Environmental efforts intensify in North and East Syria as climate change and pollution worsens

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — Amid rising environmental risks in North and East Syria due to climate change and increasing pollution from urban power generators and vehicles, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria’s (DAARNES) environmental institutions are taking proactive steps to mitigate these threats.

Luqman al-Mulla Saleh, a member of the Awareness Office of the Environment Authority in Gozarto (Jazira) District, told Syriac Press about ongoing efforts in the region. He highlighted their collaboration with the People’s Municipality in Zalin (Qamishli) on reforestation campaigns, including the greening of the “Nafkir” area, previously used as an unregulated waste dump.

The Authority is also actively educating residents through local communes and monitoring environmental violations by residents and commercial entities, he said.

Several initiatives are also promoting tree planting and broader environmental care, such as the “Life Step” initiative.

General supervisor Jaber Jindo reported that they have successfully planted around 4,000 trees in the region. Jindo emphasized that reforestation is the quickest solution to combating climate change but expressed concern over the lack of widespread public interest in environmental issues. He stressed the importance of expanding green spaces to combat the growing threat of desertification and rising temperatures, urging municipalities and authorities to increase awareness efforts.

Fadel al-Akoud, a coordinator for a local environmental organization, further underscored the severe impact of climate change on the region. He pointed out that changes in agricultural stability zones and the encroachment of desertification into pastoral areas are significant concerns. Al-Akoud noted that drought, exacerbated by insufficient rainfall, is accelerating the desertification process, threatening the region’s environmental sustainability.