Updates: polution; hunting; animal slaughter; climate change

[Anthea]

Authorities struggle to
regulate illegal refineries

Waste from illegal refineries continues to pollute Erbil’s air and water as authorities struggle to keep pace, officials and experts told Rudaw, with many such refineries still open despite government measures and pollution at “dangerous” levels

Erbil has one of the highest levels of air pollution in Iraq. Plumes of smoke from oil refineries, inefficient generators, and many cars using low-quality fuel high in toxic substances exacerbate the issue.

Refinery owners portrayed as demons

“Some sides portray refinery owners like demons to people… as if they are the enemy of the people, poisoning them,” Maghdid Obaid, a refinery owner and a member of Erbil’s gas sellers committee, told Rudaw’s Ranj Sangawi during an episode of Legel Ranj on Sunday.

“The thing that personally made me uncomfortable is that my refinery had produced waste as a part of my process,” Obaid said, referring to pollutants his refinery released into water and the atmosphere without proper filtration or waste management mechanisms.

He explained that “liquid gas” would be emitted from refineries into the air without being burned, which he noted is more detrimental than gas flaring without explicitly stating if his refinery was guilty of this practice. He likened the practice to leaving a stove on in a house without burning the released gas.

In July, Sangar Salih, head of Salahaddin University’s chemistry department, told Rudaw English that “all fuels in Kurdistan.. are high in sulfur.” The buildup of toxic particulates like SO2 in the atmosphere contributes to urban haze and causes severe cardiovascular and respiratory issues

Proper fuel refinement is necessary to reduce harmful substances, such as sulfur, through desulfurization and degassing processes. However, some of these harmful gases are released into the atmosphere through flaring.

In February 2024, Salih told Rudaw that some fuel sold in the Kurdistan Region’s markets had been mixed with naphtha and motor oil.

The researcher stated that the diluted fuel poses a threat to the user’s well-being and the environment, stressing that most of the diesel used in the Region “cannot even be called diesel.”

However, Obaid claimed that the practice of using motor oil to drive down the price of fuel - widely reported at the time - is not conducted anymore.

“You must not view all the refineries with the same lens,” Obaid said.

“There has been a lot of pressure on the refineries,” he added, claiming that considerable improvements have been made in the last several months.

Refinery closure efforts

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has recently intensified efforts to combat air pollution.

Dilshad Hirani, director of Erbil’s environment office, told Rudaw on Sunday that at least 54 unlicensed refineries out of a stated 138 have been shut down in Erbil province

Hirani, also a speaker on Sangawi’s episode, updated the number of refineries closed in Erbil to 57.

According to Hirani, at least 41 people were arrested because they had operated closed refineries at night after authorities ordered them to shut down.

Some of those that remain open have switched from producing fuel to bitumen, Hiran revealed, adding that they will remain open as they are abiding by environmental regulations in their currency capacity.

Bitumen factories have also been shut down for non-compliance with environmental regulations, with one being closed in December in the Soran administration.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masour Barzani led a meeting with relevant authorities last week to discuss pollution issues in Erbil and Duhok provinces. They decided that legal action must be taken against those who pollute the environment, including oil refineries, generators, and factories

In 2017, the Kurdistan Region’s natural resources ministry announced the closure of dozens of these refineries. Similar measures have been taken in subsequent years, but the effort to eliminate them has proven futile, with operations continuing to resurface across the Region.

In July, a source told Rudaw English on the condition of anonymity, that only three refineries in the Kurdistan Region conduct proper fuel refining processes - Lanaz refinery, KAR Group’s oil refinery in Erbil, and Qaiwan Group’s refinery in Sulaimani - and that other unlicensed and unregulated places are refineries only by name.

Hirani admitted that the three are the only licensed refineries in the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding the ones that remain open, he said that “most of them are good but they do not have a permit.”

The KRG’s environment protection and improvement board said in June that they could issue decrees to shut down factories and refineries that are accused of harming the environment, but lack the executive authority to implement such orders

Many of these refineries are backed by "influential people and officials," Ghalib Muhammad, then head of Sulaimani's energy committee and a vocal critic of the KRG, claimed in 2017.

In August, Erbil authorities shut down around 60 illegal refineries following a directive from Governor Omed Khoshnaw.

In a renewed effort to combat air pollution, the KRG’s environment board has now set its eyes on reducing smoke from restaurant grills.

