansion of Urban Green Spaces
The Green Belt announcement follows plans revealed last week to expand green spaces across Erbil. Five new parks, covering nearly 200 acres, are under development:
* Park near the 120-meter road — 80 acres; ~70% complete; 8,000 trees
* Rashkin Park — 47 acres; 16,000 trees planned
* Nazdar neighborhood park — 4 acres; ~80% complete; 6,000 trees
* Life neighborhood park — 7 acres; ~70% complete; 5,000 trees
* Park near the 150-meter road intersection — 60 acres; construction ongoing
"These projects are designed to both protect the environment and enhance the beauty of Erbil," Governor Khoshnaw said.
Erbil currently has 26 major parks, 204 small gardens, 209 forests, 163 central islands, and 109 fountains. Rapid urban growth, increased traffic, and air pollution have strained the city’s environment, pushing the KRG to prioritize sustainable urban development.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the initiatives but warn that long-term maintenance and regulatory enforcement will be critical to their success.