College of Education for Pure Sciences

Keywords: Sustainable development; Trees; Rooftops; Visitors’ route

Planting trees instead of building roofs and canopies is a suitable alternative to a sustainable environment strategy and provides many advantages [1]. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, filter air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, ammonia, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, and release oxygen, improving air quality and helping to fight climate change [2, 3]. As well as resources such as wood, energy use, and waste [4], it is a source of biological diversity and provides places and sources of food for birds, insects, and other animals [5]. Trees offer aesthetic appeal and provide a comfortable atmosphere, increasing the quality of the place and providing a suitable site view [6]. In addition, the waste resulting from the maintenance of these trees is used to improve the soil and reduce heavy metals and their toxicity [7]

numbers of fungi for the two covered and open sites was 51.75% and 48.24%, respectively, the covered site recorded a higher percentage of fungal numbers compared to the open area site , the reason for these differences in percentages may be due to the availability of environmental conditions in the covered area due to the presence of fans and water sprinklers, which increases the humidity level, as well as the presence of foreign travelers in that area and leaving food waste, which increases the spread of fungi in the area than in others, and this result is considered Similar to what was mentioned by [9]. The area between the Two Holy Shrines differs in the numbers and types of Aspergillus isolated from them [8]. Due to crowding and the abundance of food leftovers, Aspergillus has a high density in the area between the Two Holy Shrines [10]. The covered area contains fungi that are pathogenic to humans, A. latus and A. striatus, which threaten health and society[7]. In a previous study of the same area between the Two Holy Shrines, but before maintenance and roofing were carried out on it, the number of fungi decreased with the increase in the number of visitors, which made it likely that the visitors inhaled fungal spores and also stuck to their clothes [10].

This indicates that vegetation is essential in reducing fungal contamination because it creates a healthy atmosphere that purifies the air from microbes and plankton. Therefore, the trend towards planting tall, fast-growing trees with density may be a reason for getting rid of roofs and their health and environmental damage; trees provide shade and cooling, which reduces the need for energy-consuming air conditioners in neighboring homes and helps cool the environment naturally [11]. Planting trees in areas with high population density will reduce global warming, absorb sound, reduce noise, and contribute to mental and physical health and lower blood pressure [12-14]. The idea of ​​planting the visitors’ path with trees works to manage water. It contributes to the absorption of rainwater through their roots, which reduces surface runoff, prevents moisture erosion, and reduces water and sanitation problems in certain areas [15]. The proposal to plant fruit trees could be a sustainable organic food source, promoting self-sufficiency [16]. Trees also contribute to reducing heat absorption through asphalt, concrete, and roofs, and they contribute to nutrient cycling by dropping leaves that decompose and enrich the soil with organic matter [17]. The idea may be to select trees that are more resistant to fires, as they act as natural firebreaks, which slow the spread of fires when placed in strategic locations, in addition to being barriers against harsh weather conditions, such as winds and heavy rain [18]. The quality of trees along visitor routes must be considered, ensuring that they are suitable for the local environment and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals, considering climatic, economic, and aesthetic conditions, for example. Acacia trees, eucalyptus, olives, pomegranates, and palm trees [17, 18]

References:

[1]      X. Wang, W. Gard, H. Borska, B. Ursem, and J. W. G. Van De Kuilen, “Vertical greenery systems: From plants to trees with self-growing interconnections,” Eur. J. Wood Wood Prod., vol. 78, pp. 1031–1043, 2020.

[2]      T. Kusumadewi, Y. M. Arif, H. Samudro, G. Samudro, and S. Mangkoedihardjo, “Urban Phytoarchitecture Design Options: Greenspace Orientation and Tree Species Intensification,” J. Adv. Res. Appl. Sci. Eng. Technol., vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 183–196, 2023.

[3]      A. Sarkar, Urban Air Pollution and Avenue Trees: Benefits, Interactions and Future Prospects. Nova Science Publishers, 2022.

[4]      T. Worku, S. K. Tripathi, and D. Khare, “Household level tree planting and its implication for environmental conservation in the Beressa Watershed of Ethiopia,” Environ. Syst. Res., vol. 6, pp. 1–10, 2018.

[5]      B. Zerga, B. Warkineh, D. Teketay, and M. Woldetsadik, “The sustainability of reforesting landscapes with exotic species: a case study of eucalypts in Ethiopia,” Sustain. Earth, vol. 4, no. 1, p. 5, 2021.