“We will set up filters for Kebab grills,” Hirani said on the show, explaining that they have begun requiring the use of gas filters for shops that have grilled food.

“We don’t know if this causes illness or not,” he admitted, adding that they are “mostly” doing it to reduce the sight of black smoke.

Long-term health implications

Dana Mawlood, vice president of the University of Kurdistan Hawler (UKH) and an environmental expert, said that the amount of particulate matter (PM) in Erbil’s air exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual air guideline value by more than tenfold, reaching “dangerous” levels.

Dana Mawlood speaking during a Legel Ranj episode on January 19, 2025. Photo: screengrab/Rudaw

He said that Erbil and Basra are the “most polluted” cities in Iraq, adding that Sulaimani and Duhok fare better, with the latter leading in general.

Warning of the long-term implications of pollution, Mawlood stressed that refinery waste in water and soil takes substantial amounts of time to be reduced, which in turn reduces the life expectancy of nearby inhabitants

“The cost… far outweighs the profit generated by the refinery, as it demands significant funding,” Mawlood said about the process of removing pollutants released by the refineries.

With the poor management of pollutants, there is concern about it seeping into water used for agriculture and aquafarming, affecting the produce that ends up in the markets. High concentrations of sulfur that low-quality fuel puts into the atmosphere eventually come down as acid rain.

Leaded gasoline, once common, has been globally banned due to its toxic effects, particularly on children's cognitive development. Despite the ban, Mawlood said that some fuels used in the Kurdistan Region still contain lead

He added that the human body cannot remove the high concentrations of toxic substances in ingested food, compromising the immune system and considerably shortening life spans.

In 2019, the environment board passed a decree seeking punishment of people who pollute or litter. Driving a vehicle with high emissions would incur a 200,000 dinar ($168 at the time) fine and traffic police could decide to confiscate a vehicle. Refineries and factories face much larger fines.

However, the board regularly complains that they lack the executive authority to enforce their regulations.

“We are not an executive body… We oversee their [other ministries] work,” Abdulrazaq Khailani, the spokesperson for the environmental board, told Rudaw in June.

Ranjdar Kamaran, a member of the Centre for Environmental Studies at UKH said that current efforts are “numbing” environmental concerns and are not addressing the problems at their roots.

“The root-cause solution is in the thoughts and ideas of young people,” Kamaran said, noting that temporary measures can be circumvented while environmental damage persists.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/210120251

[Anthea]

Duhok farmers to dig wells

and artificial ponds

Authorities in Duhok province have permitted farmers to dig wells and construct artificial ponds to preserve their crops as the Kurdistan Region faces a low rainfall season, an agriculture official said on Sunday

“They have plans to use groundwater for the agricultural sector and allow farmers to drill wells and change their irrigation systems,” Muhsin Hassan, deputy director general of Duhok agriculture, told Rudaw’s Dildar Harki.



Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are amid a low rainfall season that has threatened crops and water availability.

“For areas that don't have groundwater, artificial ponds are being constructed. So far, 56 artificial ponds have been built, and the plan is to construct more ponds in areas that are close to rivers,” Hassan said

In Duhok province, approximately 643,000 dunams of agricultural land depend on rainwater for irrigation.

“Approximately 190,000 dunams of rainfed land falls within the boundaries of Semel district and Slevani plain. Due to low rainfall, there is a possibility that production will be 60% lower compared to last year,” he added.

On Monday, Iraq’s agriculture ministry said that most of Iraq’s central and southern areas are suffering from drought and the whole country has seen less rainfall in January compared to the same period last year.

According to the UN, Iraq is the fifth most vulnerable to climate change, including water and food insecurity, facing a severe water shortage because of reduced precipitation, higher temperatures, and waste mismanagement.

The World Resources Institute places Iraq among 25 countries that face extreme water stress, meaning that it is using over 80 percent of its available supply of water and is at risk of running out of water in case of any short-term drought.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/02022025

[Anthea]

Should we be worried about

our drinking water?

Louise stopped drinking tap water around 12 years ago (me too)

Since then, she has spent hundreds of pounds on all manner of at-home filtration systems in a bid to ease her anxieties about water quality.

"It's always been a concern for me," the 34-year-old nurse, from Greater Manchester, tells Sky News.

"In my line of work, I deal with a lot of bacteria. E-coli, legionella, norovirus - and they can all come from water. It's a scary thought."

