Iraq’s Forests and Desertification Control Department has launched a nationwide sand dune stabilization project. This initiative aims to reduce the impact of frequent dust storms and restore degraded lands in northern and southern provinces.
The director of the department, Bassam Kanaan Abdul Jabbar, said the agency fights desertification and protects against sand dune expansion. These issues have worsened in recent years, causing major disruptions to agriculture, infrastructure, and public health.
The directorate has ongoing projects in Dhi Qar and Salah al-Din provinces. These efforts focus on stabilizing sand dunes using both mechanical and biological solutions. The sand dune stabilization project seeks to reverse land degradation that has rendered productive areas barren.
In southern Iraq, particularly in Dhi Qar, workers covered 893 dunams of land with clay to hold the sand in place. They also built 20 kilometers of earthen barriers. These measures help prevent further dune movement and reduce maintenance costs for roads, railways, and irrigation systems.
The plan also uses biological treatments. Drought- and salt-resistant plants such as tamarisk, ghaf, and desert thorn are planted across affected areas. These plants strengthen the soil and block wind, reducing the chances of new storms.
Meanwhile, in northern Iraq’s Salah al-Din province, the project has created a nursery in the Baiji district. This facility produces 100,000 drought-tolerant seedlings annually. About 75,000 of these have already been planted, with an additional 20,000 trees successfully grown and distributed.
The sand dune stabilization project not only protects vital infrastructure but also shields residential and industrial areas. It helps stop food insecurity caused by soil erosion and poor vegetation. The department warned that unchecked desertification leads to rural depopulation and added stress on urban areas.
Officials continue to promote sustainable land practices and urge the public to support desertification control. By focusing on long-term ecological solutions, Iraq hopes to lessen the effects of climate-driven disasters.
The sand dune stabilization project remains a central strategy for preserving Iraq’s environment and securing its agricultural future.
