Spatial Variation and Characteristics of Artificial Forests in Sulaymaniyah Governorate (A Study in Environmental Geography)

Abstract

This study examines the differences in the geographical distribution and characteristics of artificial forests in Sulaymaniyah Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Alongside the attention given to the natural vegetation and forests of the province, artificial forests play an important role in expanding the green area of the province; preserving and increasing their number and area holds great environmental and economic importance and value. The aim of the study is to reveal spatial variations, determine the characteristics of trees and shrubs in artificial forests, analyze a part of their environmental problems, and identify the level of forest management. To achieve these objectives, this research utilized standard geographical methods (induction and deduction) and followed descriptive, quantitative analysis, and comparative approaches. In addition to collecting scientific sources, information, and data from relevant departments, field survey work was conducted in all artificial forests across the districts and sub-districts of the governorate. Satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were also utilized. The research is divided into two sections: the first is dedicated to the geographical distribution of artificial forests in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, while the second part details the characteristics of trees and shrubs in these forests and discusses several common environmental problems. The study found that there are (48) artificial forest projects located within the study area with a total area of (13,342) dunams, the highest distribution of which is in the central district of Sulaymaniyah and Dukan at a rate of (66.1%). Approximately (17) species of trees and shrubs are planted within the artificial forests, belonging to (10) different plant families. Geomorphological problems, diseases, and soil fungi are the most prominent natural environmental problems of the artificial forests; meanwhile, fires, low water supply capacity, land encroachment, outdated irrigation methods, and the shortage of manpower, equipment, and necessary budget are among the most prominent human-induced environmental problems.