'Nature serves us'

Environmental activists supply water to wildlife in Rzgary amid severe drought

SULAYMANIYAH — With the Kurdistan Region grappling with an unusually dry winter, environmental activists in Rzgary, one of four sub-districts in Kalar under the autonomous Garmian administration, are stepping up efforts to support local wildlife by delivering drinking water to wild animals and birds.

This year has seen significantly lower rainfall across much of the Kurdistan Region, intensifying concerns among farmers and prompting residents in several areas to engage in communal prayers—Salat Al-Istisqa—for rain over the past two weeks.

“In previous years, we only provided water for animals and birds during the summer and hot seasons,” Yasin Hama Amin, an environmental activist, told 964media. “But now, even though it is winter, we have had to bring water to the plains of Rzgary because of the lack of rain.”

To ensure a steady water supply, activists have constructed several cement basins in the plains. This week, they filled the basins and observed flocks of birds gathering around them.

“Every week, we visit the basins and monitor the animals that come to drink,” Amin explained. “Several tanker drivers have volunteered to deliver water to the basins once a week until the rain arrives.”

For the activists, their mission extends beyond merely sustaining animal life. “It is very important to carry out such initiatives,” Nagham Mohammed, another environmental activist, emphasized. “Nature serves us, and we must serve nature in return.”

The Garmian region is home to diverse wildlife, including goitered deer, gazelles, and wild goats. In addition to environmental challenges and droughts, these species face threats from poaching, efforts to which local authorities are actively responding.

According to the Garmiyan Environmental Protection Organization, the deer population in the Garmiyan area has drastically declined over seven years, plummeting from 12,000 in 2013 to fewer than 5,000 in 2020. This sharp decrease is primarily attributed to ongoing hunting and trading activities.