Combating Desertification Is No Longer Just a Slogan, but a Seedling Planted at Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University
In an ambitious scientific initiative that translates the university’s environmental vision into action, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University has established a specialized nursery for the production and propagation of tree seedlings suited to the Iraqi environment. The initiative is part of the efforts of the President of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Professor Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi, to support afforestation projects and enhance sustainable vegetation cover both within and beyond the university campus.
Supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Shadhar Abdul-Hamza Al-Amiri, the nursery oversees production processes and the careful selection of plant species capable of adapting to harsh climatic conditions, high temperatures, and drought, while taking into account soil characteristics, irrigation needs, and sustainability requirements.
The nursery houses a diverse selection of trees that have proven successful in the Iraqi environment. These include Azadirachta indica (neem), Dalbergia sissoo (Indian rosewood), Casuarina, Parkinsonia, Cassia fistula (golden shower tree), Acacia species, Ficus benghalensis (Bengal fig), Albizia saman, Spathodea campanulata (African tulip tree), Dolichandrone, Tecoma, and two species of Eucalyptus. These species are distinguished by their high tolerance to local climatic conditions, as well as their environmental, economic, and aesthetic value and their role in purifying the air and reducing temperatures.
The project aims to provide high-quality seedlings produced according to sound scientific principles to support large-scale afforestation campaigns, contribute effectively to combating desertification and improving the environment, and strengthen students’ scientific and practical skills in plant propagation, plant care, and nursery management.
This initiative reflects the university’s leading scientific and community role in applying its academic expertise to serve society, raising awareness of the importance of afforestation and the conservation of natural resources, and aligning its efforts with national sustainable development initiatives.