[6]      B. Wiström, A. B. Nielsen, B. Klobučar, and U. Klepec, “Zoned selective coppice–a management system for graded forest edges,” Urban For. Urban Green., vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 156–162, 2015.

[7]      T. Rodríguez-Espinosa et al., “Environmental risk from organic residues,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 192, 2022.

[8]      M. H. Atwan, “Phenotypic and molecular diagnosis of Aspergillus spp fungi isolated from the air in specific areas between the Two Holy Mosques in Karbala Governorate.,” Thesis , University of Kerbala, 2024.

[9]      S. E. Kwan, R. Shaughnessy, U. Haverinen-Shaughnessy, T. A. Kwan, and J. Peccia, “The impact of ventilation rate on the fungal and bacterial ecology of home indoor air,” Build. Environ., vol. 177, p. 106800, 2020.

[10]    B. T. Mohammed & L. T. Mohammed, “Comparative Study of Fungi in the Air of Kerbala City,” pp. 263–267, 2007.

[11]    T. Chen et al., “Integrated impacts of tree planting and aspect ratios on thermal environment in street canyons by scaled outdoor experiments,” Sci. Total Environ., vol. 764, p. 142920, 2021.

[12]    M. Kamran and M. A. Shaikh, “Current Global Warming Prevention in Islamic Perspective: Research Review,” ĪQĀN, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 37–46, 2022.

[13]    A. Kowalska-Koczwara, F. Pachla, T. Tatara, and K. Nering, “Green areas in the city as an element of noise protection,” in IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 2021, vol. 1203, no. 3, p. 32025.

[14]    P. Mei, V. Malik, R. W. Harper, and J. M. Jiménez, “Air pollution, human health and the benefits of trees: A biomolecular and physiologic perspective,” Arboric. J., vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 19–40, 2021.

[15]    K. Steppe et al., “Direct uptake of canopy rainwater causes turgor-driven growth spurts in the mangrove Avicennia marina,” Tree Physiol., vol. 38, no. 7, pp. 979–991, 2018.

[16]    F. Grisafi, T. M. DeJong, and S. Tombesi, “Fruit tree crop models: an update,” Tree Physiol., vol. 42, no. 3, pp. 441–457, 2022.

[17]    M. Sharmin, M. G. Tjoelker, S. Pfautsch, M. Esperon-Rodriguez, P. D. Rymer, and S. A. Power, “Tree crown traits and planting context contribute to reducing urban heat,” Urban For. Urban Green., vol. 83, p. 127913, 2023.

[18]    W. J. Bond and G. F. Midgley, “Carbon dioxide and the uneasy interactions of trees and savannah grasses,” Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci., vol. 367, no. 1588, pp. 601–612, 2012.

[19]    R. R. Paula et al., “Evidence of short-term belowground transfer of nitrogen from Acacia mangium to Eucalyptus grandis trees in a tropical planted forest,” Soil Biol. Biochem., vol. 91, pp. 99–108, 2015.

University of Kerbala/Faculty of education for pure science

         Sustainability is a concept that involves the idea of ​​sustainable development. In other words, it means the possibility of economic growth and the provision of basic human needs without causing environmental erosion and pollution.

The importance of vegetation in environmental sustainability:

       Vegetation is one of the essential elements of the natural environment that plays a vital role in supporting life on planet Earth. Vegetation includes land plants, whether trees or grasses, that cover the Earth’s surface in various forms. Vegetation cover contains a huge diversity of plants, trees, and herbs, ranging between rain-rich tropical regions and dry arid regions. The importance of vegetation cover can be summarized in the following points:

1- Maintaining biological balance:

2- Reducing desertification and ground erosion.

3- Improving air quality:

4- Water purification: reducing pollution of groundwater and natural water sources.

5- Biodiversity: Vegetation is home to many different living organisms.

6- One of the sources of natural economic wealth: Most wild natural plants are a significant source of medicines, health care products, and many food and economic products.

How do we maintain the sustainability of natural vegetation in Iraq (Karbala Governorate as a model)

       There are many ways to preserve natural vegetation represented by wild plants, especially in the dry desert environments in Iraq’s western and southwestern regions. For example, the area extends from the west of Lake Al-Razzaza and the west of Ain Al-Tamar district in Karbala to the international border with Saudi Arabia. (Sahib & Algaraawi ,2024).

