We come before you with heavy hearts, deeply concerned by the urgent and ongoing harm done to our homeland.
In Iraqi Kurdistan, forests, farmland, and villages have been damaged over the years by cross-border bombardment and military operations conducted by Turkey and Iran. Attacks by Turkish forces have burned nearly one million acres, and a further 30,000 acres have been damaged by Iranian bombardment, severely reducing forests and green spaces, felling trees, polluting the air, and damaging wildlife habitats.
Turkey’s military activity, especially in the Penjwen and Amedi regions, has caused fires across more than 68,000 dunams of land, harming agriculture that sustains local families. In addition, Kurdish Greens, an environmental organisation, reports that some three million mature trees have been cut down in Badinan during Turkish-affiliated operations.
On the other hand, Iran has diverted rivers such as the Sirwan and Little Zab, which flow into the Kurdistan Region. Since 2011, Iran has reduced river flows by up to 75–80 per cent, leading to water scarcity and damaged agriculture, threatening drinking water, fishing, and tourism for nearly two million people.
We also remember the sacrifice of Hamid Moradi, Chiako Yousefnejad, and Khabat Amini, who died fighting the wildfire on Abidar mountain in Sanandaj. Although authorities claim responsibility, it was local volunteers who bore the greatest risk. Their loss reminds us of the dangers faced by environmental defenders in Kurdistan.
God, we ask that you grant peace to the souls of these defenders. Comfort their families. Give strength to all those continuing their work to protect our forests, rivers, and life.
May the people of Kurdistan remain resilient in the face of destruction.
Help us unite in our collective responsibility to protect our land, speak the truth, and honor the sacrifices made for nature.
Amen.
