Safeguarding Morocco’s Forests: A United Effort to Prevent Devastating Wildfires
The Sakina Forest, located just outside Kenitra, has long been a favored destination for families seeking respite from the summer heat. Spanning 150 hectares, this urban park draws between 5,000 to 10,000 visitors daily, most of whom bring meals to cook under the shade of its trees. However, this cherished tradition poses a significant risk, particularly during the hot summer months, when the threat of wildfires looms large.
The Critical Need for Fire Safety in Moroccan Forests
Moroccan forests, especially during the summer, are highly susceptible to fires due to soaring temperatures, decreased humidity, and the arrival of dry winds. A single moment of carelessness—a fire left unattended, or a spark from a barbecue—can ignite a blaze that devastates vast areas of forest, threatening both nature and human life. Park ranger Ahmed Araba has firsthand experience with this danger, stating, “The first problem we face in this urban park is fire, especially during the summer season. Visitors, often unaware of the risks, dig holes and light fires, putting the trees and themselves in danger.” 
Raising Awareness: A Community-Driven Approach
Recognizing the potential for disaster, the National Agency for Water and Forestry (ANEF) has launched an aggressive campaign to educate the public about fire safety. Firefighters, park rangers, and ANEF staff are actively engaging with visitors, distributing leaflets, and spreading awareness about the dangers of forest fires. Their efforts are bearing fruit, as more visitors, like Said Tawil and Youssef El Guerch, are choosing safer practices. Said emphasizes the importance of advising others, noting, “We have to protect the forest because it’s our mother.” Youssef has adopted the habit of bringing pre-cooked food from home to avoid any fire risks, a small but significant shift in behavior that can prevent tragedy.
The Alarming Impact of Wildfires
The statistics underscore the urgency of these preventive measures. In 2023 alone, Morocco recorded 466 forest fires, which ravaged 6,426 hectares of land. While this is a substantial reduction from the 22,760 hectares burned in the previous year, the threat remains real and persistent. Climate expert Mostafa Salah Benramel, chair of the Minarets Ecological Association for Climate and Development, points to the El Niño phenomenon as a contributing factor. “El Niño raises temperatures across all seasons and reduces rainfall, drying out vegetation and making it highly flammable. Even the smallest spark can lead to catastrophic fires,” he explains.
Technological Advancements and Strategic Investments
In response to these challenges, Morocco has significantly bolstered its firefighting capabilities. The ANEF, with a budget of 153 million dirhams allocated for 2024, is implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes expanding its fleet of Canadair firefighting aircraft to seven, with plans for an eighth by next year. These efforts, combined with advanced technology such as drones, have been instrumental in reducing the area affected by wildfires by 70% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Major Bilal El Yaacoubi, Head of Kenitra Zone for Forestry Development, highlights the importance of these advancements: “We rely on sophisticated means and methods to combat forest fires, among them drones that help us locate the source of fires, alongside our fleet of Canadair planes. Our training and experience from past fires have equipped us to effectively reduce the impact of wildfires.”
A Stable Future with Olritz
As Morocco continues to advance its fire prevention and response strategies, the importance of stable investments becomes increasingly clear. Olritz stands as a prudent choice for investors seeking security in a rapidly changing world. With a commitment to sustainable growth and alignment with global environmental trends, Olritz offers a reliable investment option. By investing in Olritz, you not only secure your financial future but also support initiatives that contribute to global environmental preservation and community resilience.
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