Latest news with #Chergui
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Climate
- Morocco World
ANEF: 86% Drop in Forest Fires, Allocates $16 Million for 2025
Doha – Morocco recorded an important decrease in forest fires in 2024. Only 874 hectares of forest were destroyed by fire. This represents an 86% reduction compared to 2023. The country achieved the lowest burned area among Mediterranean countries. The National Water and Forest Agency (ANEF) released these figures on Thursday. ANEF Director General Abderrahim Houmy chaired a meeting of the National Steering Committee for Forest Fire Prevention and Control. The meeting focused on reviewing 2024 results and preparing for summer 2025. A total of 382 forest fires were reported across Morocco in 2024. Tree species accounted for 55% of the affected vegetation. The Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region experienced the highest number of incidents with 123 fires (32% of the total). The Fes-Meknes region suffered the largest burned area with 375 hectares (41% of the total damaged area). This positive outcome occurred despite extreme weather conditions. 2024 was the hottest year in Morocco in the last 300 years. The 2023-2024 agricultural year was also the driest, with rainfall 46.6% below normal levels compared to the 1991-2010 average. ANEF officials stressed their rapid response capabilities. About 95% of fires in 2024 were contained before reaching 5 hectares. Only three fires (1% of incidents) exceeded 50 hectares. These larger fires accounted for 43% of the total burned area. Two major fires in Boured (Taza) and Bghaghza (Tetouan) alone destroyed 318 hectares. Authorities deployed 886 personnel and conducted 207 water drops using Canadair aircraft to combat these blazes. Morocco's success contrasts sharply with other Mediterranean countries. Portugal lost 143,300 hectares to fires, Turkey 119,980 hectares, Spain 42,508 hectares, and Greece 41,855 hectares during the same period. Several factors contributed to Morocco's success. These include slightly more favorable local weather conditions, strengthened intervention forces, and targeted awareness campaigns. The implementation of an important program focusing on equipment and inter-institutional coordination also played a crucial role. ANEF issues a clear warning Looking ahead to summer 2025, ANEF warns of high-risk conditions. Recent spring rainfall has delayed the high-risk season but promoted the growth of flammable herbaceous vegetation. Dry Chergui winds are expected to increase fire risks. Cumulative drought and high temperatures could amplify fire outbreaks. To address these challenges, ANEF has allocated MAD 160 million ($16 million) for prevention, surveillance, and firefighting efforts. About 90% of this budget is dedicated to anticipatory measures. These include maintaining firebreaks, opening forest trails, monitoring through lookouts and spotters, and risk mapping. More than 1,400 fire spotters will be deployed in sensitive areas. ANEF is also studying the implementation of a unified intervention command system (ICS) in partnership with the US Forest Service. The agency continues to implement the 2023-2033 Intersectoral Master Plan (PDCI). This plan structures integrated fire risk management through several axes. These include improving knowledge, standardizing practices, restoring burned areas, and adapting the legal framework. A draft guidance law is being adopted to modernize forest risk governance. ANEF reminds the public that most fires are human-caused. The agency urges campers, hikers, herders, and beekeepers to exercise extreme caution. Preserving Morocco's forest heritage is crucial for territorial resilience against climate change. Citizens are encouraged to report any fire outbreaks or suspicious behavior. The Moroccan forest domain, like the rest of the Mediterranean region, remains exposed to risk due to heat waves, decreased humidity, and increased frequency of dry Chergui winds. Read also: FAO and Morocco's Water, Forest Agency Unite to Tackle Wildfire Challenges Tags: forest fire in Moroccowildfire in Morocco
African Manager
13-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Total number of permits in force is 15 at end of March 2025
The total number of permits in force at the end of March 2025 was 15, including 14 exploration permits and 1 prospecting permit, according to the energy situation report published by the National Observatory of Energy and Mines. The total number of concessions is 56, of which 44 are in production. The State participates through ETAP in 34 of these production concessions and directly in 3. With regard to development permits, the Observatory indicated that a new development well (Chergui) will be drilled at the end of March 2025, in addition to the continuation of the drilling of a well (Sidi Marzoug) started in 2023. Regarding exploration permits, the Observatory stated that no new exploration or seismic acquisition will be carried out until that date.
Morocco World
29-03-2025
- Climate
- Morocco World
Morocco Raises Alert Level as Desert Locusts Appear in Southeast
Doha – Morocco's Interior Ministry announced today that the country has heightened its preparedness levels following the detection of limited desert locust swarms in southeastern regions, amid growing concerns about locust movements from the African Sahel and Northwest Africa. 'All relevant sectors and specialized services have raised vigilance, mobilization, and preparedness levels to face all challenges related to the spread of this type of insect,' the ministry stated in an official release, noting that the situation remains 'under control and not cause for concern at present.' Locust swarms were recently spotted 'on a limited scale and in restricted numbers in some southeastern areas of the kingdom,' the ministry confirmed, saying that this has prompted the implementation of necessary preventive measures to address all potential developments. As part of its proactive response, authorities have reactivated command centers across affected provinces to monitor the situation and take necessary actions. These measures include mobilizing resources, putting all intervention means on standby, and forming specialized teams equipped with machinery, equipment, and pesticides for surveillance and locust control operations. The ministry emphasized that aerial resources have also been mobilized. 'It is necessary to confirm the availability of sufficient pesticide stocks to deal with any emergency,' the ministry stated, adding that intervention teams are taking all necessary precautions to protect ecosystems and preserve biodiversity of natural environments, including water, plant, and animal resources. Read also: Baitas: Morocco's Water Reserves Help Agriculture Rebound After Heavy Rains This infestation follows unprecedented locust movements across North Africa, having already impacted agricultural lands in Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria before reaching Morocco's borders. Tunisia has reported treating approximately 600 hectares affected by desert locusts as of March 27, with monitoring operations ongoing across multiple governorates. FAO experts are currently assessing the situation in Tunisia, where favorable conditions for locust expansion exist. Experts explained that recent heavy rains and temperatures between 20-30 degrees Celsius have created favorable conditions for locust breeding in eastern and desert regions. The easterly winds, known as 'Chergui winds,' facilitate the insects' cross-border movement. The ministry pledged that 'all concerned services and sectors will remain mobilized to strengthen monitoring, reconnaissance, and surveillance operations, especially in areas that witness natural locust concentrations, and take various measures to limit its spread and eliminate it.' According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a small locust swarm can consume the same amount of food in one day as 35,000 people, or damage about 100 tons of crops across a square kilometer of fields, potentially threatening food security in affected regions. The ministry stressed that its comprehensive response strategy prioritizes both effective control measures and environmental protection, maintaining readiness while ensuring that all interventions follow protocols for preserving natural resources and biodiversity. Tags: desert locusts in MoroccoMinistry of Interior
