دور الأحزمة الخضراء في مواجهة التصحر في محافظة كربلاء المقدسة

Rp-The role of green belts in combating desertification in the holy Karbala Governorate.pdf

This study addresses the problem of desertification in the Holy Karbala Governorate، which is considered one of the most prominent environmental challenges facing the region today. This phenomenon has emerged as a result of natural factors such as high temperatures and low rainfall، in addition to human factors such as urban sprawl، overgrazing، and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
In light of these challenges، the study proposed the hypothesis that green belts represent an effective means to mitigate desertification and environmental degradation; however، their success is influenced by various natural، human، and planning factors.
The study aimed to evaluate the current status of green belts in Karbala in terms of area، distribution، and plant species، and to assess their effectiveness in reducing dust storms and improving the local environment. It also sought to identify the main obstacles hindering their environmental objectives. The study adopted descriptive and analytical approaches، collected field data through interviews and questionnaires، and analyzed climatic and agricultural data from relevant official sources.
The study concluded that green belts contribute significantly to mitigating certain manifestations of desertification. However، this impact remains limited due to weak management، poor selection of plant species، and the absence of long-term planning. Additionally، the lack of financial and water resources represents a real challenge to the expansion and sustainable maintenance of these belts.
The study recommended the adoption of clear policies to support green belts، the promotion of modern irrigation techniques، the selection of plants suitable for local environmental conditions، and the strengthening of the local community’s role in protecting and sustaining these environmental projects.