On Monday, August 18, 2025, Mergasor Technical Institute, in collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Salahaddin University, Zoom Veterinary, and the Erbil Zoo, organized a first aid training course for wild animals and practical skills development for the Peshmergas of the Barzan Environmental Protection Battalion.
The event took place in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Dr Amir Chali, and the Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University, Prof. Idris Mohammed Tahir.
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Talib Omer delivered the following speech:
Speech of Dr. Talib Mohammed Sharif Omer
In the name of God, the Almighty, the Most Gracious
Distinguished guests, dear commanders, heroic Peshmergas, and environmental officers:
On behalf of the Council of Mergasor Technical Institute and Erbil Polytechnic University, I warmly welcome you to this important academic event—our training course entitled “First Aid for Wild Animals: Developing Practical Skills for Peshmerga Environmentalists.”
This course, organized in collaboration with Salahaddin University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Zoom Veterinary, the Erbil Zoo, the Erbil Veterinary Directorate, and in coordination with the Barzan Environmental Protection Command, focuses on practical techniques for the safe handling and protection of wildlife.
Ladies and gentlemen:
This activity is not only an academic exercise—it is a moral responsibility. We are applying science to protect nature, restore balance to the environment, and safeguard the biodiversity of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the Middle East.
As we always affirm: science has value only when it serves real life. What we are doing here today is a practical demonstration of that principle.
Our ancestors, long before modern laws were written, created and respected customary environmental rules.
Their wisdom laid the foundation for biodiversity conservation in this region—so much so that what exists in Barzan today can be compared to the most advanced countries of the world.
They understood that every living being has a place in the ecosystem and plays a vital role in maintaining balance. Therefore, this work we are undertaking is not only scientific, but also religious, moral, and national in nature.
This initiative draws inspiration from the sacred values of the Barzan sheikhs, who over a century ago emphasized the protection of nature. In their honor, I dedicate this course to their noble memory, and we pledge to continue their legacy—transforming their moral duty into a scientific and national tradition across Kurdistan.
Dear participants:
Wild animals are an essential part of nature, preserving both the balance of life and the beauty of creation. Yet, history shows that humans have not always treated them properly, leading to environmental harm and disruption of ecosystems.
As a scientific institution, we felt it our duty to organize this course. Through it, we aim to strengthen knowledge and practical skills in first aid for wild animals, enabling the Peshmergas of the Environmental Protection Battalion to protect wildlife effectively in any critical situation.
The world today faces grave environmental challenges. According to WWF, around 70% of global wildlife species are threatened with extinction. Climate change, water scarcity, and human negligence have all disrupted the balance of life.
For this reason, international organizations constantly urge governments to safeguard biodiversity and raise awareness. We fully believe that protecting wildlife is not only a scientific responsibility, but also a religious, moral, environmental, and human obligation.