The Kurdistan Region has significantly expanded green spaces in recent years, with several cities approaching or exceeding international standards, officials said on Monday.

Erbil's green space now covers about 19 percent of the city center, close to the international benchmark of 20 percent. Mayor Karzan Abdulhadi said ongoing infrastructure projects and the Erbil Green Belt initiative are driving the increase. Once completed, the Green Belt is expected to raise the city's greenery rate to around 25 percent.

The Kurdistan Regional Government's Board of Investment requires investors to dedicate 20 to 40 percent of new development projects to green areas, with many projects exceeding the minimum requirement.

Sulaimani has already surpassed the international standard, with green spaces covering 23.6 percent of the city's area, including 522 gardens, 85 boulevards, and seven major parks.

Halabja currently has 13 percent green space, with officials citing funding, staffing, and water shortages as challenges to further expansion. Meanwhile, Duhok's greenery rate has reached 15 percent and continues to grow as authorities respond to rapid urban and industrial development.