A master’s thesis entitled “The Role of Green Belts in Combating Desertification in Karbala Governorate” was discussed in the Department of Applied Geography at the College of Education for Humanities, at the University of Kerbala. The thesis was presented by Nisreen Abdul Amir Hadi, under the supervision of Professor Hussein Fadel Abdul.
The importance of the thesis lies in highlighting the problem of desertification, one of the most prominent environmental challenges facing Karbala Governorate, as well as its negative impacts on agriculture, the environment, and the health of the population.
The thesis aims to demonstrate the role of the Green Belt Project as a strategic step aimed at reducing sand encroachment, improving the local climate, increasing vegetation cover on the outskirts of the city, and enhancing the project’s importance in providing a healthy environment. It also enhances environmental security, conserves natural resources, and introduces operational treatment units.
The study included an explanation of the stages of implementing green belt projects, selecting suitable sites for agriculture, planting plant species that are resistant to climate conditions, and using modern irrigation techniques that rely on treated groundwater. The study demonstrated that the Green Belt Project plays a significant role in reducing desertification by 30%, increasing vegetation cover by 25%, lowering temperatures by 2.5 degrees Celsius, reducing wind speed by 20%, and planting 120,000 seedlings across an area of 1,500 dunums. It also contributes to raising environmental awareness among residents and enhancing their participation. The study concluded that local environmental solutions are capable of addressing climate challenges through continued technical and financial support. It also emphasized the need to expand the project with an additional 15% support to ensure its sustainability, while enhancing cooperation between official bodies, the local community, and environmental organizations.
The discussion committee consisted of:
Prof. Salma Abdul Razzaq Abdul Laith Chair
Prof. Dalal Hassan Abdul Kadhim Member
Prof. Israa Talib Jassim Member
Prof. Hussein Fadel Abdul Member and Supervisor
