Urban areas, main roads, institutions

Diyala launches large-scale tree-planting campaign to combat climate change

DIYALA — Authorities in Diyala have initiated a large-scale campaign to plant trees along roads and within institutions across the region. Diyala’s Department of Agriculture is spearheading the effort by providing free seedlings, with volunteers focusing on schools to improve the environment and promote sustainability.

Eyad Dhiab, Director of Agriculture for Diyala, told Iraqi News Agency that, “The project will focus on planting trees in urban areas, main roads, institutions, and schools throughout the province.”

On Aug. 20, Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture announced that more than 6.4 million trees have been planted over the past 18 months as part of the “Iraq for Climate” initiative, launched in March 2023.

Diyala’s Department of Agriculture has developed a plan to support the tree-planting drive, which will rely on the department’s supply of seedlings. The department has access to a variety of plants suitable for the region, including Albizia, Acacia, and other species drawn from traditional local sources.

Zikra Jasim, Director of the Plant Production Department in Diyala, noted that a task force has been formed under the governor’s leadership to oversee the campaign. This group includes various governmental departments, such as the Water Resources Department, the Environmental Department, and the Municipalities. “The Department of Agriculture is playing a key role as the main provider of seedlings, which will be distributed free of charge to institutions and organizations throughout Diyala,” Zikra added.

Jasim said the campaign includes plans not only for planting but also for maintaining the trees and ensuring sustainable irrigation. The Department of Agriculture operates three main nurseries that will supply a range of plants, from ornamental flowers to fruit-bearing trees.

Mustafa al-Mamouri, head of the National Climate Change Team, stated that the department has been addressing climate change issues in Diyala for the past two years. Large-scale tree-planting campaigns have been announced in cooperation with volunteer groups and government institutions.

Al-Mamouri added that the team previously developed a sustainable development program for primary schools, which has since become part of the Ministry of Education’s national curriculum. The focus of the current tree-planting campaign, which began on October 1, will be on schools, with logistical and material support from the Department of Agriculture’s plant production unit.

This campaign is part of Iraq’s broader initiative to combat environmental degradation and enhance the quality of life amid significant climate change challenges. The United Nations identifies Iraq as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, highlighting issues such as water shortages, drought, and extreme heat.