A wide expanse of forests in the western province of Kordestan has been enhanced and replanted as part of a scheme to restore the destroyed patches of woodland. The plan targeted the woodlands, which have suffered the brunt of wildfires, drought, pests, dust storms and other factors, according to Saadi Naqshbandi, head of the provincial office of the Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization.
"The main purpose of the project was to help mitigate soil degradation, strengthen the vegetation diversity, manage natural and renewable resources, replenish groundwater reserves and improve air quality in the region." ISNA quoted him as saying.
According to the official, 1,000 hectares of the capital Sanandaj's woodlands plus 130 hectares in Sarvabad and Kamyaran counties were restored through treatment of vegetation.
Furthermore, with the aim of enriching forests, saplings and seeds were planted across 120 hectares of Baneh, 180 hectares of Marivan, 80 hectares of Sarvabad and 30 hectares of Sanandaj. "Pear, oats, wild pistachio, almond, hawthorn, sumac, eastern redbud and Russian olive trees are among the plants used for restoration of forests."
In an effort to continue the revival of green spaces in the region with the help of locals, another plan to extend woodlands in the province for another 2,000 hectares and adoption of remedial measures such as trimming and removing pests are on the agenda for the near future.
