99% decrease in violations
Duhok sees drop in illegal logging with KRG fuel distribution
DUHOK — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) distribution of fuel to households has led to a significant decline in illegal tree-cutting for firewood in the mountainous areas of Duhok governorate, environmental officials say.
Abdulstar Abdulhamid, spokesperson for the Duhok Environmental Protection Peshmerga, reported a 99% decrease in logging and environmental violations after the KRG distributed oil in October and November in Zawita, Amedi, and other areas. In contrast, 34 individuals were arrested for logging activities in 2023.
Abdulhamid attributed the decrease to effective distribution of fuel among the populace.
The link between logging and fuel availability is evident across the region. Earlier this year, authorities in Halabja attributed a surge in logging in 2023 to the high cost of fuel, with 20 out of 25 reported environmental violations being related to illegal tree-cutting.
However, logging remains a concern. Over the past four days, eight individuals were arrested in Sulaymaniyah for illegally cutting down trees.
Hemin Kamarkhan, spokesperson for the Sulaymaniyah Directorate of Forest Police and Environment, emphasized the continued enforcement of environmental regulations. “Anyone found violating the regulations, regardless of the season, will be arrested and face legal action, especially those cutting down trees,” he said.