HIBAPRESS – Fikri Weldali
Concerns are growing regarding the state of the forest cover on Mount Agarndru, adjacent to the summit of Mount Tidghine, in the municipality of Abdel Ghayia Souahel, under the leadership of Ikawen in the Al Hoceima province. This is in light of circulating information about the depletion and vandalism of rare cedar trees, which could pose a threat to the ecological balance and forest wealth of the region.
In the face of these developments, voices from those concerned with local affairs are rising, demanding clarification of what is happening in this forest area and calling for a field investigation to ascertain the nature of potential damages and verify any illegal logging or destruction of trees.
These concerns place the Water and Forests department under the responsibility of clarifying the measures adopted to monitor and protect the forest, and the regularity of field patrols aimed at confronting any transgressions that might target this natural heritage, which constitutes significant environmental wealth in Al Hoceima province.
The situation also raises questions about the role of local authorities, particularly the district governor and the leader of the Ikawen leadership, in monitoring field conditions and coordinating with relevant departments, each within their respective jurisdictions, to ensure the protection of forest property and deal with any potential violations in accordance with applicable laws.
In this context, demands are being directed towards the governor of Al Hoceima province to intervene and issue the necessary instructions for an urgent field inspection of Mount Agarndru, to verify the accuracy of the circulating information, and to determine responsibilities based on the investigation's findings, while taking the necessary legal actions if violations are proven.
The importance of protecting cedar forests is not limited to preserving the trees themselves but extends to safeguarding ecological balance, natural diversity, and ensuring the sustainability of this wealth for future generations. This necessitates enhanced field monitoring and a serious and transparent approach to anything that threatens the forest area.
Will the competent authorities take action to clarify what is happening on Mount Agarndru and put an end to any potential depletion of cedar trees, or will these concerns continue to await an intervention that restores reassurance to those concerned with environmental affairs in the province?
