KRG Agriculture Minister Begard Talabani (right) met with Rwanga Organization’s Executive Director, Hassan Aladdin (left) in Erbil on Sunday, March 9, 2025. (Photo: Rwanga Organization)
Monitor
KRG agriculture ministry, Rwanga Organization collaborate to combat climate issues
ERBIL — The Rwanga Organization and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Agriculture are collaborating on ecological recovery and climate adaptation projects, including an initiative to plant 20,000 olive trees in Kasnazan, southwest of Erbil.
In a meeting with Rwanga Organization’s Executive Director, Hassan Aladdin on Sunday, Agriculture Minister Begard Talabani said the project aligns with Iraq’s goal of increasing forest cover by 15% by 2030, citing olives’ drought resistance and environmental benefits.
Kurdistan has lost nearly half of its forests over the past 70 years due to water scarcity, rising temperatures, decreased rainfall, forest fires, illegal logging, and military operations. The impact is severe, as the region contains 90% of Iraq’s forests, a country already among the most affected by climate change and desertification worldwide.
Rwanga Foundation is a non-governmental organization based in Erbil. Established in 2013, it operates in four key sectors: education, youth, environment, and vulnerable groups.
Statement from Rwanga Organization:
Rwanga Organization’s Executive Director, Hassan Aladdin, met with Agriculture Minister Begard Talabani to solidify a collaboration focused on ecological recovery, climate adaptation, and sustainable community projects. Central to the talks was Rwanga’s initiative to plant 20,000 olive trees in Kasnazane, an arid area southwest of Erbil. Since 2023, 18,500 trees have been planted to combat soil erosion and biodiversity decline, supported by Rwanga’s Chairman, Idris Nechirvan Barzani.
Minister Talabani praised the project’s alignment with Iraq’s goal to increase forest cover by 15% by 2030, highlighting olives’ drought resilience and environmental benefits.
Aladdin emphasized the synergy between policy and local action, noting the ministry’s streamlined support. The project is part of Rwanga’s broader “Green Kurdistan” effort, which has planted over 200,000 trees since 2020. Upcoming steps include biodiversity tracking with Salahaddin University and soil analysis to guide reforestation.
The partnership also established a joint task force to oversee projects and explore eco-tourism and carbon-offset programs. Anticipated outcomes include curbing desertification, boosting rural economies, and fostering green growth.