       The wild plants in the governorate can be divided into three groups according to the nature of the soil, the environment, and the type of vegetation prevailing there:

First – The desert environment: It has sandy soils – silica, gypsum, and limestone; its ability to retain water is very weak due to its large pores. Despite this, the area is covered with green cover after rain falls. The Algaraawi & Alsaadi 2021 study collected more than 200 wild plant species, including Haloxylon salicornicum and Tamarix. There is also a heavy spread of Aaronsohnia and Baboong Anthemis Desertii and Aizonanthemum Hispanicum, especially after the rainy season. It has also been observed that the spread of parasitic plants, such as hallow plant Cistanche violacea and Haloxylon Salicornisum, Rumex Vesicarius Haloxylon Persicum (Algaraawi & Hamid ,2023: Taher & Algaraawi, 2022, Sahib & Algaraawi, 2024).

Second: Valley environment

         It is distinguished by its alluvial mixture soil consisting of sand, clay, and silt. The valley retains moisture after the rainy season, making it moist soil in which there are many species of perennial wild plants, such as the wild Sidr communities Ziziphus Nummularia, Ramth, and Hammas–Zygophyllum Coccineum, as dominant communities, and annual plants spread in it immediately after the rainy season, such as Chrozophora Tinctoria, Andrachne Telephioides, and Harisha. Brassica Tournefortii, Artemisia Campestris, Cardus Getulus, Harmal, Peganum Harmala, Anabasis Setifera, Atriplex sp., Salvia Spinosa, Malva Parviflora, mustard, and Capparis Spinosa (Taher and Algaraawi ,2022).

Third – The environment of orchards and farmed lands:

         The orchards of the districts and areas adjacent to the governorate center are characterized by two types of soil: the soil of the river shoulders. Its waters and these communities are represented by reeds, basil, half, and aqua, which are communities that grow in humid environments or near the streams, canals, and streams that feed these orchards—likewise, the existence of the Dichanthium Annulatum, Ammi Majus (Algaraawi & Hamid ,2023: Taher &algaraawi ,2022).

This region is characterized by the availability of a sea of ​​groundwater that extends over large areas between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. This water has been exploited by drilling wells and planting large areas with field crops that are tolerant to the salinity of that water. There are also significant projects to grow these areas with oases of palm trees and economic fruit trees, and this has been rationalized. Consumption of well water for irrigation through the use of economical irrigation methods such as sprinklers and drip irrigation to suit the nature of the sandy soil that does not retain water for long periods.

The most prominent plans and strategies that must be followed to achieve a sustainable environment and address the decline of natural vegetation.

              A joint, thoughtful plan should be clarified in coordination with all relevant authorities in the governorate and relevant ministries in the state, which includes initiating an increase in agricultural projects for palm oases and field crops in the desert areas or the Western Plateau, provided that the oases and cultivated lands are distributed over long distances between them to enclose between them large unexploited areas arranged in alternating order in a checkerboard pattern to form an environment suitable for the growth of natural wild plants. In other words, large areas are allocated as natural reserves surrounded by lands farmed with economic trees, especially palm trees, and salt-tolerant field crops. Since farmed lands surround these unexploited areas or reserves, this contributes to the flourishing growth of natural wild plants throughout the months of the year, and their growth is not limited to after the rainy season. This is due to several reasons, the most important of which is:

1- Dividing lands in the desert or the Western Plateau in a checkerboard manner, represented by the exchange of farmed lands and oases with adjacent unfarmed areas (natural reserves), will contribute to surrounding a large number of these natural reserves with farmed lands and avoid sweeping away the sandy soil and thus sweep away the plants.

2- The availability of a water source in the farmed lands and oases surrounding the reserves will cause the edges of those reserves adjacent to the borders of the cultivated lands to be moistened, thus indirectly providing a source of water for wild plants. This leads to prolonging the growing seasons of wild plants throughout the year, at least at the edges of those lands after they were. It is limited to rainy seasons only. The availability of moisture also increases plant diversity and spread, as well as the dominance of certain species over others, depending on the nature of the soil.

3- After several seasons of indirect water availability in the reserves as a result of their surrounding the wet soils of the confiscated lands and neighboring oases and providing buffers for erosion factors, this will be an incentive for the flourishing of many perennial wild plants, such as wild cedar, tamarisk trees to form essential forests. as this forms a shade for smaller wild plants that are not tolerant of heat and sunlight, meaning an increase in plant biodiversity and thus animals (Sahib &Algaraawi,2024).

4- The flourishing growth of annual wild plants contributes to increasing the organic materials of the soil through the decomposition of those plants after the end of their growing season, as the soil is characterized by its lack of these materials. This will change the texture of the sandy soil, increase its cohesion, reduce the interspaces between its particles, and provide it with important elements and nutrients for wild plants, and thus Retaining or capturing the largest amount of water and humidity.

University of Kerbala/Faculty of education for pure science

Specialists confirm that Iraq needs to plant more than 12 billion trees at a time when its official green areas (forests) do not reach 2 percent, while the areas exposed to deterioration due to increasing desertification and bulldozing of orchards amount to more than 50 percent.

Reviving and rehabilitating forests and planting areas with these numbers of trees in the coming years could restore some of the clean air to the Iraqi atmosphere after it was polluted by harmful waste from exhausts, factories, and others.

Iraq ranks second as the most polluted country in the world in 2022, according to an annual global survey conducted by a Swiss company that manufactures air purification devices. In 2023, Iraq ranks first in the Arab world in air pollution and sixth in the world.

Reasons for the shrinkage of green spaces

The areas of forest trees have shrunk, whether in Iraq in general or in Karbala Governorate in particular, for many reasons, including unjust cutting and the conversion of lands from agricultural to residential in light of the high temperatures and strong winds laden with dirt and dust, which negatively affected the weather conditions and the lives of people in the country. The choice of tree types varies depending on the region in Iraq, which requires choosing trees according to specific types that can withstand the country’s current conditions in different regions and, at the same time, grow on little water. In this way, new forests can be formed by relying on these trees. Sahib &Algaraawi,2024).

Selection of trees

In the current article, a group of tree types was studied, which combines three characteristics:

1- It must resist high temperatures that reach 50 degrees, especially in the central and southern regions.

2- These tree types demonstrate remarkable adaptability, being tolerant to soil salinity, especially in the central and southern regions of the country. This adaptability instills confidence in their potential to thrive in diverse environments.

3- The third advantage is that it is tolerant to lack of watering, meaning it grows on little water.

Trees suitable for planting inside and outside cities (Karbala Governorate as an example)

Based on the data mentioned above and to develop strategic plans to address the problems of afforestation and forests and to revive artificial forests or green belt forests by selecting trees suitable for the climate of Karbala Governorate, a study was prepared on two groups of trees:

1- A group of trees suitable for planting outside the city

The western areas of Karbala Governorate are characterized by drought and desertification (Sahib & AlGaraawi,2024), so it is necessary to expand the green areas of the Green Belt in those areas. It also requires expansion by increasing the lands cultivated with palm forests or palm oases behind the Green Belt to increase the green areas as much as possible, in addition to their significant economic and tourism returns. This requires that the trees be tolerant to heat, salinity, and lack of watering, and the best suitable trees are:

1- Eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus sp. )

They are considered ideal for creating green belt forests around the city, as in addition to their tolerance to high heat, salinity, and lack of watering, they can be invested in several areas, including beekeeping in their forests due to the quality of eucalyptus honey, which It is the best type of honey in the world.

2- Ghaf tree or honey mesquite, (Prosopis glandulosa)

It is considered one of the trees that tolerate drought and high temperatures, as it can remain without watering for periods. The mesquite tree is long-lived due to its tolerance to harsh climatic conditions and water scarcity. Due to its large flowers in the spring and summer seasons, apiaries can be established.

3- Palm tree oases (Pheonix sp.)

The palm tree is characterized by its tolerance to drought, salinity, and high temperatures, but its fibrous roots are not strong enough to resist strong winds. Therefore, it is preferable to plant it in oases outside the cities after the green belt and surround the perimeter of these oases with strong eucalyptus sidr, olive trees, and fruit trees that are tolerant of high-temperature conditions and groundwater salinity.

4- Sidr trees,( Ziziphus sp. )

It is a tree that is tolerant to high heat and drought. It is a perennial, evergreen, spiny, strong, branched tree that bears sweet-tasting fruits with high nutritional value. It is considered one of the distinct types of fruit. It is preferable to plant it with eucalyptus forests and palm trees.

5- Olea trees (Olea europaea )

The olive tree is an evergreen tree that can produce olives for over a century in some rare cases. It is also recommended that plants be planted in eucalyptus forests and among palm trees.

6- Pomegranate shrubs( Punica sp.)

Pomegranate trees are also considered one of the most suitable fruit trees for cultivation in saline or alkaline soils. The pomegranate tree is regarded as one of the trees highly resistant to drought.

