ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Balakayati area, renowned for its stunning landscapes, is facing growing environmental concerns. The picturesque region, characterized by its mountains, valleys, and lush forests, offers a thriving habitat for wildlife.
However, the lack of environmental and forestry police has led to significant ecological damage, including illegal logging, tree-cutting, and wildlife destruction.
The absence of environmental oversight has led to widespread illegal logging and wildlife destruction in the stunning landscape of mountains and forests of Erbil's Balakayati area.
Reporting by Sarhad Abdullah/ Zoom News pic.twitter.com/rcQxcuwXHj
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Local residents are increasingly worried about preserving their natural surroundings and are demanding the immediate establishment of an environmental protection station.
Zozak Balak, an environmental activist, highlighted the pressing need for such a facility, saying that “the absence of environmental and forestry police has allowed deforestation, poaching, and wildlife destruction to go unchecked.”
“We urge the government to set up a dedicated station to monitor and prevent these harmful activities.”
Recent incidents, such as the killing of a rare brown bear, have intensified public outrage and underscored the urgency of addressing these violations.
Photos have gone viral on Kurdish social media showing a brown bear found killed in Erbil's Balakayati area. The perpetrators are still unknown. pic.twitter.com/nCdzWU22cv
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The Soran Environmental Office supports the establishment of an environmental and forestry police station, viewing it as the only viable solution to protect the region’s natural state.
Hazhar Mahir, Director of the Soran Environmental Office, expressed support for the proposal. He told Zoom News they have “recorded numerous violations over the past seasons,” and they are seeking assistance from the Erbil Environmental Office and Soran’s Environmental and Forestry Police.
Balakayati, a vast region with Choman district at its core, extends into Smilan, Galala, Qasre, and Haji Omeran districts and is home to over 116 villages. The region’s rich natural heritage faces critical threats, making the establishment of a dedicated environmental protection facility an urgent priority.
Reporting by Sarhad Abdullah/ Zoom News
