College of Agriculture Hosts Seminar on Urban Afforestation Principles for National Afforestation Day

Under the patronage of the President of the University of Kirkuk, Professor Dr. Imran Jamal Hassan, and supervised by the Dean of the College, Assistant Professor Dr. Osama Ibrahim Ahmed, and the Head of the Forestry Sciences Department, Assistant Professor Dr. Metin Yilmaz Izzidin, the Forestry Sciences Department, in collaboration with the Afforestation Unit, organized a scientific seminar titled Urban Afforestation: Foundations and Standards. The event was attended by the Assistant Governor of Kirkuk, Engineer Jihan Ibrahim Fares, representatives from the Directorate of Water Resources, Kirkuk Municipality’s Parks Division, and Kirkuk Environment Directorate, along with researchers and specialists in the field.

Event Details:

• Objective: Highlight the importance of urban afforestation in reducing air pollution and mitigating heat. Trees absorb pollutants through their leaves and branches and significantly block sunlight, lowering ground temperatures and regulating air and soil heat.

• Lectures:

  1. Dr. Mazen Abdul Wahab Abdullah: The Role of Urban Design in Distributing Green Spaces.

  2. Asst. Prof. Dr. Osama Ibrahim Ahmed: Street and Road Afforestation Strategies.

  3. Ms. Umayma Abdul Samad Hassan & Asst. Lect. Mohammed Muntaz Ibrahim: Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Urban Afforestation.

Key Topics:

• - Scientific foundations for selecting climate-resilient tree species.

• - Integration of green infrastructure into urban planning.- AI-driven solutions for optimizing tree planting and maintenance.

Recommendations:

1. Organize joint workshops and seminars between the College of Agriculture and relevant institutions to advance urban afforestation efforts.

2. Develop official guidelines for urban afforestation, emphasizing suitable tree species for Kirkuk’s climate.

3. Establish a Remote Sensing and Climate Studies Center at the University of Kirkuk to monitor environmental changes.

4. Provide training programs for organizations involved in urban greening initiatives.

5. Study climate adaptability of tree species in Kirkuk and involve university experts in provincial afforestation committees.