The Kurdistan Foundation, in partnership with institutions of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) led by the Ministry of Interior, marked World Environment Day with a large-scale environmental campaign at Gomaspan Dam, on June 6, 2026, underscoring a growing commitment to long-term environmental sustainability across the Kurdistan Region.
The initiative brought together more than 200 volunteers mobilized through the Kurdistan Foundation’s environmental and volunteer platforms, Climate.KRD and Volunteer.KRD, alongside representatives from ten KRG ministries, departments, and public institutions. Participants were deployed across key areas surrounding the dam, where they collected more than 600 bags of waste, significantly improving the environmental condition of the site and helping protect one of the region’s important water resources.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Hemin Merany, Director General at the Ministry of Interior, said the campaign was designed not only to address environmental pollution but also to strengthen public awareness and encourage citizens to adopt responsible environmental practices in their daily lives.
“The objective is to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and encourage individuals to take an active role in preserving Kurdistan’s natural environment, particularly during travel, recreation, and outdoor activities,” he said.
Beyond the immediate clean-up effort, the campaign introduced several long-term environmental solutions aimed at promoting sustained public engagement. Among them was the installation of the Kurdistan Foundation’s innovative “Circle Bin” in the area. The initiative is intended to encourage civic participation by providing accessible waste-disposal facilities and fostering responsible environmental behavior among visitors.
Yara Barzanji, Director of the Kurdistan Foundation, described the Gomaspan Dam campaign as part of a broader series of environmental initiatives implemented by the Foundation to support sustainable development and environmental protection throughout the Kurdistan Region.
She noted that the Foundation, established under the vision of H.E. Areen Barzani, operates under the guiding principle: “Kurdistan is our land, our responsibility, and our future.” Barzanji emphasized that protecting Kurdistan’s natural heritage requires collective action and shared responsibility among government institutions, civil society, and citizens alike.
The campaign reflects a strategic shift from one-time clean-up activities toward sustainable environmental solutions that combine public awareness, community participation, and long-term infrastructure improvements. Organizers hope the initiative will serve as a model for future environmental actions across the Kurdistan Region, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
