Science Magazine warns of threat to Talassemtane National Park from expanding Cannabis farming

Science magazine warned Thursday that Talassemtane National Park in Morocco, a vital biodiversity hotspot, faces significant threats from expanding cannabis farming within its borders. The peer-reviewed journal highlighted the severe ecological risks confronting Morocco’s diverse flora and fauna.

Talassemtane National Park, part of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean and listed on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list, is undergoing substantial ecological degradation due to illegal deforestation for cannabis cultivation.

Morocco recently legalized cannabis cultivation for medical, industrial, and cosmetic uses in the northern Rif region. This move aims to boost farmers’ incomes, protect them from drug traffickers, and position Morocco competitively in the global cannabis market.

Science reported that the park lost 2,850 hectares of forest between 2001 and 2018, representing 4.8% of its total area. Additionally, 4,440 hectares, or 7.5%, of the park were destroyed by forest fires during the same period, with many fires intentionally set to clear land for cannabis cultivation.

These activities have exacerbated the park’s ecological deterioration beyond the impact of traditional farming methods.

The magazine noted that the lucrative cannabis crop has driven farmers to burn forests and clear slopes, leading to severe land degradation. The park, home to rare ecosystems such as Moroccan fir and Atlas cedar, and endangered species like the Barbary macaque, has suffered significant environmental damage.

Science called for stronger enforcement of regulations by the Moroccan National Agency for Water and Forests to combat illegal cultivation and restore damaged areas.

It also suggested that clarifying land ownership and establishing a supervisory committee could help address the issue. Additionally, developing ecotourism initiatives could provide sustainable alternatives to cannabis farming, offering economic benefits while preserving the park’s environment.