The National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) announced on Tuesday that its competent services have launched a series of in-depth investigations following the illegal cutting of 36 Aleppo pine trees observed on January 11 in the Boulaouane state-owned area, located in the province of El Jadida.
In a statement, the Agency indicates that it “wants to inform the public of the immediate measures taken to address this matter with the utmost rigor.”
Based on the initial findings of the investigation, “the presumed involvement of four individuals has been established, including a rider from the local forestry district of Azemmour,” adds the same source.
To this end, the ANEF has filed an official complaint with the Attorney General of the King in El Jadida, in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, and is working closely with judicial authorities and security services to identify all those responsible and ensure they are held accountable for their actions before the law.
As the manager of the national forest heritage, the ANEF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the Kingdom’s forest resources and applying a zero-tolerance policy against any form of degradation or illegal exploitation. To strengthen these efforts, the Agency will implement all necessary human, technical, and logistical means to clarify the circumstances of this offense and prevent such acts in the future.
It also calls on citizens to cooperate by reporting any illegal acts affecting forests, as their preservation is a collective responsibility for the benefit of present and future generations, and will continue its efforts to enforce the law and preserve the Kingdom’s forest ecosystems as part of the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy.