“Seed of Life” Project Launched in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region

ARK News.. The humanitarian organization Zila, in cooperation with local government authorities in Duhok Province in the Kurdistan Region, has launched the “Seed of Life” project—an innovative reforestation initiative that employs modern techniques, including helicopters, to plant forests in rugged mountainous terrain.

According to Kurdistan24, the project’s current phase aims to disperse around one million clay seed capsules—commonly known as seed balls—across the Zawita sub-district and surrounding areas in Duhok. Each capsule contains a blend of native tree seeds suited to the region’s ecology, such as oak, sumac, hawthorn, and other indigenous species.

Niwar Barwari, head of the Zila humanitarian organization, said the project relies on producing clay balls, each holding between 10 and 15 seeds. “We use helicopters to reach mountain peaks and vast areas that are difficult to access on foot,” he explained. “Our ambition is to plant more than 10 million trees, expanding green cover across Kurdistan.”

For his part, Badrkhan Waisi, Director of the Aviation Department at the Traffic Police, outlined the technical aspects of the operation. “The helicopters have been equipped with a special mechanism that allows the capsules to be released at specific altitudes and speeds, ensuring proper dispersal and preventing damage upon impact,” he said, noting that the plan will continue for two weeks to cover all targeted areas.

Meanwhile, Dilshad Abdulrahman, Director of the Duhok Environment Directorate, stressed the importance of integrating technology into environmental protection efforts. He described the project as a qualitative leap beyond traditional afforestation methods, adding that it would play a significant role in restoring ecological balance to areas exposed to various environmental pressures.

The project is also notable for its strong volunteer base. More than 500 young volunteers from Duhok Province took part in preparing and manufacturing the one million seed capsules—an environmental collective effort aimed at preserving a sustainable and vibrant natural heritage for future generations.

The “Seed of Life” project stands as a model of cooperation between civil society organizations and government institutions, transforming Duhok’s skies into a conduit for reviving life in its mountains—with hopes that today’s seeds will grow into dense forests restoring the region’s green splendor.

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