The Salé Al Jadida forest, considered an essential space for the Rabat-Salé metropolitan area, is experiencing a concerning state of degradation. This area for relaxation and leisure is now overrun with waste and is affected by contested developments, sparking a strong reaction from civil society and environmentalists. These observations are reported by the daily newspaper Al Akhbar.
In the Sidi Aamira sector, vast areas are turning into open dumps, where various types of garbage and abandoned plastic boxes are accumulating. Environmental advocates are raising alarms about the situation, reminding that this forest is one of the few natural spaces accessible to families and sports enthusiasts, especially on weekends.
At the same time, recent developmental work in this forested area has sparked numerous debates. Some local stakeholders question the appropriateness of the interventions carried out and their compliance with ecological requirements. They point out that this space held significant symbolic value since the adoption of the “Rabat, Green City” vision in 2010, which they believe is now compromised by the current state of affairs.
Several issues intertwine: the retreat of vegetation cover, garbage deposits, and the influx of waste from nearby construction sites. Criticism is also directed at certain reforestation decisions, particularly the planting of trees in the peak summer heat, an unfavorable time that has led to the drying out of many saplings. Additionally, there is a perceived lack of adequate protection, with developed areas surrounded by ineffective fencing that allows vehicles to pass through.
Local stakeholders finally stress the absence of suitable infrastructure for waste management. They believe that the existing containers are insufficient to handle the volumes produced by visitors, further exacerbating the degradation of this vital natural space.
With Al Akhbar.