Countries

Forestry policies, institutions and programmes

Administration
The Ministry of Water and Forests is responsible for forest conservation and development. Following the cabinet reshuffle after the 2002 elections, the Ministry of Water and Forests was dropped, then replaced in September 2003 by a High Commission for Water, Forests and Combating Desertification, which has for now retained the structure inherited from the ministry, although major restructuring is anticipated in the near future.

The various ministries concerned with forests are represented on the National Forest Council under the chairmanship of the High Commission for Water, Forests and Combating Desertification. Provincial and local councils are responsible for coordinating and reinforcing the forest development activities of the State and users.

Policies
The long-term development strategy adopted by the Water, Forests and Soil Conservation Directorate stresses the regeneration of natural forests, the promotion of pasture management and the management of hunting and inland fisheries. Quantifiable objectives include the regeneration of 18 000 ha of natural forest per year, stabilization of 31 000 ha of coastal dunes and conservation of ecosystems covering 1.42 million hectares in protected areas.

With regard to protecting forests against fire, the Ministry of Water and Forests gave top priority to forest fire prevention and protection, and the country now has a very full warning system, equipped with radio links and backed up by fire-breaks and forest tracks.

Combating desertification is becoming a priority, as is indicated by the title of the new department and will be reflected in the proposed support programme for the National Forestry Programme Mechanism.

Morocco has an excellent reputation with regard to training, thanks mainly to the Salé Forestry College, which turns out first-class forestry staff for Morocco itself and also for other African countries.

Last updated: November 2003