Morocco hosts international workshop on wildfire management

Morocco’s National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) convened an international workshop in Rabat on Wednesday, focusing on strategies to combat the growing threat of wildfires. The event, running through February 15, serves as a collaborative platform for discussions on innovative fire prevention measures, response coordination, and post-fire rehabilitation.

Organized in partnership with FAO’s Mediterranean Forestry Committee (Silva Mediterranea) and the Near East and North Africa Wildland Fire Network (NENEFIRE), this workshop is the first official meeting of the network under Morocco’s leadership. It brings together representatives and experts from 18 Arab and Mediterranean countries to strengthen transboundary cooperation.

Abderrahim Houmy, Director General of ANEF, highlighted the significance of the gathering, emphasizing its role in fostering collaboration among nations at high risk of wildfires. “This initiative helps us share knowledge and build a network that enhances collective responses to forest fires,” Houmy remarked, noting Morocco’s advancements in both fire prevention and response, which have positioned the country as a regional leader.

Mohammed Al-Hiyari, Secretary-General of Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture, praised Morocco’s early warning system as a model for the region. “The use of satellites allows for swift intervention, reducing the destruction caused by fires,” he said.

Fidaa Haddad, a senior FAO official specializing in environmental and forestry programs, warned of the increasing frequency of wildfires and their far-reaching consequences. “Even when the burned areas remain limited, the damage to communities, economies, and ecosystems proves significant,” she stated.

As part of the workshop, participants will also visit Tangier province to observe ANEF’s forest restoration projects, further underscoring the importance of proactive measures in combating wildfire risks.

The event underscores the growing urgency for international collaboration to address the escalating wildfire threat, particularly as climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of such disasters.