KRG Advances Environmental Protection Initiatives

By John Lee.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has issued an update on its environmental protection initiatives:

Key Developments:

• 14,390 environmental permits issued in the past five years.
• 25,000+ projects monitored for compliance, with penalties imposed for violations.
• Illegal refineries shut down under PM Masrour Barzani's directive.
• Eight new dams completed, with more under construction to enhance water security.

New Regulations:

• Investment projects must allocate 25% of land to green spaces.
• Water-intensive projects required to install treatment systems.
• Strict penalties for polluting vehicles and non-compliant factories.

Impact:

• Regional "greenness" increased from 15% to over 18% under the Ninth Cabinet.

Full statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government:

Over the past five years, the Ninth Cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has made significant strides in environmental protection, implementing initiatives to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.

During this period, 14,390 environmental permits have been issued, and more than 25,000 projects have been monitored for compliance with environmental guidelines. Any project found in violation of these guidelines has been subject to penalties.

Furthermore, under the directive of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, illegal oil refineries that fail to meet environmental standards will be shut down immediately and subjected to legal action.

To enhance water security in the Kurdistan Region, the KRG has prioritised the construction of dams and reservoirs. Eight dams have been completed, with several more currently under construction to safeguard groundwater resources and promote agricultural development.

Environmental regulations now mandate that at least 25% of the land in investment projects be dedicated to green spaces. Additionally, water-intensive projects are required to install advanced water treatment systems to minimise resource wastage.

Moreover, vehicles emitting toxic pollutants and factories failing to comply with environmental standards will face strict penalties.

As the result of these environmental protection efforts, the greenness rate in the Kurdistan Region has increased from 15% to over 18% under the Ninth Cabinet.

(Source: KRG)