Iraq loses one million trees in two years, Green Iraq Observatory says

BAGHDAD — Iraq has lost approximately one million trees over the past two years due to a combination of environmental, commercial, and urban development factors, according to a statement from the Green Iraq Observatory, a specialist organization in environmental affairs.

The organization identified five primary causes behind the loss, with drought ranked first. “The drought crisis affecting most governorates has led to tree dehydration, breakage, and eventual death due to diseases,” the statement said, noting the problem is especially visible in southern regions.

Another cause is the deliberate cutting of water supplies to orchards in order to uproot and sell trees to fish grilling restaurants. “This practice has been recorded in Nineveh and Kut, and more extensively in Diyala due to the abundance of citrus trees, which are used to flavor grilled fish,” the observatory noted.

The group also pointed to large-scale removal of green spaces for housing and commercial projects, particularly in Baghdad, where mature trees were replaced by small seedlings as part of service projects. “Planting small trees does not compensate for the real loss, as they require years of care before functioning as shade or dust barriers,” the statement said.

The observatory reported that some orchards were intentionally set on fire to clear land for sale, citing a recent case in Baghdad’s Dora area. It also highlighted the complete removal of green areas for housing and commercial projects without replanting efforts.

The statement urged oversight and executive bodies to protect existing trees and expand planting efforts by distributing saplings to citizens for use in gardens and along roads, with proper care to ensure their long-term viability.