The National Agency for Water and Forest Resources has begun the process of afforestation of about 1300 hectares in the commune of Guelmam Azkza in the province of Khenifra.
This afforestation process will be carried out by “involving residents in this process by paying them compensation for grazing in the amount of one thousand dirhams per hectare,” according to the agency’s director general, Abdul Rahim Homi.
In an interview with the Al Youm 24 website, he explained that his agency provided AED5.5 million to compensate forest pasture workers in the region, which allowed them to seek other sources and improve their social and economic situation.
This initiative, according to Hassan Chilas, a research professor in biodiversity at Mavla Ismail University in Meknes, would avoid the mistakes of the previous phase, which eliminated the participatory approach.
He added that these mistakes are being corrected by establishing a strong relationship between the forest, the population and water management and forestry, which encourages the inhabitants of the region to protect the forest fund.
It is noteworthy that the National Agency for Water and Forest Resources celebrated yesterday, Tuesday, in the province of Khenifra the International Day of Forests, during which an agreement was signed with the Forestry Development Organization of the Akelmam Azkza commune, which is part of a network that includes several local associations consisting of various users of the forest.
The agreement is the first of its kind since the launch of the Moroccan Forestry Strategy 2020-2030, while 30 new agreements with similar groups are being prepared for signing.
This agreement is part of the first axis of the Forests of Morocco 2020-2030 strategy, which calls for a restructuring of the participatory approach and reconciliation of Moroccans with their forest space.
