Volunteers launch ‘1,000 dinar’ tree-planting drive in Baghdad’s Sadr City

BAGHDAD — Young volunteers in Sadr City are planting trees along the district’s streets in a grassroots effort they call the “1,000 dinar” campaign, named for the symbolic contributions of about $0.71 collected from residents to fund saplings.

The project began with the stretch between the Hussein and Kayara intersections, with organizers stressing the initiative is not linked to any political party. The volunteers coordinated with the Sadr 2 municipality, which agreed to help with watering and upkeep.

Albizia trees were chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures and vehicle exhaust, and for their rapid growth and dense shade. “The campaign is based on collecting ‘1,000 dinars’ from citizens, and these young people are volunteering for the sake of a more beautiful city,” said volunteer Eidan al-Atwani. “Despite my poor health, when I saw the young people volunteering, I could not leave them. The Prophet Muhammad recommended planting and said: ‘If the Day of Judgment comes and one of you has a sapling in his hand, let him plant it.’”

Volunteer Ahmed Saad said the team surveyed several nurseries before settling on albizia. “The area we planted has sprinklers that operate in shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. There was coordination with the agriculture department, and they were supportive of this campaign,” he said. “We ask residents nearby to provide care and not damage the trees, so they can last.”

Another volunteer, Karrar al-Saadi, said the group started a month ago by planting more than 100 trees on Abi Dhar al-Ghifari Street. “We are a volunteer team seeking to plant trees in Sadr City, save it from desertification, and spread a culture of planting,” he said.