SHARE ON













ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—The ministry of municipality announced Saturday it will observe the World Environment Day (WED) in several Kurdish cities through a major street cleaning program on June 15.The WED or the “the people’s day” is a global initiative project sponsored by the United Nations in which the population of the world is encouraged ‘to do something to take care of the Earth or become an agent of change,’ according the UN.It is usually celebrated on June 5 every year, but since the Kurdistan region requested to take part as an independent entity, the program was postponed to next Wednesday.“It was planned that Kurdistan would also observe the WED on June 5, but because of technical challenges at the UN database severs, it was postponed for June 15,” said Shiwan Jaff head of the Kurdish Clean Environment Group.“Fortunately this year the Kurdistan region will participate as an independent country in the UN program and the four Kurdish provinces will upload their data into the UN system,” Jaff said referring to the provinces of Kirkuk, Erbil, Dohuk and Slemani.The ministry of municipality says that the day has both a symbolic and real importance for Kurdistan as the region faces major environmental challenges.“We collect some 4,000 tons of debris and dirt every day in the Kurdistan region which is colossal by every means,” said Abdulhamid Majid from the ministry and added that the data was for the provinces of Dohuk, Erbil and Slemani.Majid said volunteers and municipality’s workforce will be taking part in the sweeping efforts in 22 locations throughout Kurdistan region on Wednesday which is also planned to be covered in most media outlets in an effort to raise more awareness about environmental issues in Kurdistan.