Iraqi expert calls for science-led plan to restore lost green belts

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi agricultural and environmental expert said roughly half of the country's green belt areas have been lost, warning that expanding desertification and drought pose a growing threat to environmental security during one of Baghdad's hottest Julys in five decades. Adiy al-Rubai called for a national strategy rooted in scientific and academic expertise, saying nine tree species adapted to Iraq's climate have already been identified. Under the proposed model, afforestation projects would be transferred from commercial operators to agriculture faculties and research centers, which would select suitable species and design irrigation and maintenance systems. Al-Rubai said tens of billions of dinars spent on green belt projects since 2003 failed to meet their objectives because of a lack of scientific vision. He stressed that sustainable irrigation and long-term maintenance, not just tree planting, are essential for success, adding that such projects are urgently needed to combat dust storms and prolonged drought. No further details on the proposed strategy or its implementation timeline were immediately available.