KRG Minister of Municipalities and Tourism Chairs Meeting on Erbil’s Strategic Green Belt Initiative

On Wednesday, 4 June 2025, Sasan Awni, Minister of Municipalities and Tourism in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), chaired a meeting to discuss the implementation of the strategic Erbil Green Belt Project. The meeting was attended by Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, along with relevant stakeholders from various governmental departments.

This initiative, launched under the directive of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and in alignment with Erbil’s masterplan, seeks to address the challenges of climate change through the afforestation of areas surrounding the city and construction of multiple water retention ponds. These measures aim to mitigate the effects of climate change and dust storms, while significantly enhancing Erbil’s greenery, ecological balance and environmental resilience.

Discussions centred on the project’s implementation framework, concluding with an agreement to draft the required policies and operations mechanisms. It was also decided to establish a joint committee comprising representatives from all relevant government bodies to coordinate efforts and resolve any emerging issues.

The Erbil Green Belt is a flagship environmental project for the capital. It will form a circular zone surrounding the city, situated behind the 150-metre ring road. The belt will span a width of two kilometres and will include the construction of over 10 water ponds. The project also envisions the cultivation of olive and pistachio trees. Its primary goals are to expand green spaces, protect agricultural land, and prevent its conversion to non-agricultural uses such as commercial investment and residential development.