She says that while her worries may just be "speculation" - and there are strict rules on hand hygiene and infection control on her NHS ward - water has been a "personal concern" for more than a decade.

Women, well-educated and city-dwellers are most worried

A study published last year showed 52.3% of people across 141 countries were worried about being harmed by their drinking water in the next two years

The research, which used 2019 polling data from more than 148,000 people, also found that water concerns were more common among women, people who live in urban areas, those with higher levels of education, and people experiencing financial difficulties.

In the UK, more than 20% reported being worried, while the latest trust in water survey by regulator OFWAT also showed trust in water companies had dropped to 65% by the end of 2022 - compared with 76% at the beginning of that year.

Claire, 59, from Cheltenham, says she stopped drinking tap water after her father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and cancer more than a decade ago.

"My father is very unwell," she says. "And very early on in his treatment one of the consultants told him making small changes would help - eating organic food and drinking filtered water."

Her parents bought a filter jug and an under-sink filtration system - and she soon followed suit.

Claire says she also questioned local water quality after the 2007 flash flooding across Gloucestershire left her and her neighbours without drinking water for three weeks.

When the River Severn flooded, the contaminated floodwater inundated the local treatment plant, leaving supplies undrinkable.

Claire now uses refillable filter cartridges called Pure Pods, while Louise opts for Water2 - a below-tap filter co-owned by Bear Grylls.

"When the water got turned back on - the smell that came out of the tap was unbelievable," she recalls.

"The amount of chemicals they were having to pump into the tap to make it drinkable."

Last May, a damaged air valve in South West Water's network allowed the parasite cryptosporidium to get into a reservoir near Brixham, Devon - which left many with a diarrhoea bug and 17,000 households without water for eight weeks.

Illness-inducing pathogens are 'rare'

The UK's Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) and other regulatory agencies elsewhere apply very strict rules to make sure microbial contaminants like bacteria and viruses and chemical contaminants such as metals and pesticides are removed, says Professor Luisa Orsini, professor of evolutionary systems biology and environmental omics at the University of Birmingham.

Her colleague, Dr Mohamed Abdallah, associate professor of environmental sciences, adds: "The tolerance is nearly zero for any of those pathogens in drinking water.

"But our research shows that while the DWI is happy about the things they are monitoring - there are things that are not being monitored."

Forever chemicals (PFAs) are 'silent killers'

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are a group of around 10,000 "forever chemicals", so called because there is little evidence they biodegrade over time.

They are used to make domestic and industrial products including carpets, floor polish, frying pans, cosmetics, and food packaging.

A study by the experts' team at the University of Birmingham found 10 target PFAs present in 99% of tap and bottled water samples taken from cities in the UK and 14 other countries.

While substances like cryptosporidium and E.coli can be deadly for people with weakened immune systems, while very unpleasant, their impacts are immediate and for most people relatively short-lived.

But PFAs have been linked to several cancers, Parkinson's disease, reduced fertility, and resistance to both antibiotics and vaccines. Infants are particularly vulnerable as their nervous and immune systems are not fully formed.

"Forever chemicals are silent killers," Professor Orsini says. "They have very strong adverse effects over time even at very low doses - and that's the message we want to share from our research."

According to the experts, PFAs are particularly concerning for the dual reason that the UK's current wastewater treatment technology is not sufficient in removing them - and regulation is not strict enough.

Most works have a primary and secondary treatment process, which is efficient at getting rid of pathogens and some chemicals - but not PFAs as they are extremely persistent.

Tertiary treatment is therefore needed to remove them, even when they occur at very low levels, says Prof Orsini.

The academics and their team have developed a tertiary treatment that can reduce PFAs, other toxic chemicals, and pesticides in wastewater by using tiny water fleas - known as daphnia - to hoover them up.

They argue this is a better, environmentally friendly alternative to some of the energy-intensive systems currently being developed.

No legal duty to remove PFAs

As for regulation, there is no statutory requirement for water companies to remove PFAs in England and Wales. The World Health Organisation has no framework for them either, but recommends countries aim for "concentrations that are as low as reasonably practical".

Before Brexit, the UK was going to adopt a limit of 0.1 micrograms per litre - the equivalent of one part per billion - in line with the European Union.

This is the current guidance in England and Wales - but there is no legal requirement. Last year, Scotland introduced the 0.1 micrograms per litre standard in law for 20 PFAs.

