Morocco is grappling with an escalating wildfire crisis fueled by a prolonged drought and soaring temperatures with the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) having issued a stark warning about the heightened risk of forest fires this summer.
The country’s forests have been increasingly vulnerable, covering approximately 12% of its landmass. In 2023 alone, 466 fires ravaged 6,426 hectares of forest.
The ongoing drought, now in its sixth year, has exacerbated conditions, posing additional challenges to the vital agricultural sector.
To combat this growing threat, Morocco is turning to advanced technology, with artificial intelligence, drones, and satellite imagery being deployed to predict fire risks, monitor hotspots, and facilitate rapid response.
The ANEF is leading these efforts, with plans to acquire seven drones and collaborate with the Royal Center for Remote Sensing from Space on satellite technology.
While technological advancements are crucial, public awareness remains a cornerstone of Morocco’s wildfire prevention strategy.
The ANEF conducts annual campaigns to educate residents living near forests about fire safety and prevention measures.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire. Recent fires, such as the one that destroyed 12 hectares near Tangier, underscore the urgency of the problem. Authorities have issued extreme wildfire danger alerts for several provinces and are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution.
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