Report: Morocco lost 3,500 hectares of forest in last decade

Data from the “Global Forest Watch” platform platform, which uses state-of-the-art technology to monitor forests worldwide, reveal that in 2010, Morocco had around 381,000 hectares of natural forest, representing 0.98% of the country’s total surface area.

However, recent analyses indicate an alarming loss of 3,510 hectares of these forests by 2023, a worrying decline that stems from multiple factors, such as climate change and the intensification of human activities, notably agriculture and galloping urbanization.

This decline highlights the pressing environmental challenges facing Morocco, requiring urgent action to preserve forests and promote sustainability through initiatives such as reforestation and the adoption of environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.

Historical data shows that in 2000, Morocco had 649,000 hectares of forest cover, or 1.6% of its national surface area. A low figure on a global scale, since it represents only 0.1% of the planet’s total forest area.

However, international comparisons place Morocco on a par with countries such as Denmark, with 663,000 hectares of forest, and Albania, which also has 649,000 hectares.

Other Balkan nations, such as Montenegro, with 616,000 hectares, and the Netherlands, with 593,000 hectares, have lower figures than Morocco. These comparisons underline the urgency of sustainable forest management in Morocco, in the face of the growing threats of deforestation and climate change.

In 2000, vegetated areas with a tree cover of over 30% accounted for 1.5% of total land use in Morocco. This figure testifies to the importance of natural forests as essential sources of biodiversity and environmental protection.

In addition, Global Forest Watch data indicate that the total area of other land uses in Morocco is around 40.7 million hectares, highlighting the challenges the country faces in striking a balance between agricultural development and environmental preservation. These figures are a reminder of the crucial importance of improving land management and promoting sustainability to ensure the protection of Morocco’s forests and biodiversity.