In preparation for World Environment Day [5 June]
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in Kirkuk visited a tree nursery run by the Kokar Foundation. Kokar is an Iraqi NGO, established by young people who are concerned about the environment. Director Ishmael is only 36 years old, but has grand ambitions: to plant and nurture 1 million trees! These trees will form a 'Green Belt' around Kirkuk to stop dust storms and mitigate the effects of climate change. The volunteers (whose numbers swell with every haboob) are well on their way: 70,000 trees have already been planted. UNAMI staff in Kirkuk also helped the cause and have committed to plant 100 trees on Tree Plant Day on 25 September 2022, bringing the grand total to 100,000 new trees in Kirkuk.
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