Erbil’s Green Belt: A Climate Shield for a Rapidly Growing City

Section 1: Executive Summary and Strategic Importance

1.1. Executive Summary
 

The Green Belt Project in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, is a landmark environmental and urban development initiative designed to strengthen the city’s resilience to climate change, counteract rapid urban expansion, and improve overall quality of life. The project envisions a continuous green belt encircling the city—approximately 83 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide—comprising seven million drought-resistant trees, primarily olive and pistachio.

The Green Belt is not simply an afforestation project; it represents a holistic model of green urban infrastructure, integrating environmental protection, climate adaptation, and sustainable economic development. The trees are projected to absorb 140,000–210,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, enabling the Kurdistan Region to enter international carbon markets and generate sustainable financial returns.

By mitigating extreme temperatures, improving air quality, reducing desertification, and enhancing public health, the Green Belt Project positions Erbil as one of the leading cities in the Middle East adopting Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to meet 21st-century environmental challenges.

1.2. Strategic Importance of the Project:

The Green Belt Project is a forward-looking intervention that aligns Erbil with major global cities implementing climate-resilient solutions, such as Frankfurt’s Green Belt (Germany) and Seoul’s urban greening initiatives (South Korea). It represents a transformative approach to urban planning in the Kurdistan Region, reinforcing climate resilience and promoting long-term sustainability.

Section 2: General Framework and Urban Challenges

2.1. Project Background and Rationale

Erbil has undergone rapid and extensive urban growth, intensifying environmental pressures. Combined with the escalating effects of climate change, the city faces several critical challenges:

• Rising Temperatures: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C, exacerbated by the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.

• Deteriorating Air Quality: Elevated concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, and NO₂ pose health risks.

• Desertification & Land Degradation: Soil erosion increases dust storms and reduces natural vegetation.

• Urban Expansion: Concrete-dominated development has diminished natural buffers.

These conditions necessitate a comprehensive environmental solution—hence the strategic importance of the Green Belt.

2.2. Global Methodology and Benchmarking

The project draws upon leading international models of green urban planning:

• Frankfurt Green Belt, Germany.

• Seoul Urban Reforestation Initiatives, South Korea.

• Mediterranean agroforestry models for drought-resistant species.

These global references ensure the project adheres to established environmental best practices, tailored to Erbil’s unique climatic context.

2.3. Institutional Framework and Government Role

The project receives direct support from the KRG Presidency and is implemented under the supervision of the Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani. Responsibilities include:

Section 3: Project Description and Green Infrastructure

3.1. Dimensions and Components

The Green Belt comprises:

• Two interconnected green belts totalling 83 km in length.
• 2 km fixed width, forming a continuous ecological corridor.
• 7 million olive and pistachio trees.

• 10 artificial ponds supporting water storage.

• Smart irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and remote sensing monitoring.

3.2. Selection of Plant Species: Environmental and Economic Balance

Olive and pistachio trees were selected based on environmental and economic criteria:

Section 4: Environmental and Climatic Impact:

4.1 Reducing the Urban Heat Island:

The Green Belt moderates Erbil’s microclimate through:

• Evaporative cooling, lowering ambient temperatures by 2–4°C in surrounding areas.
  
  
• Reduction in Land Surface Temperatures (LST) through shading and vegetation cover.
  
  
• Creation of natural windbreaks that reduce heat and dust intrusion.

4.2. Improving Air Quality:

The trees act as a natural air filtration system. Annual pollution removal

estimates include:

 4.3 Enhancing Water, Soil, and Biodiversity:

• Desertification Control: Vegetation reduces wind speed by 30–40%.

• Soil Conservation: Roots stabilise soil and prevent erosion.

• Biodiversity Expansion: The Green Belt becomes a habitat for birds, insects, and small animals, creating a new ecological corridor.

Section 5: Economic Sustainability and Carbon Opportunities

5.1. Carbon Sequestration Potential and Market Potential:

The project’s carbon absorption capacity enables Erbil to engage in international carbon markets, supported by recognised frameworks such as Verra (VCS) and Gold Standard.

Estimated annual revenue: USD 1.12–2.52 million.

5.2. Requirements for Carbon Credit Issuance:

To qualify, the project must demonstrate:

• Project Registration with a carbon certification body.
• Evidence that the project would not be feasible without carbon finance.
• A full MRV system, including remote sensing, biomass modelling, and i-Tree Eco analysis.

5.3. Long Term Economic Impact:

Revenue from carbon credits can fund:

·        Maintenance and expansion of the Green Belt.

·        Future environmental programmes.

·        Local employment initiatives and agricultural projects.

Section 6: Social Impact, Public Health, and Quality of Life

6.1. Employment and Green Economy Development:

The project is expected to create over 2,000 direct green jobs in agriculture, irrigation, environmental management, and support services.

6.2. Public Health Benefits:

• Reduced pollution: lowers rates of respiratory and cardiovascular illness.
• Access to green spaces: improves mental well-being and social cohesion.
• Enhanced environmental quality supports healthier lifestyles.

6.3. Eco-Tourism and Community Engagement:

• Development of walking and cycling routes.
  
  
• Initiatives for environmental education, making the belt a natural
  learning hub.
  
  
• Opportunities for eco-tourism businesses and local enterprises.

Section 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Key Performance Indicators

7.1 Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV):

A comprehensive MRV system includes:

• Satellite-based NDVI and LST analysis.
  
  
• Environmental modelling using i-Tree Eco.
  
  
• Ground monitoring stations for pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO₂.

7.2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

 Section 8: Conclusions and Strategic Recommendations

8.1. Key Conclusions:

The Erbil Green Belt Project is a cornerstone of the city’s environmental resilience. It represents a transformative investment in climate adaptation, public health, and sustainable development.

 Core Message: “The Green Belt is the Kurdistan Region’s investment in a healthier, more resilient, and environmentally sustainable future for generations to come.”

8.2. Strategic Recommendations:

1. Accelerate Carbon Market Registration to secure long-term financing.
   
   
2. Diversify plant species to enhance ecological resilience.
   
   
3. Strengthen water infrastructure, prioritising treated water and rainwater harvesting.
   
   
4. Expand community and private-sector participation in maintenance and awareness programmes.
   
   
5. Integrate the Green Belt into future urban planning to ensure continuity and protection.