Environmental initiative in Sinjar aims to plant one million trees over next decade

NINEVEH – A large-scale reforestation campaign has launched in the Sinjar mountains, with organizers planning to plant one million trees over the next decade. Among the trees to be cultivated are pomegranate varieties from Halabja, known for their resilience and high yield.

The initiative, led by environmental and humanitarian non-profit organization the Sinjar Coexistence House, began this week with the planting of 3,000 saplings. “We started the campaign in the Sinjar mountains yesterday, and next week we will continue planting,” said Rena Belo, the organization’s communications director, in an interview with 964media. “For now, we’re focusing on reforesting the mountain area because it naturally moderates both hot and cold temperatures.”.

According to Belo, the 10-year plan includes planting diverse tree species across Sinjar, with a significant portion grown in dedicated nurseries before being distributed to farmers, who will plant them on their land. The initiative aims to create sustainable agricultural opportunities and improve environmental conditions.

The reforestation project prominently features Halabja pomegranate trees. Saplings are sourced from nurseries in Halabja and cultivated locally in Sinjar before being distributed. “We’ve cultivated 25,000 trees so far and distributed 15,000 to farmers at no cost, ensuring they are properly planted,” Belo noted.

Sinjar, located in Iraq’s Nineveh governorate, is a region of significant strategic and cultural importance. Historically home to the Yazidi community, Sinjar became internationally recognized following the 2014 atrocities committed by ISIS, which led to mass killings and abductions. The district is part of Iraq’s disputed territories, areas claimed by both the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. This dispute has resulted in a complex governance structure and ongoing tensions over administrative control.

The conflict in Sinjar has attracted various local and international actors, each vying for influence. Key players include the Iraqi federal forces, the Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK.

The PKK’s involvement, particularly through its support of local Yazidi militias, has added a transnational dimension to the conflict, complicating stabilization efforts. Despite agreements like the 2020 Sinjar Agreement between the Iraqi government and the KRG, which aimed to restore order and facilitate the return of displaced persons, implementation has been slow. The presence of multiple armed groups continues to hinder effective governance and reconstruction in the region.