Every day, 69-year-old Ihsan Muhsin walks long distances in the Rzgari desert in Kalar, carrying 12 bottles of water with him. Its mission is simple but essential: to ensure hydration for wild animals and birds during the region’s scorching summers. From dawn to dusk, Ihsan takes care of 17 water points spread across the plains, where animals such as doves, sparrows, rabbits and foxes refresh themselves and find relief from the heat.
For over two years Ihsan has been carrying out this daily routine, which began when he noticed the suffering of the local fauna. At first he carried just a few bottles, but then gradually increased the number to twelve. Each route is carefully planned: between one stop and another to fill the containers, observe the animals approaching with caution, testifying to a silent but intense bond between man and nature.
The Kurdistan area, like much of Iraq, faces severe drought and temperatures that often exceed 50°C in summer. The combination of poor rainfall and drops in aquifer levels has made life for wild animals extremely difficult. Ihsan’s action, therefore, is not just symbolic: it represents a concrete contribution to the survival of local fauna and the preservation of the ecological balance.
An example that inspires the world
The images of Ihsan walking in the desert with his bottles quickly conquered the international public, appearing in publications such as Al Jazeera And Reuters. His dedication has attracted the attention of volunteers, NGOs and local universities, who are working together to expand the project with new water points and rain harvesting systems. However, the man insists on calling himself “not a hero”, underlining that his action is driven by the simple desire to see the animals survive.
Ihsan Muhsin demonstrates how small gestures can have a big impact. His daily walk among the dunes becomes a symbol of compassion, resilience and attention to life. In a context marked by climate change and indifference, his example reminds us that solidarity and respect for nature are fundamental to keeping hope alive.
You might also be interested in:
