Leopards Beyond Borders

Calls for ‘Nature Peshmerga’ to protect wildlife in Kurdistan

2024-08-15 | 13:21

NEWSROOM — Leopards Beyond Borders, an organization focused on protecting endangered wildlife, including Persian leopards and brown bears in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, has proposed the creation of ranger forces or “Nature Peshmerga” to safeguard the region’s wildlife.

Led by Hana Ahmed, the organization submitted a seven-point proposal to the authorities. Ahmed expressed concern over recent wildlife threats, stating, “The period has been marked by unlawful hunting and distressing news, such as the series of killings of wild goats in Bamo [a mountain in Garmiyan, near Iran border] and the brutal murder a [brown] bear of from Balakayati, which have become subjects of discussions among our citizens.”

The proposal highlights the recent finding of an endangered brown bear shot dead in the Balakayati area within the Soran independent administration, noted by its visible bullet wounds. This incident has triggered an investigation by regional authorities and underscores the urgency for dedicated wildlife protection measures.

The proposed “Rangers” or “Nature Peshmerga” would operate within the region’s Forestry Police as a specialized unit. The organization emphasized the need for these rangers to have clearly defined responsibilities and authority, and for their positions to be supported by necessary resources and robust backing, allowing them to “enforce the law without risking their lives” and ensuring that offenders cannot evade justice.

Further suggestions include expanding monitoring points under the Forestry Police, staffed by committed individuals under competent leadership, and implementing risk insurance for rangers working in mountainous and remote areas. The organization also recommends that rangers who apprehend poachers receive appropriate compensation, advocating for legally sanctioned rewards similar to those given for other law enforcement actions.

Additionally, Leopards Beyond Borders urged the government to recognize and support individuals and communities dedicated to “selflessly protect the forests”, mountains, and wildlife of Kurdistan. The organization also called for amendments to Law No. 8 of 2008 on the protection and rehabilitation of the environment and Directive No. 1 of 2021 regarding poaching, to ensure stricter enforcement.

Hana Ahmed remarked on the broader challenges of wildlife protection, saying to 964media, “These proposals aim not to [completely] irradicate illegal activities, which is impossible, but to control them. The penalties need to be harsher than they currently are. It’s evident to all of us that in the region, we have laws and regulations, but the challenge lies in their enforcement.”

Ahmed also highlighted judicial leniency amid economic downturns, noting that courts often do not enforce the set penalties for killing a bear, which should include a fine of 10 million IQD ($7,630) and an imprisonment sentence of no less than one month.