Erbil has started a massive Green Belt initiative to reshape its future. The project aims to plant thousands of dunams with trees. City officials plan to reduce climate risks, control urban growth, and improve daily life for residents.
The project’s first stage is already visible on the ground. Work crews are building fences and placing poles around the city. These preparations mark the start of planting wide stretches of trees along Erbil’s borders.
Karzan Hadi, the head of Erbil Municipality, confirmed that the first phase spans 12,900 dunams. Local companies are handling this early stage. He stated that while there is no completion date yet, planning and implementation are progressing.
Hadi shared that although the plans were ready in 2010, funding delays pushed the project back. He credited recent progress to support from Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. The first area of implementation stretches from Bahrka to the Mosul road, covering 2,800 dunams.
According to Hadi, this vision looks ahead to 2050. The project aims to raise Erbil’s green space percentage above global standards. This will improve air quality, public health, and urban living for everyone in the city.
The municipality has also addressed land use issues. Some of the Green Belt areas are under investment contracts or have been occupied. Hadi said citizens will receive compensation according to local laws to avoid disputes.
Tree selection follows a scientific approach. Officials tested soil across different areas to find the most suitable plants. Olive and pistachio trees will form the main part of the belt. These trees are not only eco-friendly but also create jobs and economic benefits.
Expanding green spaces protects cities from desertification, reduces pollution, and supports biodiversity. For Erbil, the Green Belt will act as a natural barrier and help restore balance to the city’s environment. It will also serve as a recreational zone and a source of employment.
Several cities worldwide have taken similar actions. Beijing’s “Great Green Wall,” London’s long-standing Green Belt, and Seoul’s urban green plans all show the value of these projects. Erbil’s plan follows this global trend with a local vision.