Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has launched the Baghdad Sustainable Forests Project, which will be developed on the former Al-Rashid Camp.Area: Over 1,200 hectares (approximately 4,800 dunams; 3,000 acres).Economic Impact: Expected to generate 80,000 job opportunities.Significance:First project of its kind in Iraq and the region in terms of scale, type, and activities.Largest urban forest in Iraq.Envisioned as a tourist, recreational, cultural, and environmental landmark.Addresses desertification, pollution, and green cover loss.Former real estate plans for Al-Rashid Camp were reviewed, and the entire area was repurposed into a recreational forest.Green Spaces:Includes approximately one million mature trees.Distributed across 28 forests with diverse activities.Full statement from the Media Office of the Prime Minister:Prime Minister Al-Sudani Highlights Baghdad Sustainable Forests Project as a Green Haven for Iraqi FamiliesPrime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani launched today, Saturday, the Baghdad Sustainable Forests Project, which will be developed on the former Al-Rashid Camp, spanning an area of over 12 million square meters.In his speech during the launch ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasized that the project is the first of its kind in Iraq in terms of scale, type, and activities, and will also be the first of its kind in the region. He underscored the importance of partnerships with technically and financially capable private sector entities to ensure successful implementation.The Prime Minister reiterated that housing remains a priority for the government but clarified that it would not come at the expense of utilizing green spaces within Baghdad. Instead, new residential cities such as Ali Al-Wardi and Al-Jawahiri will be established on the outskirts of Baghdad, incorporating significant green spaces. He highlighted that the government's approach is guided by scientific planning aimed at reconstruction and development projects in Baghdad and other provinces.The Baghdad Sustainable Forests Project will be the largest urban forest in the country and is envisioned as a prominent tourist, recreational, and cultural destination, with an essential environmental role. It will feature vast green areas with approximately one million mature trees distributed across 28 forests, each hosting diverse activities. The project is expected to provide significant economic benefits by creating 80,000 varied job opportunities.Key Highlights from the Prime Minister's Speech:Environmental challenges and pollution pose critical issues for Iraq and the world, with increasing desertification, loss of green cover, and declining river levels.Overexploitation of green spaces for residential and other projects has exacerbated the problem, along with pollution in provinces, particularly in the south, due to gas flaring-a challenge the government is addressing.The environmental file is a top priority in the government program, with multiple strategic initiatives underway to mitigate emissions and improve water treatment to preserve river systems.Investment licenses for residential projects now mandate the inclusion of substantial green areas.Al-Rashid Camp site previously attracted interest from real estate developers, with several investment licenses granted for residential cities in the area.Upon assuming office, the government reviewed land-use plans, particularly for Baghdad, which suffers from a lack of green spaces.A decision was made to convert the entire Al-Rashid Camp site-5,000 dunams-into a recreational forest and green area.Execution of the project has commenced with all necessary approvals secured, including solutions for addressing encroachments on the land.This project holds significant environmental importance for the capital and provides a vital recreational space for Baghdad's families.The government is committed to addressing environmental challenges in Baghdad and other provinces through comprehensive plans to restore ecological balance. (ICE AMMAN)

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