Iraq to Plant 10 Mln Trees to Combat Desertification

Iraq is set to launch an ambitious environmental initiative aimed at combating desertification by planting 10 million palm saplings and various trees across Baghdad and other provinces.

This effort is part of a broader government strategy to address the severe impacts of desertification in the country.

Mahdi Sahar al-Jubouri, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, revealed to the state newspaper "Al-Sabah" that the Ministry of Agriculture has exceeded both the target number and timeline of a campaign initially launched by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani in March last year.

The original goal was to plant five million saplings and trees over three years. However, within just one year, more than six million saplings and palm seedlings have already been planted.

The plan is overseen by a high-level government committee comprising several ministries, which is tasked with implementing a strategy to address desertification and reduce dunes and climate fluctuations.

This strategy includes the use of drip irrigation and fixed sprinklers to ensure the survival of the planted saplings, which include date palms, olive trees, willows, eucalyptus, and citrus trees.

Over the past 25 years, Iraq has experienced significant loss of vegetation due to climate changes, wars, declining rainfall, reduced water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and the drying up of lakes and water bodies.

Additionally, incorrect policies and the expansion of informal housing have devastated numerous green areas and orchards in Baghdad and other provinces, exacerbating desertification and diminishing efforts to preserve vegetation.