KRG Launches 'Environmentally Friendly' Project Across Schools After New Anti-Littering Fines
Peregraf — The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Ministry of Education announced the "Environmentally Friendly" (Hawrey Zhinga) project on Monday as part of a new strategic plan it says is aimed at strengthening environmental protection and awareness across schools in the Kurdistan Region.
A special meeting on the project was held on April 27, chaired by Education Minister Alan Hama Saeed Salih, with the participation of Sasan Othman Awni Habib, Minister of Municipalities and Tourism; Mohammad Said Ali, Minister of Culture and Youth; Begard Talabani, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources; representatives of the Environmental Protection and Improvement Board; and senior officials from several ministries.
Environmental Roadmap Through Education
According to the ministry, the project is a specialized initiative led by the Ministry of Education in coordination with relevant ministries and institutions, described as aimed at creating a strategic roadmap for environmental protection inside educational institutions.
Discussions focused on defining the long-term strategic goals of the project, implementation mechanisms, annual execution plans, and what officials described as strengthening the role of families and communities in environmental stewardship.
Officials said the goal is to promote environmental awareness and protect the Kurdistan Region's natural ecosystem through the education system.
"The vision is to foster environmental awareness and ensure the protection of the natural ecosystem across the Kurdistan Region through education," the ministry said.
Comes After New Environmental Fines
The initiative follows an announcement by the KRG Ministry of Interior on April 23 warning that anyone who litters or pollutes the environment will face fines ranging from 100,000 Iraqi dinars (IQD) to 10 million IQD.
The Interior Ministry said the decision came under official document No. 11255, signed by Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed Khalid, following what it described as directives from Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to prioritize environmental protection during the spring tourism season.
Citizens were urged to treat Kurdistan's nature "as they would their own home," especially in tourist areas, forests, mountains, dams, streams, and picnic sites.
Anyone found leaving litter or causing pollution faces legal action under Article 42, Clause 3 of the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law No. 8 of 2008, according to the ministry.
Reporting Violations
The ministry also asked citizens to report environmental violations by recording videos of people polluting public areas and sending them to the Environmental Protection Board, the Ministry of Interior, or police departments.
Businesses and project owners were also warned to comply with environmental regulations or face legal penalties and monitoring.
"The beautiful nature and environment of Kurdistan are the public wealth of the country and its citizens. Protecting them is a national, religious, and humanitarian duty," the ministry said.