فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a swift response to circulating reports about organized gangs depleting cedar forests in the Atlas Mountains, the National Agency for Water and Forests has broken its silence to clarify the facts and refute the existence of a so-called “cedar mafia.” The agency affirmed that the information being spread is inaccurate and creates baseless panic.
In an official statement, the agency explained that the recorded violation in the Ifrane province involved the illegal cutting of a single cedar tree within a forest property located in the “Tarkist” commune. The area in question is outside the boundaries of licensed exploitation and lies about one kilometer from protected forest land.
The agency confirmed that those involved were not arrested for any “mafia-related activity,” but rather for an administrative violation related to unauthorized exploitation. The vehicle seized at the scene remains impounded at the municipal lot, pending the completion of legal procedures. An official investigation has been opened into the matter.
Regarding the names of forest police officers mentioned in some reports, the agency clarified that they were not suspended due to professional misconduct, but rather due to a previous error in monitoring procedures. They are currently subject to standard administrative procedures and their case is unrelated to the recent incident.
As for the accusations of an “organized network looting cedar forests,” the agency stated that such claims lack factual basis. It emphasized that the implementation of national programs under the “Forests of Morocco 2020–2030” strategy has led to tangible progress in the sustainable management of forest resources. This has been achieved through a participatory approach involving both government authorities and local associations under structured and transparent exploitation contracts.
The statement added that the “Separation of Professions” project, part of the same strategy, enabled the delegation of monitoring tasks to specialized field units. This aligns with a reformist vision aimed at reinforcing good governance and accountability, particularly in combating forest crimes.
The agency concluded by highlighting the “very encouraging” results achieved in recent years, with a noticeable decrease in attacks on forest areas—particularly the cutting and looting of cedar trees. It affirmed that recorded violations are isolated and are dealt with immediately by the relevant authorities.
The National Agency for Water and Forests reiterated that coordination with the Royal Gendarmerie, national security, and the judiciary is ongoing to safeguard natural resources from illegal exploitation.
Source: Fes News Media
