Latest news with #RwangaFoundation
Rudaw Net
5 days ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Rwanga plants 20,000 olive saplings in Erbil
Also in Kurdistan $73 million in development projects approved for Halabja province Kurdistan people's livelihood not a tool for political leverage: KDP leader President Barzani says Erbil wants stronger ties with Japan US senators meet with Iraqi, Kurdistan leaders A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Rwanga Foundation on Sunday completed an initiative to plant 20,000 Spanish olive saplings in Erbil to promote environmental sustainability, in partnership with the German development agency (GIZ) and the agriculture ministry. 'We concluded the project of planting 20,000 Spanish olive saplings, which our institution, the Rwanga Foundation, undertook in partnership with GIZ and with the support of the German government and the agriculture ministry,' said Hassan Shekh Aladin, Rwanga's executive director, in a speech at the conclusion event. In 2023, Rwanga partnered with GIZ to implement development projects that created 250 job opportunities and supported 130 individuals in launching or expanding small businesses. The second goal of the partnership was to plant 20,000 Spanish olive saplings as part of an environmental sustainability initiative. 'We were able to complete the project within two years,' Aladin said, adding that 11,000 saplings were provided by GIZ. 'To complete the project comprehensively and fully, we had 9,000 saplings remaining. Thanks to the responsibility of the respected Idris Nechirvan Barzani, the other 9,000 saplings were also provided. Now we see that 20,000 olive trees have been planted here,' he stated. The planted trees can produce over 4 million liters of oxygen daily, enough for 9,000 people, and are expected to yield 120 tons of olive oil and 400 tons of olives annually, with the Spanish variety chosen for its faster two-year production cycle compared to Iraqi trees, according to Aladin. Agriculture Minister Begard Talabani hailed the project, saying that the trees will bring economic benefits and are also resistant to drought seasons. 'Instead of planting a tree only to give us oxygen and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, we want to develop those trees that have both economic benefit and can also withstand water scarcity during drought periods,' Talabani said at the event. Talabani explained that the project was established in a forested area that has served as a green belt for Erbil for over 30 years, expressing hope that, with support from all relevant Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) bodies, the area can be protected and developed as the "lungs of Erbil." The Rwanga Foundation is an NGO 'that envisages a world where quality education is accessible for all. Its mission is to provide services, build capacities, and design policies to ensure easy access to education for all and improve the overall educational standards in KRI [Kurdistan Region of Iraq], Iraq, and the greater global community,' according to the organization's website.
Iraq Business
23-05-2025
- General
- Iraq Business
Kulak Solar Village to Pioneer Off-Grid Renewable Living
By John Lee. Rwanga Foundation has unveiled plans for the Kulak Solar Village, Iraq's first fully off-grid, solar-powered community. Located southeast of Erbil, the pilot village will include 32 homes and house nearly 200 residents, serving as a model for rural climate resilience and energy self-sufficiency in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions. Entirely powered by solar energy, the community will feature 24/7 electricity, solar irrigation systems, and training in regenerative agriculture. The project responds to intensifying environmental pressures in Iraqi Kurdistan, including desertification and extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C. Idris Nechirvan Barzani, Founder and President of the Foundation, described the initiative as " a bold vision for a different future ," turning Iraq's environmental vulnerability into a platform for sustainable innovation. The village forms part of the Foundation's wider Green Kurdistan campaign, which has planted over 200,000 trees since 2020, and its Empowering Sustainable Livelihoods programme that supports cooperative farming and training. Rwanga aims to have the Kulak Solar Village fully operational by the end of 2025, with plans to replicate the model across Kurdistan and central Iraq by 2030 in collaboration with regional authorities and international partners. (Source: Rwanga Foundation)
Iraqi News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq launches first fully solar-powered village
Baghdad ( – Iraq is making quick progress toward constructing sustainable solar energy infrastructure, despite the country's persistent electrical shortage, which has been aggravated by rising temperatures and growing demand. With limited fuel for power plants, renewable energy, particularly solar energy, has emerged as an important and sustainable answer. Iraq's first fully independent residential village powered by solar energy was launched this week, a step that coincided with the inauguration of a solar power plant at Baghdad's government palace, laying the groundwork for further usage of renewable energy on both the public and governmental levels. The Iraqi government intends to diversify power sources and relieve strain on the national system, which is plagued by chronic bottlenecks and government usage that consumes around 30 percent of total production of electricity. The Rwanga Foundation, a non-profit organization located in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, launched on Tuesday the country's first totally solar-powered village. The Kulak village, located in the Harir province in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, now has 195 solar panels that power 36 residences, as well as a mosque, school, and community center. The Rwanga Foundation, in collaboration with regional authorities and international organizations, intends to replicate the experience in other parts of Iraqi Kurdistan and central Iraq in the coming years. The project represents a practical model of the real solutions solar energy can provide for rural communities in Iraq. Despite recent advancements, achieving solar transformation in Iraq will need long-term commitment, investment-friendly regulations, and legislation that promotes the integration of renewable energy into the public sector. However, early signs suggest that solar energy in Iraq is becoming a crucial part of the country's effort to alleviate the electricity issue and offer a more sustainable environment for the next generation.
