37 arrested for illegal tree felling in Sulaymaniyah governorate

SULAYMANIYAH — Authorities in Sulaymaniyah have arrested 37 individuals over the past month for illegally cutting down trees in protected forest areas, according to the Directorate of Forest and Environment Police.

The arrests were made in multiple areas, including Barzinja, Said Sadiq, Sitak, Mawat, Penjwin, Gapilon, and Dukan, as part of a month-long crackdown on illegal logging from Nov. 27 to Dec. 27, 2024.

In a recent social media post, the Directorate confirmed the arrests, highlighting that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat deforestation and protect the region’s natural resources. “Over a span of one month, we successfully apprehended 37 individuals involved in illegal tree cutting,” the statement read.

The KRG’s Board of Environmental Protection and Improvement emphasized the penalties associated with illegal tree cutting, which include a fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately $330). If offenders fail to pay the fine, they face up to three months in prison.

Earlier, Ahmed Mohammed, head of the Board’s office in Sulaymaniyah, explained to 964media that the Forest Protection Law mandates strict penalties for cutting green and dry trees, including fines and imprisonment. “Some traders and individuals resort to illegal logging, which is why we have enforced these penalties,” he said.

He further noted that during winter, incidents of illegal tree cutting surge as traders and residents turn to forests for firewood, leading to increased environmental damage.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has experienced significant deforestation over the past several decades, with nearly 50% of its forests lost in the last 70 years. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including illegal logging, forest fires intensified by summer droughts, and military operations along Iraq’s northern border. The region is home to 90% of Iraq’s forests.

Illegal logging is a significant contributor to deforestation in Kurdistan. Some traders and individuals resort to cutting down trees to produce charcoal and other products, often disregarding environmental regulations. Despite the existence of penalties, enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing such practices to persist. Additionally, military activities, particularly along the Turkish border, have led to deforestation.