Idris Nechirvan Barzani, the founder of Rwanga Foundation, “pledged to fund the federation’s annual activities, ensuring long-term sustainability and support for mountaineering initiatives in the region,” the Rwanga Foundation said in a statement, adding that it has “financed the federation’s headquarters, providing a revitalized space for the mountaineering community to thrive.”
Rwanga explained that their support for the Kurdistan Mountaineering Federation is part of the broader goal of promoting the Kurdistan Region as a “premier tourist destination,” particularly utilizing its popular mountains and highlands for that purpose.
“By investing in the Mountaineer Federation of Kurdistan, we aim to preserve the beauty of our mountains and encourage sustainable tourism that benefits both local communities and the environment,” said Hassan Sheikh Alaaldin, CEO of Rwanga Foundation.
To mark #InternationalMountainDay, Idris Nechirvan Barzani, founder of @RwangaFdn, joined the Mountaineer Federation of Kurdistan and groups from across the region for a hike up Mount Safeen.
— Hassan Shekh Aladin (@HasanAladin_) December 10, 2024
The event included tree planting and setting up bird feeders to protect local wildlife. pic.twitter.com/Zzx4NZmNa0
The Kurdistan Region is known for its tall mountains and beautiful scenery. However, a lack of investment in conservation, landmines dating back to the Iran-Iraq war, and the ongoing conflict between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) along the border have held back the Region’s tourist potential.
The Turkey-PKK war has particularly harmed tourism in the Kurdistan Region, with many of its beautiful mountains and springs falling in areas too dangerous to visit.
