NIHAYET EHMED

Chamchamal- Chamchamal is one of the oldest towns of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, 10 km away from Charmo, a prehistoric archeological site located in modern Iraqi Kurdistan on the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. The town is known for its natural beauty.

 NuJINHA spoke to Sabiha Raşid, member of the Chamchamal Environmental Protection Organization, about their activities. Thanks to awareness-raising activities and the efforts of the residents, the nature of the town is protected, she said. “The town is a green town. There are no factories that pollute the town; however, there are many factories around the town. An area is allocated for the waste management and recycling project.”

‘Life is beautiful with the presence of women’

Pointing to the women’s connection with nature, she said, “Life is beautiful with the presence of women. They have roles in all facets of life. Mothers should educate their children to protect the environment. As teachers and environmentalists, we tell children that they should protect the environment because we, as women, feel that this is our sacred duty. However, women cannot protect the environment alone. Unfortunately, the government has no plan on protection of the environment; it ignores this issue.”

The organization has carried out activities at universities and schools to raise awareness about the environment. “Our organization is an environmental organization carrying out activities everywhere to raise awareness,” Sabiha Raşid said. “When you do not love your environment, you do not love your life either. The environment affects the health and life of every individual. We must protect the environment to protect our health and life.”