The University of Duhok Botanical Garden: A Haven for Learning and Conservation

Welcome to the University of Duhok Botanical Garden, a vibrant hub nestled in the heart of our academic community! We're dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the plant world through education, conservation, and community engagement.

Rooted in Tradition, Reaching for the Future

The Nineveh Plains have a rich history of gathering wild plants, deeply ingrained in the cultural practices of thousands. These plants play a vital role in diet, medicine, animal husbandry, construction, crafts, and even religious ceremonies. However, a recent survey revealed a concerning trend – climate change, herbicide use, and expanding development threaten the growth and distribution of these culturally valuable plants, pushing some towards local extinction.

The University of Duhok Botanical Garden is part of a critical initiative addressing this challenge. The LASER Buy-in project, through "Support to Traditional Cultural Practices in Northern Iraq," is supporting a network of botanical gardens. Our 2.5-hectare garden serves as the "mother garden," leading a network of smaller community gardens in Bashiqa, Hamdaniya, and Telkief districts. These gardens aim to:

• Promote environmental stewardship

• Conserve local plant biodiversity

• Raise public awareness about the importance of wild plants for the ethno-religious groups of the Nineveh Plains

Our Mission: Cultivating a Greener Future

We serve as a valuable resource for students, faculty, researchers, and the wider Duhok community. Our Botanical Garden is a unique space for:

• Learning: Explore the fascinating world of plants through interactive exhibits, engaging workshops, and guided tours.

• Conservation: We safeguard local plant biodiversity, with collections including rare, threatened, and endangered species.

• Cultural Heritage Preservation: We bridge the gap between tradition and nature, fostering awareness of cultural practices associated with wild plants in Duhok City.

• Environmental Awareness: Inspiring visitors about the beauty and ecological significance of plants, we encourage responsible environmental stewardship.

Exploring the Garden:

Encompassing 2.5 hectares with plans for future expansion, our Botanical Garden offers a haven for exploration:

• Dedicated Administration Rooms: Ensuring the smooth operation and management of the garden.

• Herbarium: A treasure trove of plant specimens, both physical and digital, serving as a valuable resource for research and education.

• Well-planned Walkways: Meandering paths guide visitors on a journey through diverse plant collections.

• Nursery Production Area: Dedicated space for cultivating a wide variety of plant species, enriching the garden's biodiversity.

• Serene Shade Zones: Two designated areas offer respite from the sun and enhance visitor comfort, also serving as potential spaces for educational activities.

• A Collection of Flora: Immerse yourself in a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and plants, each contributing to our educational and conservation goals.

Global Collaboration:

We are committed to fostering international partnerships. On January 21st, 2023, the University of Duhok, represented by the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden (NGBB) in Istanbul. This collaboration opens doors for joint research and training initiatives, promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Join us on this exciting journey of discovery! The University of Duhok Botanical Garden welcomes you to explore the wonders of the plant kingdom, learn about the importance of conservation, and connect with nature in a peaceful and educational setting.

Look into the fascinating world of plants with the University of Duhok Botanical Garden Herbarium! This treasure trove houses a meticulously preserved collection of plant specimens, each one a testament to the incredible diversity found within our region. Explore the intricate details of these dried and pressed plants, meticulously labelled with scientific names, collection data, and habitat information. Uncover the stories these specimens tell and go on a journey of botanical discovery – visit our Herbarium page to learn more!