Al Bawaba
21-05-2025
- General
- Al Bawaba
Iraq Launches First Fully Solar-Powered Village
Iraq's first fully solar-powered village has officially opened in Kulak, delivering off-grid electricity and sustainable infrastructure in response to the growing impact of climate change across the region. The project, developed by the Erbil-based Rwanga Foundation, went live on May 20 and aims to serve as a model for renewable energy deployment and climate adaptation in vulnerable rural communities. Kulak Solar Village operates entirely on solar power, providing continuous electricity and infrastructure to support solar-driven irrigation and future training in regenerative agriculture. Rwanga Foundation President Idris Nechirvan Barzani said the project was part of a broader effort to promote environmental self-sufficiency and strengthen rural livelihoods. 'Our vision is to see this model grow across Iraq—one village at a time—until sustainability becomes the standard,' he said. The initiative comes as Iraq faces increasing environmental stress, including prolonged heatwaves, water shortages, and desertification. The United Nations recently ranked Iraq as one of the world's five most climate-vulnerable countries. Kulak Solar Village forms a key part of the foundation's Green Kurdistan campaign, which aims to expand the model across Kurdistan and central Iraq by 2030 in cooperation with regional governments and international partners. Rwanga's wider environmental efforts have included planting over 200,000 trees and investing in educational and youth programmes aimed at long-term climate response.
Mid East Info
21-05-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
Iraq Opens First Fully Solar-Powered Village in Kurdistan Region - Middle East Business News and Information
Iraq Opens First Fully Solar-Powered Village in Kurdistan Region Iraq's first fully solar-powered village has officially opened in Kulak, delivering off-grid electricity and infrastructure aimed at supporting rural sustainability in the face of mounting climate pressures. The project, launched by the Erbil-based Rwanga Foundation on May 20, marks a significant step toward addressing environmental challenges such as heatwaves, drought, and desertification that increasingly affect communities across Iraq. Kulak Solar Village operates entirely on solar power and provides continuous electricity to residents. It includes infrastructure to support future solar-driven irrigation systems and training programmes in regenerative agriculture. The aim is to provide rural communities with energy autonomy and the means to restore degraded environments. Rwanga Foundation President Idris Nechirvan Barzani described the initiative as part of a long-term plan to expand similar developments across the country. 'Our vision is to see this model grow across Iraq—one village at a time—until sustainability becomes the standard,' he said. The project comes as Iraq was recently ranked among the world's five most climate-vulnerable countries by the United Nations. In this context, Kulak is being positioned as a practical example for scaling up renewable energy and land restoration in vulnerable regions. The initiative is part of Rwanga's wider Green Kurdistan campaign, which includes partnerships with local governments and international organisations. The foundation plans to replicate the model across Kurdistan and into central Iraq by 2030. Rwanga has also undertaken broader environmental programmes over the past five years, including the planting of more than 200,000 trees and investments in youth and education projects that support adaptation to environmental change.
