The National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) organized an awareness day on Wednesday in Rabat, focusing on the risks of forest fires and their impact on forest heritage and biodiversity. The event targeted students from Abi Dar El Ghifari Middle School. Organized in partnership with the General Directorate of Civil Protection and the Ministries of the Interior and of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, this initiative is part of the national day dedicated to raising awareness about forest fire risks, observed on May 21. Its goal is to promote responsible behavior to prevent fires and to educate students on the importance of forest cover and the need to preserve it. The initiative also aims to raise awareness among younger generations about the dangers of risky behaviors that harm ecosystems and to encourage their involvement in environmental actions to protect forest heritage. Speaking on the occasion, Alae El Mabtoul, head of the Forest Domain Development Unit and Rabat's Green Belt at ANEF, stated that the Agency is committed, on a national level, to organizing awareness activities through this initiative in schools, markets, weekly souks, and villages located near forests. For his part, Zakaria Ben Zwin, director of Abi Dar El Ghifari Middle School, emphasized that this national day served as an opportunity to promote responsible behavior and strengthen student engagement in prevention efforts. Meanwhile, Marouane Hosni, a captain in the Civil Protection service, delivered a presentation on the importance of forests, their vital roles, and the challenges faced by firefighting teams. The awareness day, led by educational staff, ANEF agents, and Civil Protection officers, featured interactive workshops for students on the causes, dangers, and prevention of forest fires.
