raq’s First Solar-Powered Hamlet Ushers in a Sustainable Future”
In a groundbreaking development, the village of Tirba Sipi in Duhok Governorate, Iraq, has become the first hamlet in the country to transition to solar energy. This initiative, spearheaded by local leader Jalal Issa, involved installing a solar system costing approximately $3,000, which powers homes, schools, and even the mosque. The move away from noisy, polluting gasoline and diesel generators has been met with widespread approval, significantly improving the quality of life for residents. The success of this project has inspired neighboring communities to adopt similar renewable energy solutions, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability in the region. Kirkuk Now
Guyana’s Hinterland Villages Thrive with Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy”
In Guyana’s remote communities, sustainable development initiatives are transforming lives. The village of Parikwarunau in Region Nine has established a thriving six-acre farm, primarily cultivating watermelons, with a cassava trial underway. Supported by a $5 million investment under the Low Carbon Development Strategy, the farm generates significant income and provides employment for local residents. Additionally, the government’s training programs have equipped Indigenous youth with skills in solar panel installation, promoting renewable energy adoption across the hinterland. These efforts are fostering economic resilience and environmental stewardship in Guyana’s Indigenous communities. Guyana Standard
Iraq’s Solar Energy Milestone: Tirba Sipi’s Transition to Renewable Power
Tirba Sipi, a village in the Duhok Governorate of Iraq, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first hamlet in the country to operate entirely on solar power. This transformation was initiated by Jalal Issa, the village Mukhtar (head), who recognized the challenges posed by traditional gasoline and diesel generators, including noise, pollution, and high costs. In 2018, Issa invested $3,000 to install a solar system comprising six panels and four batteries, providing sufficient electricity for household needs such as lighting, refrigeration, and cooling.Kirkuk Now
The success of this project has not only improved the quality of life for Tirba Sipi’s residents but has also inspired neighboring villages to adopt similar renewable energy solutions. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Electricity has recognized the benefits of solar energy, offering incentives such as reductions in national electricity bills for users of solar systems. As of now, 236 subscribers have been registered in the Duhok Electricity Directorate, indicating a growing trend towards solar energy adoption in the region.Kirkuk Now
Environmental activists, such as Ammar Jassim from Bardarash District, have lauded the initiative, highlighting the significant reduction in environmental pollution associated with the use of private generators. The shift to solar power aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy practices.
Guyana’s Indigenous Communities Embrace Sustainable Development
In Guyana, Indigenous communities are leading the way in sustainable development through agriculture and renewable energy initiatives. The village of Parikwarunau in Region Nine has established a successful six-acre farm, primarily cultivating watermelons, with a cassava trial underway to assess soil fertility. The farm, supported by a $5 million investment under the Low Carbon Development Strategy, generates substantial income and provides employment for local residents
The government’s commitment to sustainable development is further demonstrated through training programs that equip Indigenous youth with skills in solar panel installation. These programs, part of the Community Service Officers initiative, aim to promote renewable energy adoption across the hinterland and provide economic opportunities for young people in remote communities.Guyana Standard
Additionally, the implementation of carbon credit schemes has provided financial resources for Indigenous communities, supporting various development projects. In 2024, approximately 15% of the funds received from carbon credit sales, totaling close to $5 billion, were allocated to Indigenous communities, empowering them to invest in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. News Room Guyana
Conclusion
The initiatives in Tirba Sipi and Parikwarunau exemplify the transformative potential of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture in remote communities. These projects not only address immediate energy and economic challenges but also contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and community resilience. As more villages in Iraq and Guyana adopt similar practices, they pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
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