Iraqi dental student breathing life into Wasit road, two trees at a time

WASIT — Along the sun-scorched Kut-Badra road, Rida Alaa Abdul Rida, a 22-year-old dental student at the University of Kut, dedicates his mornings to planting two Conocarpus trees every day, an effort aimed at combating desertification and beautifying the landscape in eastern Wasit governorate. This personal mission to restore the environment started after Rida noticed the barren state of the road. Inspired by local tree-planting efforts, he decided to contribute in his own way.

“I chose Conocarpus because it’s one of the few trees that can withstand the harsh conditions of this road,” Rida told 964media. His focus is on the Shuwayja area, where seasonal winter floods provide vital water for the trees. He has planted 20 trees so far and is monitoring their progress before expanding the project. “The seasonal flooding in Shuwayja offers the perfect conditions for these trees to thrive,” he added.

This initiative is more than just about planting trees; it’s about inspiring others. Rida enlisted his brother to film his efforts, hoping that his actions will encourage others to join the cause. “I believe that initiatives like this need media support to grow and succeed,” he explained.

Rida’s efforts come at a time when Iraq faces mounting environmental challenges. According to the United Nations, Iraq ranks among the top five countries most impacted by climate change. The country struggles with rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and declining rainfall, which have led to increased desertification and degraded agricultural lands.

In response, Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture announced in August that over 6.4 million trees have been planted as part of the “Iraq for Climate” initiative, which was launched in March 2023. While these efforts are significant, Iraq’s green spaces have drastically diminished in recent years due to urban sprawl, insufficient environmental regulations, and the growing impact of climate change. In Baghdad, green areas have decreased from 50% to 17%, driven by uncontrolled real estate development and poor urban planning.

Rida’s dedication offers a powerful reminder of what individual action can achieve in the face of climate challenges. Through his daily efforts, he aims to bring life and greenery to a harsh, barren landscape, while encouraging others to take action in their own communities.