Rural Sustainable Development and Circular Economy Project
Kurdistan Region.
In harnessing the vast potential of the Kurdistan Region of
Iraq for tourism, MHF collaborated with the Terra Mitjana Association in Spain
to execute the "Sustainable Development and Circular Economy in Rural
Areas" project, concluding on May 25, 2022. Building on the momentum of
tourism growth in the region, which witnessed 2,500,000 visitors during the
first eight months of 2021, this initiative sought to establish connections
between Catalonia and Kurdistan while fostering job opportunities in the
tourism sector.
The primary goal was to contribute to sustainable
development by leveraging the rich natural, historical, and heritage assets in
the Dukan and Rania areas. A team of four specialists in mountain sports
explored diverse terrains to identify potential sites for new activities,
including climbing, canyoning, cross-country skiing, and boating. Notable
locations assessed encompassed the Chami Rezan Valley, Sahra Cave, Qzkapan
Cave, Jasana Cave, Peramagrun Mountain, Hartal Village, Harzna Village, Qaladzi
City, Kani Rash Village, and the lost city associated with Alexander the Great.
The project aspires to lay the groundwork for an autonomous
economic venture that can thrive independently, devoid of external aid or
economic systems beyond the control of the local population. In the long term,
the establishment of venues for such sporting activities aims to meet the demand
for cultural tourism, ecotourism, and active tourism, popularly known as
"adventure tourism." This multifaceted approach aims to attract
visitors from both within and outside the Kurdistan region, promoting
sustainable economic growth and cultural exchange.
