Environmental consequences of tourism activities, in Halabja province

October 2025 , Pages 393-414

Authors

دكتور ابراهيم عبدالكريم حمه كريم حمه كريم 1 ; م. ساركو يونس عبدالكريم عبدالكريم 1

1 المديرية العامة لتربية الشهيدة حلبجة

DOI logo 10.17656/11788

Keywords

Abstract

 This study aims to analyse the environmental impacts and challenges posed by tourism activities in Halabja Province, one of the significant tourist destinations in the Kurdistan Region. Halabja is renowned for its attractive mountainous nature, abundant waterfalls and water sources, and rich historical and cultural sites. With the increasing number of tourists and the expansion of tourist areas in the region, environmental issues have emerged, necessitating evaluation and solutions. The findings indicate that tourism has contributed to environmental pollution due to haphazard construction, irregular and illegal signage, and the exacerbation of waste and litter problems. This is largely attributed to the weakness and absence of effective waste collection and segregation systems, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Furthermore, the surge in demand for water during events and festivals places additional pressure on the region's limited water resources, which are already suffering from the effects of climate change. In addition, irregular usage of mountainous areas and valleys has led to soil erosion and degradation of vegetation, threatening biodiversity and impacting the aesthetic beauty of the natural landscape. From a socio-environmental perspective, while tourism activities contribute to the revitalization of the local economy, their environmental management often lacks sustainability. This leads to an increase in waste volume and places additional strain on the region's infrastructure. In the long run, the persistence of these challenges without institutional solutions may lead to a decline in the attractiveness of tourist sites and compromise the sustainability of natural resources. This research adopted a descriptive-analytical methodology. The study revealed the necessity of establishing an integrated plan for environmental tourism management in Halabja. This plan should include determining the carrying capacity of sites, improving water management, raising environmental awareness, protecting local communities, and establishing a periodic environmental monitoring system. Through these measures, a balance between tourism development and environmental protection can be achieved, ensuring future resources for generations to come.

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  • First online20 October 2025
  • Published at20 October 2025

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