With the arrival of summer and the drying of vegetation, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is facing serious risks of forest fires without allocating any budget, leaving forest protection efforts disrupted.

Lack of Budget and Forest Protection Plans

Although the season for creating firebreaks and protecting forests has begun, no funds have been allocated for this purpose. Due to the absence of necessary financial support, only minimal measures have been taken to prevent wildfires. Halkawt Abdulrahman, Director General of Forestry and Pastures, stated that while annual plans are submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Finance, no budget has been provided for several years. This has prevented the purchase of essential equipment and chemicals to combat fires.

Responsibilities of the Forestry Directorate

The directorate, under the Ministry of Agriculture, is responsible for developing forestry projects, protecting forests, and organizing natural pastures. Its main duties include preparing preventive plans, creating firebreaks during summer, supervising nurseries, expanding green areas, managing livestock grazing to protect natural plants, and monitoring permits for forest product transfers to prevent illegal logging.

Wildfire Statistics in 2025

According to official data, in 2025, around 54,754 donums of forest, orchards, and pastures were burned in Kurdistan. Most of the damage occurred in natural forests and pastures. Despite annual joint plans by agriculture departments, municipalities, and local administrations, the lack of funds has hindered implementation.

Green Area and Forest Coverage in Kurdistan

According to the latest survey, the land areas in the Kurdistan Region are as follows:

• Rainfed farmland: 4,833,466 donums, land watered only by rainfall, without permanent water sources.
• Irrigated farmland: 1,309,710 donums, land watered by human intervention.
• Natural pasture: 6,937,769 donums
• Natural forest: 2,507,521 donums

Together, these make up the area of the Kurdistan Region. In addition, there are:

• Artificial forest: 35,472 donums
• Irrigated orchards: 121,597 donums
• Rainfed orchards: 139,967 donums

Protecting this vast area requires a continuous budget and an annual plan to prevent environmental damage.