Turning Erbil Green: A Citywide Belt of 7 Million Trees

The Orbital Green Belt Project has been launched in Erbil Governorate as part of the city’s master plan to encircle the capital with a protective green zone. The initiative aims to improve the urban environment, mitigate climate impacts, and enhance residents’ quality of life.

The project will plant 7 million olive and pistachio trees along a 150-metre-wide, 2-kilometre stretch, supported by 10 water retention ponds to sustain the belt.

Once completed, the belt is expected to remove 140,000–210,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, cut harmful pollutants, and help shield the city from desertification, dust storms, and rising temperatures.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will generate hundreds of jobs, stimulate local agriculture, and contribute to long-term economic resilience.

 

Department of Media and Information