![Rasool, 13, and his brother Waad, six, explore the cracked ground where there once was water in a village in the al-Ankour area of western Iraq [Alannah Travers/Al Jazeera]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/633f1d746f35aba4dd2bd0b8/67098661bcf44213997df470_Screenshot%202024-10-11%20at%201.10.59%20PM.png)
Over the last four decades, Iraq has suffered a plethora of environmental consequences, made worse by the constant wars that have left the country with problems ranging from decaying infrastructure to contaminated water systems. In recent years, however, the government has embarked on a nationwide initiative to combat the effects of climate change by planting millions of trees across much of the country’s arid landscape. These initiatives, supported by both local and international organizations such as the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), aim to mitigate the country’s environmental challenges, such as desertification, extreme heat, and air pollution. However, while the planting of trees is a crucial first step, the challenges of maintaining and sustaining these trees require continuous efforts from the responsible bodies such as government officials and community-led organizations, especially in a country that is facing several developmental challenges.
Baghdad’s goal to plant over 10 million trees as well as similar efforts in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan reflects a nationwide push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to restore Iraq’s diverse ecosystems. Such ecosystems have taken a huge hit, such as the loss of over 50% of forests in the Iraqi Kurdistan region (the Arab Weekly). These losses in forests and tree-covered areas are partly the result of the water crisis, instability that has led to an increase forest fires, and increased economic dependence on the cutting down of trees. In response, the planting of trees is meant to absorb carbon dioxide, making them a vital step in the country’s road to environmental sustainability.
In addition to the effects on the environment, there has been a significant toll on human lives. According to a United Nations report, nearly 7 million Iraqis are facing a severe lack of safe, clean water (The World). The country’s two primary rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates, have experienced historically low levels due to upstream damming and prolonged droughts, both made worse by climate change.
The mass tree planting initiative is not just about greening Iraq’s arid landscape; it’s about creating sustainable ecosystems that can support both human and wildlife populations. Trees are known to absorb carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, thus playing a vital role in global efforts to combat climate change. In Iraq, the reforestation plan is expected to sequester significant amounts of carbon, improve air quality, and restore degraded land.
However, planting trees is only half the battle. The success of Iraq’s reforestation efforts hinges on the country’s ability to ensure that these trees survive and thrive. Watering these newly planted trees is a critical aspect that is often overlooked in large-scale reforestation projects. In Iraq, where water resources are already under severe stress, this presents a significant challenge.
One of the strategies being explored is the use of treated wastewater for irrigation. By recycling wastewater, Iraq could reduce the strain on its freshwater resources while providing the necessary hydration for its growing forests. Another approach involves the implementation of advanced irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, which minimizes water waste and ensures that water reaches the tree roots directly. In contrast, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Water and Agriculture Committee in an interview on Iraq state TV referred to the condition of agriculture in Iraq as similar to that during the time of “Hammurabi”, noting its reliance on archaic methods of irrigation.
In addition to water challenges, the quality and type of trees planted are crucial for long-term success. Not all trees are suited to Iraq's harsh environment, where extreme heat and dust storms are common. Medium-sized trees like the black wattle (Acacia decurrens), honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) are more likely to tolerate these conditions. These species can survive in dry climates and provide valuable shade, which helps reduce the surface temperatures in urban areas. In contrast, palm and date trees, while the latter is iconic in Iraq, often require large amounts of water and offer limited shade, making them less ideal for extensive reforestation efforts in a country with a mostly arid climate like Iraq.
Despite these efforts, experts warn that reforestation alone may not be enough to counter the severe impacts of climate change in Iraq. The country’s broader environmental policies must address issues such as water management, agricultural practices, and urban planning to create resilient and flourishing ecosystems. Without a comprehensive approach, the benefits of planting millions of trees could be undermined by continued environmental degradation at a rate higher than the planting of new trees can mitigate.
Moreover, community involvement and education are essential to the success of these reforestation projects. Local communities need to be empowered with the knowledge and tools to care for the trees and understand the long-term benefits of reforestation. This includes promoting awareness about the importance of conserving water, protecting newly planted areas, and reducing activities that contribute to deforestation and land degradation.
In conclusion, while Iraq’s commitment to planting millions of trees is a commendable step towards addressing the challenges posed by climate change, it is not a cure-all. The survival and growth of these trees depend on selective and careful planning, adequate water resources, and community engagement. As Iraq continues to battle the effects of climate change, it must adopt a holistic approach that integrates reforestation with broader environmental and sustainability initiatives to ensure a greener, more resilient future for all. Iraq’s future depends on comprehensive climate strategies that include adequate water management and policy reform. Given the country’s current political and economic challenges, these goals seem ambitious at best.
To learn more about Iraq's broader environmental strategy, you can explore the country’s blueprint for a greener future as supported by efforts from the United Nations Development Program.
