Reacting to certain media articles expressing concerns about work being conducted near the Maâmora forest, considered one of the largest cork oak forests in the Mediterranean basin, the National Agency for Forestry (ANEF) sought to clarify facts to reassure public opinion, emphasizing that no construction or urban development permits have been issued within the forest domain, which remains inalienable and protected by law.
“The areas mentioned in some articles actually relate to declassified plots of the forest domain, integrated into the urban perimeter of Kenitra, intended for public interest projects included in the strategic development plan of the province, presented before His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him,” the Agency stated in a release.
Regarding the high-speed railway project, and with a constant aim to preserve the cork oak forest—an emblematic native species—ANEF has implemented a unique project for transplanting cork oak trees located along the route.
This operation, conducted with the support of experts and innovative techniques, has achieved a success rate exceeding 85%, illustrating the Agency’s commitment to balancing infrastructure development and the preservation of natural heritage.
Concerning the Errachad bypass, the route was defined due to the lack of a viable alternative and required the limited clearing of 58 cork oak trees and 78 eucalyptus trees.
In this regard, ANEF emphasizes that the forest area adjacent to the Errachad neighborhood had gradually transformed into an illegal dumping site for household and inert waste, noting that the bypass project will eventually contribute to rehabilitating this degraded space and establishing a protective belt around the urban forest of Sâkniya, thereby enhancing its protection and integration into the urban fabric.
It further reminds that all these projects have undergone environmental impact studies and are being executed in strict compliance with legal and regulatory procedures. They align with a logic of balance between territorial development and the safeguarding of natural heritage, in accordance with the “Forests of Morocco 2020–2030” Strategy.
The Agency also commends the involvement of local associations and civil society actors working for environmental protection and reaffirms its readiness for dialogue and consultation in a spirit of transparency and shared responsibility.
ANEF remains fully committed to preserving biodiversity, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting sustainable management of the Maâmora forest, for the sake of sustainable development and the well-being of populations, the statement concludes.
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