7- Aldeflah ( Nerium sp.)

It is a multi-branched evergreen shrub that is tolerant of high temperatures and drought and can be planted with eucalyptus trees within the green belt forests around the city.

8- Fustuq halabi (Pistachio vera)

The pistachio tree is a separate, seasonal tree that lives long. It is grown in areas characterized by a hot and dry climate and tolerates salty soil. It can be grown in the desert plateau lands west of Karbala Governorate.

9- Tamarix trees

It is an evergreen tree, and its leaves can sometimes fall. The tamarisk tree grows in the harshest climatic conditions, in salty soil, and often forms dense forests. (Al-Garaawi & Hamid,2023).

2-A group of trees suitable for planting within the city

There are many trees suitable for planting within cities, in public parks, in homes, and even in departments, schools, and public facilities. Educational campaigns should be intensified for all segments of society about the dangers of global warming resulting from the decline of vegetation cover, and afforestation initiatives should be encouraged among pupils and students in schools, universities, and at home. There are many ornamental trees and fruit trees that are suitable for the environmental conditions of Karbala Governorate. We chose from them those that are fast-growing and branching and have a practical effect in reducing the impact of global warming and the risk of air and environmental pollution, including:

– All of the trees mentioned above were suggested as suitable trees outside cities are also successful for inside cities such as eucalyptus, palm trees, and others.

– Milia azedarach trees: These are significant trees due to their rapid growth and efficiency in purifying the air from pollutants.

– Acacia cloaca trees

– Egyptian acacia trees

– Acacia trees, in general

-( Cordia myxa ) tree: Ceratonia siliqua carob trees are giant evergreen trees with fruits that have economic and medicinal benefits

– (Populus) trees

– (Morus) mulberry trees

– (Delonix regia) Poinciana trees are large trees with dense flowers in bright colors that dominate most of the tree.

-(Hibiscus tiliaceus), or coastal hibiscus trees, are trees up to 10 meters tall with beautiful, heat-tolerant flowers.

– Infernal (Bougainvillea )

– Blue Jasmine (Jasminum glaucoma) is a fast-growing, evergreen climber

– Indian Jasmine (Plumeria alba), large trees with beautiful flowers

– Elias (Myrtus communis)

– Citrus trees

– The palm of Mary (Vitex agnus-castus)

– (Callistemon viminalis) hero brush

Ass. Pro. Dr.: Israa Nasser Ghulam

Department of Biology
college of education for pure sciences

   Sustainability in biodiversity is one of the types or forms of sustainability in the general sense. What is meant by sustainability in biodiversity is an attempt to preserve a variety of species, ecosystems and genetic changes that represent life and its forms on our planet, to ensure the well-being of current and future generations. To achieve this kind of sustainability requires the use of sustainable practices to create a balance between the needs of current and future generations, and thus a commitment to protecting and preserving biodiversity [1]. All of this requires sustainable biodiversity management and implementation . Multiple strategies, including preserving habitats, trying to restore degraded ecosystems, preventing the depletion of the Earth’s natural resources, respecting and imposing environmental limits. Biodiversity is a comprehensive term that includes the amazing diversity of life forms. One, and the basic interactions of ecosystems that contain these species from creation to the present day, but it is noticeable during this period that the rate of loss of biodiversity has become alarming, and this is due to a series of factors, including human activities and habitat destruction. The excessive use of the natural resources of the environment, the increase in pollution and its factors, in addition to climate change are all factors that contribute to the acceleration of the extinction of species and biodiversity at a rate that feels dangerous. and education on the concept of sustainability . One of the most important ways to improve and preserve ecosystems and biodiversity is [2]. Protect natural habitats. [3]. and the establishment of reserves to protect endangered species and ecosystems. [4] Promoting sustainable agriculture [5] Pollution reduction: Reducing pollution levels in air, water and soil to. [6] and promoting genetics and the use of genetic techniques to conserve and restore populations of
endangered species. [7]. The most important step is to increase the cultural awareness of society members in general and those concerned with the issue of sustainability in particular. This is achieved in several ways through increasing courses and seminars, activating the role of organizations concerned and interested in sustainability, publishing posters and intensifying the role of audio-visual media.

Reffrence :
World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (2020). Living Planet Report 2020 –
Bending the Curve of Biodiversity Loss. WWF International.
Wiek, A., et al. (2012). The problem with problem solving: promoting-
transition instead of “solutioning”. Sustainability Science, 7(1), 95-116.
https://www.nature.org/en-us/404-
https://www.iucn.org/our-work/protected-areas-and-land-use-
https://www.fao.org/sustainable-development-goals-helpdesk/en-
https://unep.org/interactive/beat-plastic-pollution-
https://www.iucn.org/our-work/biodiversit –

The Biology Department at the College of Education for Pure Sciences organized a training course on (Sustainable Development: Towards the Best Ways to Solve Thermal Pollution Problems). The lecturer, Prof. Dr. (Ban Taha Muhammad), lectured.
This course aimed to know the impact of air conditioning facing urban environments and rising temperatures from multiple sources. Air conditioners, generators and global warming contribute to this problem. These conditions create ideal environments for harmful microorganisms such as yeast and mold.
The course also included several axes on the environmental impact of air conditioning and the release of heat that external air conditioning units release directly into urban environments. This effect is amplified in narrow spaces between buildings and knowing its damage to vegetation cover as surrounding trees are exposed to burns as a result of operating equipment and microbial growth in urban environments through high humidity.
The researcher recommended the need to pay attention to such topics in order to harness renewable energy to reduce thermal emissions and use technological methods in terms of modern ventilation and improving air circulation that reduces humidity and microbial growth. As well as water management, sustainable water infrastructure helps cool urban environments.

The College of Education for Pure Sciences honored the scientific and preparatory committees and the reception committee in the College of Education for Pure Sciences by the respected Dean of the College of Education for Pure Sciences, Prof. Dr. (Hamida Eidan Salman), and the Administrative Assistant of Al-Ameed Private University, Prof. Dr. (Mushtaq Karim Abdul Rahim) for their effective and successful role in completing all the requirements and requirements of the Sustainable Development Conference, which had an effective and distinguished impact on the outcomes of the College of Education for Pure Sciences.

Under the patronage of the President of Kerbala University, Prof. Dr. (Sabah Wajid Ali), and the President of Al-Ameed Private University, Prof. Dr. (Jawdat Nouri Al-Jashmi), and under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Education for Pure Sciences, Prof. Dr. (Hamida Eidan Salman), and under the slogan (Sustainable Universities – A Bright Future), the College of Education for Pure Sciences held its first scientific conference on sustainable development in cooperation with Al-Ameed University affiliated to the Al-Abbas’s Holy Shrine.
The conference began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an and the recitation of Surat Al-Fatihah for the souls of the martyrs of Iraq. And listening to the national anthem. Then, the Dean of the College welcomed all attendees and explained the importance of this conference, which is considered the first scientific conference at the level of Karbala University that adopted the topic of sustainable development to address the most prominent issues of the era and problems facing society by reviewing the most prominent experiences and mechanisms and then developing appropriate solutions for them.
The Administrative Assistant of Al-Ameed Private University, Prof. Dr. (Mushtaq Karim Abdul Rahim), attended and appreciated the efforts of the College of Education for Pure Sciences for adopting this first conference, through which universities took this topic to obtain high-quality education. He explained that this conference is a scientific platform for exchanging visions to achieve sustainability in the university, and through this conference, appropriate solutions can be reached to confront modern challenges. The conference was also attended by many university professors inside and outside the University of Karbala. The conference included its main axes, including all scientific departments to research the mechanisms of scientific reality to achieve the goals of sustainable development. The conference included 38 research papers, 31 of which were accepted and discussed in the sessions of this conference.

The College of Education for Pure Sciences announces the holding of an in-person workshop entitled (How to Conduct Graduation Research for Physics Department Students as Pioneering Projects to Achieve Sustainable Development), on Monday, October 7, 2024, at exactly twelve noon in the Electronics Laboratory in the Physics Department. The workshop will be delivered by (Asst. Lect. Bashir Muhammad Hussein).

In confirmation of the index of educational services in Iraqi universities and their diverse academic programs and their link to the path of sustainable development and its goals, meeting challenges, Keeping Up with changes, contributing to awareness-raising and providing scientific solutions, the Ministry of higher education and scientific research announces that Iraq has achieved the first Arab and seventh place globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 in terms of the number of universities participating in the 2024 edition, which witnessed the competition of 2152 from 125 countries around the world.
Based on the results achieved, which showed Iraq in a distinguished ranking, Iraqi higher education and scientific research institutions are proceeding with confidence in improving the quality of university performance and providing a positive educational environment that meets the requirements of scientific knowledge and technical skills required by community service and standards of quality education and academic accreditation that coincide with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.