• A local farmer speaks in a palm and olive grove in the "green belt" area of Iraq's central city of Karbala, on March 21, 2022. - Envisioned as a lush fortress against worsening desertification and sand storms, the "green belt" of Iraq's Karbala stands as a wilted failure. 16 years after its inception, only a fraction of the 76-kilometre (47-mile) crescent-shaped strip of greenery has materialised, though the years proved a deep need for protection against mounting environmental challenges. (Photo by Mohammed SAWAF / AFP)
    A local farmer speaks in a palm and olive grove in the "green belt" area of Iraq's central city of Karbala, on March 21, 2022. - Envisioned as a lush fortress against worsening desertification and sand storms, the "green belt" of Iraq's Karbala stands as a wilted failure. 16 years after its inception, only a fraction of the 76-kilometre (47-mile) crescent-shaped strip of greenery has materialised, though the years proved a deep need for protection against mounting environmental challenges. (Photo by Mohammed SAWAF / AFP)
  • Envisioned as a lush fortress against worsening desertification and sand storms, the "green belt" of Iraq's Karbala stands as a wilted failure.
    Envisioned as a lush fortress against worsening desertification and sand storms, the "green belt" of Iraq's Karbala stands as a wilted failure.
  • Sixteen years after its inception, only a fraction of the 76-kilometre crescent-shaped strip of greenery has materialised.
    Sixteen years after its inception, only a fraction of the 76-kilometre crescent-shaped strip of greenery has materialised.
  • Over the years, there has been an increased need to protect the land against mounting environmental challenges.
    Over the years, there has been an increased need to protect the land against mounting environmental challenges.
  • The harsh desert sun has made much of the soil so dry that deep cracks have appeared, making it difficult for any vegetation to grow.
    The harsh desert sun has made much of the soil so dry that deep cracks have appeared, making it difficult for any vegetation to grow.

MENA

Iraq

Iraq's 'green belt' project stands as a wilted failure - in pictures

The area was envisioned as a lush fortress against worsening desertification

The National

April 19, 2022

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Updated: April 19, 2022, 10:58 AM
Iraq