DUHOK,  Kurdistan (April 22, 2017) - People around the  world celebrated Earth Day, Rwanga Foundation with the support of a group of  orphans, organized various environmental activities to contribute to an event,  globally known as the campaign to empower global citizens with knowledge to  inspire actions for environmental protection.

''The aim of the activities were to spread awareness in the community and encourage people to take actions for environmental protection and protect the earth.'' said Afram Ablahad, Head of Office at the Rwanga Foundation's Duhok Office.

Every year on April 22^nd, Earth Day with many activities and events is celebrated worldwide. Duhok province also actively participated in this celebration, the activities took place in Zawita Forest where over 20 Orphans and some 25 Volunteers got involved in this activity to protect the mother nature. One of the activities included painting trees and drawing green earth images on the walls to remind and encourage people in protecting the planet Earth. A cleaning campaign was organized among other activities to stimulate actions for environmental protection. Moreover, Planting saplings was also a planned activity by the Orphans and Volunteers supporting the fact that trees combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, contributing to soil health, retaining water, and cooling overheated urban areas.

Earth Day, is an event to learn more about the earth and its environment, Rwanga Foundation designed the activities to educate the people and convey the importance of planting trees. It has been proved that a single mature tree absorbs around 13 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO₂) a year, while a younger, actively growing tree may absorb up to 26 pounds of CO₂, per year—approximately five tons per acre of trees. As a part of support in spreading the awareness message, social medias were also present to cover the event activities.