Kirkuk University Lecturer Speaks at Seminar on Vegetation’s Role in Fighting Desertification and Pollution

Dr. Saad Abdul Majeed Wahib, a faculty member at the College of Agriculture, University of Kirkuk, participated as a lecturer in an awareness seminar organized by the Agricultural Extension and Training Center in Kirkuk in collaboration with the Kirkuk Agriculture Directorate. The seminar focused on the role of vegetation cover in combating desertification and reducing pollution and was attended by farmers and representatives from related agricultural departments.

During his lecture, Dr. Wahib emphasized the critical importance of vegetation cover in stabilizing soil, mitigating desertification, and reducing pollution. He explained how trees and plants combat desertification by anchoring soil, enhancing biodiversity, and countering the adverse effects of vegetation loss. He also addressed methods for land reclamation, drought control, and the environmental protection provided by trees.

Key highlights of the lecture included:

1. Causes of Desertification: The primary drivers, such as unsustainable land use, climate factors, and human activities like deforestation.

2. Consequences of Vegetation Loss: Reduced biodiversity, soil degradation, and increased vulnerability to desertification.

3. Combat Strategies: Promoting drought-resistant tree species, adopting sustainable farming practices, and restoring degraded lands.

4. Tree Recommendations: Dr. Wahib highlighted low-water-requirement tree varieties resilient to Iraq’s harsh weather conditions, urging farmers to plant them to maintain ecological balance.

5. Regulatory Measures: He stressed the need for stricter oversight to prevent the encroachment and degradation of agricultural lands.