The Dean of the Center for Urban and Regional Planning for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad, Professor Dr. Karim Hassan Alwan, participated in the discussion of a master’s thesis in the College of Engineering Technology at the University of Sulaymaniyah by researcher Ivan Ali Muhammad Amin.
The dean pointed out that the thesis entitled (Assessing the Environmental Impact of Changing Natural Features: Mount Kweiza as an Example). It dealt with analyzing the changes in the land cover of Mount Kweiza in the city of Sulaymaniyah, identifying the factors of those changes, and thus evaluating their immediate and future consequences by determining the noticeable environmental impact on Sulaymaniyah.
The study used quantitative and qualitative research methods, collecting temporal and spatial data, in addition to analyzing geographic information systems maps after the increase in built-up areas in the study area since 2002 by 32.4%.
The dean indicated, after his discussion with the researcher, that the air pollution in the city of Sulaymaniyah will increase as a result of the repercussions of population expansion and the high rates of construction in the study area in conjunction with the decrease in the percentage of natural areas, which in general leads to unsustainable development.
It is noteworthy that the study recommended the necessity of developing laws that limit population encroachment towards the study area (Jabal Kweiza) in order to protect the natural remains and protect its identity and historical landmarks.