Earlier this year, the US Environmental Protection Agency enforced much stricter rules - a maximum limit of 0.4 nanograms per litre - or four parts per trillion - because of the potential human harm.

Prof Orsini and Dr Abdallah are among 50 scientists who have written to the government calling for stricter, statutory regulation on PFAs.

A cross-party bill has now been put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson and will get a second reading in the Commons.

But Professor Ian Cousins, an environmental chemist at Stockholm University in Sweden who also signed the letter, warns: "Because the UK has been slow in acting on PFAs pollution, many British people have been unnecessarily and unknowingly exposed to a whole cocktail of PFAs."

Sky News has contacted the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for further comment.

At-home filters remove 'considerable amount'

Feeling worried?

"It's not all doom and gloom," Dr Abdallah says.

"There are simple things that can be done at home to help.

"Carbon filters - either cartridges you buy or those already fitted in fridges that dispense water - are efficient in removing PFAs."

Both experts say they use these kinds of filters themselves.

"Carbon filtration removes a considerable amount of different contaminants - including PFAs - which is good news for everyone who's worried about it, including myself," Dr Abdallah adds.

At-home filter systems either come in jug, or countertop form, or they attach directly to the tap, or the pipes under the sink. They vary in price from around £50 to £350.

Reverse osmosis filters, which remove all impurities, are much more expensive, and often need to be installed outside - directly where water enters the home.

They also remove some of the beneficial minerals in water, however - such as zinc and calcium - but these can be restored either by the system itself or in droplets you can buy.

In some parts of the world, and when bugs are found in the water supply in the UK, people boil their water to get rid of pathogens

But research shows that boiling only removes microbial contaminants - and will not eliminate PFAs.

What about bottled water?

For the past five years, Raza, 26, his parents, and his siblings have been buying their water - and not drinking any from the tap.

The family, who live in London, buy roughly three packs of six two-litre bottles a week.

Raza, who works as an adviser at a humanitarian think tank, says he made the initial decision to help increase and monitor his water intake - having suffered kidney problems as a teenager.

"It encourages me to drink more," he tells Sky News. "It's a sort of pressure to finish the bottle - and allows me to track how much I've drunk throughout the day."

He says travelling a lot - to countries where bottled water is considered the gold standard - and media reports of water supplies getting contaminated have "reinforced" his bottled water habit.

But what do the experts say?

Bottled water has its own regulations - but they impose the same limits on pathogens and chemicals as those for tap water.

Testing and enforcement are down to the Food Standards Agency and local councils - but this is based on representative sampling - so not every bottle on the shelves is tested.

"People tend to think water from the tap isn't as safe as water from a bottle - but exactly the opposite is true," Prof Orsini says.

"Tap water goes through regular and stringent controls before it's even distributed - so it's way safer than any other source.

"Bottled water also runs the risk of exposing you to microplastics - so tap is the better option - especially when combined with filtering."

From last year bottled water manufacturers have had to prove compliance with the 0.1 micrograms per litre guidance limit on PFAs as part of their business plans.

A DEFRA spokesperson said: "Bottled water is tightly regulated to ensure consumer protection, with the water sources for spring water and natural mineral water protected from pollution.

"UK drinking water standards are of an exceptionally high standard and are among the best in the world. Water companies are required to carry out regular risk assessments and sampling to make sure that drinking water supplies remain safe."

https://news.sky.com/story/should-we-be ... wtab-en-gb

[Anthea]

Construction of 43 New Reservoirs

to Enhance Water Storage

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region is set to construct 43 new reservoirs as part of ongoing efforts to enhance water storage capacity, according to the General Directorate of Dams in the Kurdistan Region

On Sunday, Rahman Khani, Director General of Dams in the Kurdistan Region, told Kurdistan24 that the recent wave of heavy rainfall has significantly contributed to replenishing underground water reserves and reservoirs across the region. He further predicted that the rainfall is expected to continue until May, further benefiting water resources.

Khani emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s dams have a substantial capacity for water storage, which is crucial for sustainable water management and agricultural development.

In the past three years, eight new reservoirs have been completed in the Kurdistan Region, with 43 more currently in various stages of planning and execution. During the tenure of the ninth cabinet, eight major dams were completed, with several more projects in progress.

Given the growing demand for resources due to population growth and climate change, water security remains a pressing concern for the Kurdistan Region. The construction of new reservoirs is a strategic move to mitigate water scarcity, support agricultural activities, and secure drinking water supplies.

Dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in managing water resources, particularly in regions facing seasonal fluctuations in rainfall. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has prioritized water infrastructure development as part of its long-term sustainability strategy, ensuring reliable access to water for communities and industries alike.

With the planned construction of these additional reservoirs, the Kurdistan Region aims to strengthen its water security and enhance resilience against future droughts and climate-related challenges.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... er-storage

[Anthea]

Completion of Zanko Pond

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The construction of Zanko Pond in Erbil, capable of storing one million cubic meters of water, has been completed. The project was finalized within three months after Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid its foundation stone in September 2024

Zanko Pond is located in the Kasnazan subdistrict in Erbil province and stands at a height of 17 meters. It has a length of 180 meters, with a base width of 80 meters and a top width of 6 meters. The pond is designed to store one million cubic meters of water, contributing significantly to water conservation efforts in the region.

Beyond water storage, Zanko Pond will benefit tourism, agriculture, and groundwater replenishment. It will also enhance the area's natural beauty and help prevent flooding.

Water resource conservation has been a strategic priority for the Kurdistan Regional Government. The completion of Zanko Pond marks another step in a series of projects aimed at sustainable water management and regional development.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been working on improving water resource management amid concerns over drought and water shortages. The construction of ponds and other water storage projects plays a critical role in addressing these challenges, supporting agriculture, and ensuring long-term water sustainability.

The Zanko Pond project aligns with the government's broader strategy to enhance water security and promote economic development through improved irrigation and tourism opportunities.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... r-capacity

[Anthea]

Round-the-Clock Electricity

to More Residents in Erbil

The Kurdistan Government (KRG) has extended 24-hour electricity to four additional neighborhoods in Erbil, benefiting nearly 14,000 residents, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve power infrastructure across the Region

The Ministry of Electricity announced on Saturday that as part of the Rwnaky project, 24-hour national electricity will now be supplied to four more neighborhoods. The project aims to replace reliance on costly private generators with a stable national grid.

The latest expansion follows the success of similar initiatives in 13 other Erbil neighborhoods, where 51,000 residents have already benefited from uninterrupted electricity.

With this new phase, the total number of neighborhoods covered under the project in Erbil has reached 17, benefitting around 65,000 residents. According to the Ministry of Electricity, approximately 250,000 citizens in the Kurdistan Region now have access to 24-hour power.

The ministry also confirmed that technical work has commenced in Sulaymaniyah and Duhok to implement similar projects, with selected neighborhoods in both governorates set to receive 24-hour electricity in the near future. The KRG's long-term plan aims to extend uninterrupted power to all major areas across Kurdistan by the end of 2026.

To ensure smooth implementation, the Ministry of Electricity urged citizens to report any technical issues or inquiries related to the Rwnaky project by calling the service center, available 12 hours per day.

The Region has long struggled with electricity shortages, with residents traditionally relying on a mix of government-supplied power and privately-owned diesel generators. While public electricity is subsidized, it has been inconsistent, leading to an expensive dependence on private power.

Rwnaky, introduced as part of KRG’s broader energy reforms, seeks to modernize the electricity grid, reduce reliance on private generators, and transition to a more sustainable system. The government has also been investing in renewable energy and upgrading national power plants to meet rising demand.

By providing consistent electricity, officials hope to improve living standards, reduce generator pollution, and create a more stable economic environment for businesses.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/876699

[Anthea]

Barzan Area: A Century of
Environmental Protection

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Nestled in the heart of the Kurdistan Region, the Barzan region stands as a rare and remarkable example of environmental conservation, where a century-old tradition has ensured the protection of nature, wildlife, and biodiversity. Unlike many parts of the world struggling with deforestation and poaching, Barzan has preserved its ecosystem through strict prohibitions on tree cutting, hunting, and other activities that threaten the natural balance

For more than a hundred years, the region has been a sanctuary for wild animals and birds, safeguarded not just by laws but by deeply ingrained cultural and ethical values.

The people of Barzan have become environmental guardians, upholding a legacy that dates back to the early 20th century under the leadership of Sheikh Abdul Salam Barzani and Sheikh Ahmad Barzani, who declared the environment and its creatures sacred and worthy of protection.

Enforcing Environmental Laws with Community Support

The protection of wildlife in Barzan is not a passive endeavor; it is actively enforced by the Barzan Environmental Protection Force. Hassan Khali, the commander of this force, affirmed that violators who attempt to hunt in the area face immediate consequences.

