UNDP, German Development Bank Visit Sinjar Fruit Tree Nursery

On 10 February, representatives from Iraq’s United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) branch and the German Development Bank (KfW) visited the fruit tree nursery project in Sinjar. The representatives met with the project leads on the ground to gain insights into its progress and impact so far.

The project, first implemented in late 2025, contributes to reforestation in Sinjar, supports local farmers to reclaim their lands and rebuild their livelihoods, and fosters a sense of community. Numerous organisations have contributed to the creation and maintenance of the project, such as the House of Coexistence (HOC) and Rwanga Foundation, as well as the UNDP, KfW, and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Moreover, the people of Sinjar have made great sacrifices for the project, displaying a strong collective will. Under the project, 100 locals from 12 villages have been trained for the upkeep of the nursery, now empowered with taking care of 10,000 fruit tree saplings. Some esteemed guests who attended the nursery’s opening ceremony were the Head of Sinuni Municipality, Jamil Sifok Morad; the UNDP Resident Representative, Titon Mitra; and the Founder of the HOC, Mirza Dinnayi.

The project demonstrates the importance of international cooperation to uplift vulnerable communities and aid in their achievement of economic autonomy. Such efforts set a hopeful precedent for further instances of bilateral cooperation between Iraq and other countries as well as organisations to work towards the achievement of common ideals.

Source: UNDP Iraq