فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) clarified on Saturday that the seizure of parrots belonging to a tourist guide in Chefchaouen was carried out in accordance with the law. In a statement, the agency explained that its intervention was conducted under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Chefchaouen Court of First Instance, within the framework of legal procedures and in line with its mandates.
The agency noted that the parrots in question fall under Law No. 29.05 concerning the protection of wild fauna and flora species and the regulation of their trade. It added that the tourist guide did not possess the necessary permits to keep these parrots, nor did he have any documents proving that the birds were acquired in compliance with the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The ANEF emphasized that it has intensified its efforts, in coordination with various control services across all regions of the Kingdom, as well as at border crossings and checkpoints, to combat all illegal activities involving endangered wildlife.
The agency explained that parrots, typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, are among the most endangered bird species globally. It expressed concern over the continuous decline in parrot populations in their natural habitats, largely due to illegal trade, as they are often exported from their countries of origin to other parts of the world as pets or for entertainment, owing to their vibrant colors and distinctive calls.
In response to the increasing pressures on these birds, most of which are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the international community has included the majority of parrot species in the CITES appendices to regulate their trade and strengthen international cooperation in combating the illegal trafficking of these protected species.
To implement the provisions of this convention, which Morocco ratified in 1975, the Moroccan government enacted Law No. 29.05 in 2011, along with its implementing decree in 2015, to ensure the protection and regulation of trade in wild species.
The agency also recalled that Article 73 of Law No. 29.05 granted owners of these species a six-month period, starting from the publication of the implementing decree in June 2015, to comply with legal provisions and obtain the required permits.
The ANEF highlighted that it has conducted several awareness campaigns since then through audiovisual media and by organizing conferences and meetings in various regions of Morocco to inform the public about the provisions of this law.
In conclusion, the agency urged all citizens to cooperate with control services to preserve these endangered species, which are considered a natural heritage to be safeguarded for future generations.
