Erbil Governorate has launched the Orbital Green Belt Project, a cornerstone of the city’s long-term master plan to surround the capital with a protective green zone. This initiative is not only productive but also forward-looking. It designed to improve air quality, tackle climate challenges, and create a healthier living environment for residents.
The project is extradentary and in fact the objective is to plant about seven million olive and pistachio trees across a 150-metre-wide, two-kilometre stretch, supported by ten water retention ponds to ensure sustainability. Once this is complete, the green belt is expected to absorb between 140,000 and 210,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, while also reducing harmful pollutants. Beyond just the climate benefits, this project will go above and beyond to help protect Erbil from issues like desertification, dust storms, and rising temperatures.
In addition to its environmental impact, the project promises economic and social rewards. It is set to create hundreds of jobs, boost local agriculture, and strengthen long-term economic resilience. The project will potentially create jobs in areas such as tree planting, irrigation management, farming, maintenance, and environmental monitoring. Officials from The Kurdistan Regional Government say the belt will stand as both a shield for the city and a symbol of Erbil’s commitment to sustainable development.
