Expert says green belt project alone cannot stop desertification

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraklı çevre uzmanı Adil Muhtar said the green belt project is an important tool in the fight against desertification, but not enough on its own. He said the belts reduce the impact of dust storms, stabilize soil and strengthen biodiversity. Muhtar said their effectiveness will remain limited as long as water shortages, the decline of natural vegetation cover and the overuse of water resources continue. He said the project’s success should be measured not by the number of trees planted, but by whether sustainable water supplies are secured, drought- and salinity-resistant species are chosen, and regular maintenance programs are carried out. He also said the acceleration of climate change is creating additional challenges for afforestation projects. Muhtar said Iraq has faced growing environmental problems in recent years, including climate change, falling water inflows and rising desertification that threatens large agricultural areas.