Shya Koyeh

Koyeh-Peopole lack sufficient awareness, and the relevant authorities do not have a clear environmental protection plan.Local and foreign tourists are not adequately educated about avoiding pollution of tourist sites. In addition to damaging the landscape, cleaning these areas is costly.

Due to heavy rainfall and dense snowfall this winter, most springs and rivers have overflowed, prompting people to head toward tourist sites and riverbanks. At the same time, this causes serious damage to the soil and nature. Female tourists are appealing to everyone to act with awareness and responsibility, and to treat the environment as their own home.

 

“Let Us All Act Responsibly”

Shahin Ibrahim, a teacher, explained why people pollute nature: “This year, heavy rains revived the lakes and springs, and I am very happy with these beautiful landscapes. People must protect this beauty, avoid polluting it, and collect their waste.”

She urged tourists not to throw litter—especially plastic and bottles, which take many years to decompose and negatively affect the environment. “I ask everyone to protect the environment. It is the duty of each of us to love our environment and be aware of its importance.”

Regarding the measures they take to prevent pollution, she added: “We went out as a group of female hikers. We collect the equipment we use and take it back with us. I carry plastic items in my bag, and anything beneficial to the soil we leave on the ground. Let us all act responsibly and preserve the cleanliness of our environment.”

 

“I Love the Nature of Kurdistan”

Rezan Bakr, also a teacher, visited the area with her family on a recreational trip. Overwhelmed by the beauty of nature, she said: “The magnificence of our nature cannot be described. I do not believe there is any image in the world that rivals its beauty. It is springtime, and people are arriving in large numbers. If each person throws just one bottle in the wrong place, it would become a disaster.”

She confirmed that she would document environmental violations to raise awareness: “I will photograph anyone polluting the environment and publish the images to raise awareness. Everyone must spread awareness among themselves. I am ready to collect the waste that people throw away. Another important issue is the use of disposable travel tools such as plates, cups, and tables, which harm the environment, the economy, and public health.”

She added that when people reach lakes or rivers, “the scale of plastic accumulation becomes clearly visible, as does the extent of the environmental damage. Plastic takes up to 700 years to decompose.”