The National Water and Forests Agency (ANEF) denied, on Sunday, “unfounded” allegations about the destruction of pine plants in a forest nursery located in Nador.
In a clarification in reaction to the allegations recently relayed on social networks and by certain media, claiming that the ANEF would have taken a decision to destroy 940,000 pine plants in this nursery, the Agency wishes to clarify that “these assertions are totally unfounded and in no way reflect reality” and that they are in opposition to the ambitious objectives of reforestation and environmental preservation pursued by ANEF.
“The 940,000 plants concerned are an integral part of the reforestation work currently carried out in the region, as part of five works contracts aimed at planting nearly 1,000 hectares of forests in the areas of Zaou (Nador) and Debdou (Taourirt)”indicates ANEF. “These plants, carefully produced and maintained, are waiting to be transferred to the planting sites at this optimal time for their planting”; she explained.
With regard to the management of possible surpluses, the Agency emphasizes that in the event of a surplus being noted after the allocation of the necessary quantities to reforestation programs, these would be used in strict compliance with the regulations in force.
These lots could thus be allocated to local environmental initiatives, through in-kind subsidies granted to institutions, associations and cooperatives, ANEF reports.
