Iraq

In recent years,Iraq has experienced a remarkable surge in urban development driven by population growth, economic expansion, and climate change-induced migration from rural to urban areas. As urbanization continues to reshape the global landscape of civilization, the repercussions of rapid urban construction are becoming increasingly apparent in Iraq. Baghdad, in particular, has become suffocated by concrete structures, leaving no room for green spaces. Even the gardens of homes have given way to rooms or shops within each house. urban construction on green spaces

Urban sprawl grapples with the pervasive challenge of diminishing green spaces. The juxtaposition of concrete structures against the scarcity of natural green spaces raises serious concerns about the sustainability of the environment and the well-being of its inhabitants. urban construction on green spaces

Iraq grapples with the paradox of modern progress conflicting with the imperative to preserve the environment. As cities contend with the demands of advancement and the conservation of nature, the consequences of the diminishing green spaces in Iraq extend beyond the apparent loss of open lands, impacting the core of environmental sustainability and public health. urban construction on green spaces

The accelerated pace of construction has altered the essence of community life. Gardens and farmland, which once offered a respite from the hustle and bustle of cities and served as communal spaces for entertainment and socializing, have undergone transformation. As trees and palm trees are bulldozed and supplanted by buildings, citizens yearn for the psychological solace and well-being that green spaces previously afforded. urban construction on green spaces

Furthermore, the environmental repercussions of shrinking green spaces, such as increased air pollution and disrupted ecosystems, constitute significant challenges accompanying widespread urbanization. The delicate equilibrium that once existed between Iraq’s cities and their natural surroundings now hangs in the balance, posing enduring threats to biodiversity, climate resilience, and overall environmental health. urban construction on green spaces

Many city residents in Baghdad find themselves compelled to lease agricultural lands on the outskirts of the city for relatively exorbitant amounts, seeking refuge in the fresh air and distance from urban pollution, as they strive to enjoy a brief respite during the summer. This leaves numerous residents, particularly those grappling with financial hardship, devoid of access to natural environments that can significantly contribute to mental health and overall quality of life. urban construction on green spaces

A research center report has highlighted a concerning trend, revealing that the rate of desertification in Iraqi lands has surged to 39% of its total expanse, with an additional 54% of remaining lands facing the looming threat of desertification. According to estimates provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the forested areas in Iraq now only encompass 8,250 square kilometers, constituting a mere 2% of the country’s entire land area. urban construction on green spaces

Within Iraqi cities, urban green spaces are currently grappling with the repercussions of neglected planning policies and haphazard land use decisions, driven by a lack of awareness regarding their environmental significance. Compounded by the inadequacy of laws and regulations designed to safeguard these green spaces, this situation has led to the deterioration and reduction of green areas within the urban fabric. urban construction on green spaces

Absence of planning laws

Globally, building and zoning codes play a pivotal role in shaping the urban planning of cities. The absence of such regulations in Iraq, coupled with their inadequate enforcement, has resulted in haphazard changes in land use. Consequently, slums have emerged in various parts of the country. urban construction on green spaces

Moreover, the prevalence of tribal laws grants certain tribes migrating for economic reasons the authority to construct slums that encroach upon valuable green spaces. urban construction on green spaces

Trespassing on land uses and altering the designated purpose of land are rampant violations, comprising 40% of the total infractions. Numerous residential complexes and areas were erected without proper building permits due to their non-recognition by municipalities. In locales like Basateen Al-Dora, located south of Baghdad, and many others, agricultural lands have been illicitly transformed into residential zones without undergoing the necessary legal processes. urban construction on green spaces

Urban sprawl compounds the existing challenge of diminishing green spaces. The juxtaposition of concrete structures with the scarcity of natural green areas raises serious concerns about the sustainability of the environment and the well-being of its inhabitants. urban construction on green spaces

Iraq grapples with the paradox of contemporary progress conflicting with the imperative to conserve the environment. In the struggle between the demands of progress and the preservation of nature, the consequences of diminishing green spaces in Iraq extend beyond the apparent loss of open lands, reaching the core of environmental sustainability and public health. urban construction on green spaces

The swift pace of construction has transformed the very essence of community life. Gardens and farmlands, once sanctuaries offering relief from urban chaos, served as communal spaces for leisure and social interaction. As trees and palm trees are bulldozed to make way for buildings, citizens yearn for the psychological comfort and well-being that green spaces once afforded. urban construction on green spaces

Furthermore, the environmental ramifications of dwindling green spaces, including heightened air pollution and disrupted ecosystems, are among the challenges accompanying unchecked urbanization. The delicate equilibrium that once existed between Iraq’s cities and their natural environs now stands jeopardized, posing enduring threats to biodiversity, climate resilience, and overall environmental well-being. urban construction on green spaces

Another prevalent violation and non-compliance with building rules involve subdividing residential plots of land or houses into parcels with very small areas, often less than 100 square meters, and sometimes even smaller than 50 square meters. Subsequently, these plots are sold and developed. Another common transgression is the construction of three-story buildings with an external staircase, typically undertaken with the intention of renting or selling the property or accommodating a family member. Approximately 30% of all violations fall under these categories. urban construction on green spaces

In certain regions, municipal planning regulations and guidelines from the Ministry of Planning mandate the presence of green space in front of homes. Despite being an integral part of the property and suitable for use as an outdoor garden, this area is owned by the state and does not constitute privately owned land. Unfortunately, there is an ongoing encroachment on and construction within this green space. urban construction on green spaces

The absence of effective measures to curb this haphazard urban development has resulted in numerous violations and abuses at the expense of green spaces. Exploiting the lack of oversight, some individuals construct buildings without obtaining official permits, thereby obstructing sustainable development and contributing to the degradation of the urban environment. urban construction on green spaces