“Those hunters who had caught several partridges were punished. For every partridge we take from hunters, we return it to nature. Unfortunately, the hunters had cut the wings of the partridges, so we’re monitoring them until their feathers grow back, then we’ll release them back into nature,” Khali stated.

This proactive approach to conservation extends beyond law enforcement. The region's residents, most of whom have grown up with an ingrained respect for nature, play a crucial role in ensuring that animals and birds are not harmed.

Many see environmental protection not as an obligation but as a moral duty.

A Cultural Legacy of Conservation

The commitment to environmental protection in Barzan is more than just a legal framework; it is a cultural practice that has been passed down through generations. Hersh Rashidi, an environmentalist in the region, highlights this unique aspect of Barzan’s conservation efforts.

“During the time of Sheikh Abdul Salam Barzani and Sheikh Ahmad Barzani, a decision was made that the environment, birds, and wild animals must be protected. Since then until now, protecting the environment and wild animals and birds has become a cultural practice in the region,” Rashidi explains.

This deep-rooted environmental ethos has led to an extraordinary coexistence between humans and wildlife. Unlike in many other regions where animals fear human presence, in Barzan, they roam freely, knowing they are safe.

Protecting Wildlife as a National and Humanitarian Duty

For the people of Barzan, environmental conservation is not simply a regional effort but a broader national and humanitarian duty. Muhammad Amin Ahmadi, another environmentalist, emphasizes the importance of continued awareness and education in maintaining this long-standing tradition.

“Protecting the environment is a national and humanitarian duty. This goes back to the system that was established in the region earlier. The people of the region have been made aware of the importance of protecting their environment,” Ahmadi said.

He further explains that this responsibility is not seen as a burden but as a collective duty embraced by the community. “Now we don’t see this as a burden or pressure on us. Everyone should know that it’s a humanitarian duty to protect this environment.”

Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts

The people of Barzan do not only protect wildlife from hunters but also actively intervene when animals are in distress. In cases where wild animals require emergency assistance, locals inform the environmental protection guards, who then monitor and provide the necessary healthcare treatments.

This hands-on approach reflects the deep commitment of Barzan’s residents to ensuring that the region remains a haven for wildlife. Their efforts have turned Barzan into a model for conservation in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and even neighboring countries.

A Model for Environmental Conservation

As the world grapples with the devastating effects of deforestation, climate change, and species extinction, Barzan’s century-long commitment to environmental preservation stands as an inspiring example.

The region has successfully demonstrated that conservation can become a way of life when deeply embedded in cultural values and local governance.

Barzan’s experience offers invaluable lessons for policymakers, conservationists, and environmental activists across Iraq and beyond. It proves that when a community unites around a shared commitment to nature, it is possible to create an ecosystem where both humans and wildlife thrive in harmony.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... nservation

[Anthea]

KRG solar energy initiative for schools

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has taken a significant step toward sustainable energy by allocating 5 billion Iraqi dinars ($3.8 million) to provide solar power to 83 schools. This initiative, led by the Prime Minister, aims to enhance the education sector by ensuring a stable electricity supply through renewable energy sources

According to Zewar Sabir, Director General of Construction at the KRG Ministry of Education, the project will be implemented in multiple phases. The first phase will equip 11 schools with solar energy systems, while the second phase will extend this benefit to an additional 72 schools. Ultimately, efforts are underway to ensure that 75 percent of schools in the region receive solar power in a planned third phase.

The implementation of solar energy is expected to significantly improve the learning environment for students and teachers. The Aza village school serves as a successful example, having enjoyed uninterrupted electricity through solar power for nearly a year. As a result, the school has eliminated power outages that once disrupted daily activities.

Maghdid Hamad, Director of Aza School, highlighted the positive impact of this transition. “We were previously reliant on generators and unstable power lines. Frequent generator malfunctions disrupted our work, as most of our activities depended on electricity. Now, with solar energy, we no longer face these issues,” he said.

The solar systems will provide 20 amps of electricity at sunrise and maintain 8 amps after sunset, ensuring schools have the power needed for both morning and evening classes. This initiative aligns with KRG's broader commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

“With God's support, we plan to convert many schools under the tenth cabinet of the KRG to solar energy because it is environmentally friendly,” Sabir added.

This landmark initiative marks a major advancement in the region’s education and energy sectors, setting a precedent for future projects promoting sustainability and innovation.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... or-schools

[Anthea]

Turkish state aims to depopulate Kurdistan

by destroying nature

Kurdistan is being destroyed and depopulated through oil drilling, mining, sand quarries, and hydroelectric power plant (HPP) projects. Ahmet Inan, Amed Bar Association’s Head of the Urban and Environmental Commission, said that the environment in Şırnak has been plundered due to the lack of a comprehensive struggle

He underlined the necessity of expanding the fight against this destruction and organizing in a collective manner, and added that the villages in Amed that are now facing mining destruction were forcibly evacuated in the 1990s.

Despite some opportunities for villagers to return, these villages have never truly regained their original population or way of life. Inan continued: "Kurdistan is facing a policy of total erasure through mining projects aimed at finishing what the village evacuations of the 1990s started.

In Pîran (Dicle) district, in the villages of Pirejman and Heridan, evacuations took place in the 1990s, followed by a slow and limited return. About 15 years ago, a lead mine began operating in these areas, and soon after, cases of lung diseases and cancer started appearing among the residents.

These villages are now entirely within the scope of extensive mining projects. This represents the most extreme stage of destructive mining in Kurdistan. It directly violates people's right to housing and livelihood. In other words, they do not want people to live here. In the Kasor Basin of Pasûr (Kulp) district, companies are carrying out mining operations under the protection of soldiers and state-backed militias. The living spaces of the local population are being plundered under military escort. The destruction is systematic and deliberate."

Identity and culture are being erased

Inan said that the so-called mining operations in Kurdistan are actually part of a deliberate policy aimed at depopulating the region, and added: “The intensity of these mining explorations clearly indicates that this is a conscious policy. The data we have confirms that this is a systematic plan. The local people do not want to abandon their land and living spaces.

Mines are destroying people’s identity and culture. The local population is engaged in a cultural struggle for survival. Our people living there are fighting to preserve their identity and culture. In the Fis Plain of Licê, an unimaginable environmental massacre has been carried out under the guise of oil exploration.

Alongside mining activities, there is a calculated effort to dismantle the ecological and sociological structure of the Kurdish people. The real intention is destruction, plundering, and forced displacement. Despite all the pressure, the local population is striving to protect their land and environment.”

A comprehensive struggle needed

Inan criticized the failure of civil society organizations and political parties in responding to the destruction of nature and identity. He argued that the leading institutions of Kurdistan’s social and political dynamics have failed to raise their voices against this situation. Stressing that this includes bar associations, chambers of engineers, the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), municipalities, and all relevant institutions,

Inan said: “We are not doing enough. Look at what happened in Hasandin Plateau in the Pasûr district. The local people and civil society organizations united and took a stand. Villages are standing ready to resist the policy of homogenization and destruction. However, if NGOs and municipalities do not provide support, the result will be failure. To achieve success and prevent plundering, a comprehensive line of struggle must be established. A genuine resistance must be built.

We have the example of Şırnak before us. Because no united struggle was carried out in Şırnak, its nature was plundered and wiped out. We must expand the scope of our organized struggle.”

[Anthea]

Millions in Iraq Facing Water Shortages

Millions of Iraqis are struggling with drinking water shortages due to drought and climate change, the Iraqi General Directorate of Water Management and UNICEF said in a joint statement on World Water Day

The statement urged urgent action to protect Iraq’s dwindling water resources and improve access to clean water.

“While we are facing water shortages, we all have the responsibility to protect this precious resource,” it said.

The General Directorate of Water has launched several strategic projects in collaboration with the National Water Team and with UNICEF’s support.

These initiatives include modernizing water infrastructure, automating management systems for fair distribution, and enhancing data collection to improve water supply planning.

Iraq is among the countries most affected by climate change and declining river levels, with rising temperatures, drought, and desertification worsening the crisis.

Millions now lack reliable access to clean drinking water, the statement warned.

UNICEF’s Water and Sanitation Program Director, Ali Ayub, emphasized their cooperation with Iraqi authorities to provide essential water and sanitation services, particularly for vulnerable communities.

A UN report recently ranked Iraq among the five countries most impacted by climate change, estimating that $233 billion in investment will be needed by 2040 for sustainable water management.

Meanwhile, the Strategic Center for Human Rights reported that Iraq has lost 30% of its agricultural land over the past three decades due to climate-related challenges.

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