On the occasion of the National Day for Forest Fire Prevention, celebrated on May 21st each year, local authorities, in collaboration with the Royal Gendarmerie, the Water and Forests department, the Provincial Directorate of National Education, as well as educational institutions, have launched an awareness program in partnership with the National Agency for Water and Forests to address and prevent forest fires, especially considering the approaching summer season and the expected increase in tourist activities and family excursions, which raise the risk of forest fires. This program includes two days of awareness sessions, the first targeting students from primary and secondary schools, and the second targeting vacationers and residents living near forests.
The awareness campaign started on May 11th and will continue throughout the summer, with a weekly program including live workshops and regular patrols.
The Taforalt Directorate, renowned for hosting the natural forest of Beni Znassen, considered a significant forest heritage rich in biodiversity, initiated the first day of awareness targeting schoolchildren in the region. The emphasis was placed on the importance of preserving the forest environment and the roles of individuals in protecting forests and their inhabitants, by avoiding bushfires as much as possible.
The second day featured an awareness campaign involving farmers, forest rangers, local associations, municipal authorities, local media, as well as community initiatives aimed at informing local residents about potential dangers and promoting safe and responsible practices to prevent forest fires.
