A major environmental project aimed at creating a green future for Kurdistan has successfully concluded in the Dilopa-Kasnazan area of Erbil. The Rwanga Foundation, with the support of local and international partners, completed the planting of 20,000 Spanish olive trees across 55 donums of land.
The closing ceremony took place in the presence of Rwanga Foundation’s President and Founder Idris Nechirvan Barzani. Attendees included Fawzi Hariri, Chief of Staff of the Kurdistan Region Presidency, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources Begard Talabani, officials from the GIZ Agency, several consuls general, government representatives, and members of international organizations.
This large-scale plantation project forms part of Rwanga Foundation’s broader efforts to promote a green future for Kurdistan. It aligns with their environmental goals of expanding forest coverage, improving the climate, and supporting sustainable agriculture.
The project began in 2024 with a clear plan. In the first phase, 11,000 trees were planted. Later, an additional 9,000 trees were added. All trees were grown using innovative Grouses Waterboxx technology, which helps them survive under harsh drought and heat conditions.
In addition to the environmental gains, the project also delivered significant economic impact. A total of 255 young people found employment during the project. This group included women and individuals with special needs, reinforcing the initiative’s focus on inclusive development.
The plantation is expected to produce 400 tons of olives and 120 tons of olive oil each year. It will also contribute to oxygen generation, with an estimated daily output of five million liters. These figures underline the long-term benefits of the project for both people and the planet.
Speakers at the event praised the successful partnership between public institutions and non-governmental actors. Hassan Sheikh Alauddin, Executive Director of Rwanga Foundation, presented the project’s results. Representatives from GIZ and the Ministry of Agriculture also delivered remarks highlighting the strategic importance of environmental resilience.
The Rwanga Foundation confirmed that this initiative is just one part of its wider climate action plan. The project reflects a shared commitment to building a green future for Kurdistan.
