Alleged destruction of pine forests in Nador: ANEF’s development

The National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) on Sunday dismissed “unfounded” allegations about the destruction of pine plants at a forestry nursery in Nador.

In a clarification in response to the allegations recently spread on social networks and by certain media outlets that ANEF had taken a decision to destroy 940,000 pine plants in this nursery, the agency would like to clarify that “these allegations are completely unfounded and in no way substantiated “that they reflect reality” and that they contradict the ambitious goals of reforestation and environmental protection that the ANEF pursues.

“The affected 940,000 plants are an essential part of the reforestation work currently underway in the region through five construction contracts aimed at planting almost 1,000 hectares of forest in the Zaou (Nador) and Debdou (Taourirt) areas.”displays ANEF. “These carefully produced and cared for plants are waiting to be brought to the planting sites at the optimal time for their planting”; she explained.

With regard to the management of possible surpluses, the Agency emphasizes that in the event of a surplus being identified, after allocating the necessary quantities to reforestation programs, they would be used in strict compliance with the applicable rules.

These properties could therefore be allocated to local environmental initiatives through in-kind grants to institutions, associations and cooperatives, reports ANEF.