Strengthening the Fight Against Environmental Offenses: ANEF Contributes to CESE Efforts for an Integrated Approach from Sanction to Restoration

Strengthening the Fight Against Environmental Harm in Morocco

As part of its report on combating environmental violations in Morocco, titled “From Penalty to Repair: Making the Chain Effective”, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), as a constitutional institution for dialogue and proposals, held a hearing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, dedicated to the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF).

This meeting aligns with CESE’s participatory and inclusive approach, aimed at enriching its work through contributions from relevant institutional stakeholders. During the session, ANEF presented an overview of forest and wildlife violations, alongside the legal and regulatory framework governing the protection, sustainable management, and valorization of forest resources and biodiversity.

Structural Reforms Enhancing Public Action Efficiency

ANEF highlighted the reforms initiated under the strategy “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030”, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, particularly regarding the reorganization and modernization of the Water and Forest Police.

These reforms, implemented since 2023, have enabled:

• Strengthened capabilities for monitoring, prevention, and enforcement,
• Improved coordination of field interventions,
• And promoted a more integrated and participatory approach to forest resource management.

In this context, Mr. Abderrahim Houmy, Director General of ANEF, emphasized that:

“Harming our forest heritage is not inevitable. These acts result from both human and climatic factors, which can be addressed through an integrated approach based on awareness, accountability of stakeholders, and strict law enforcement. Therefore, combating these violations relies on modern surveillance mechanisms, reinforcing the legal framework, and actively involving local actors.”

The discussions also highlighted the initial positive impacts of these initiatives, particularly in reducing violations in several sensitive areas, such as the Middle Atlas and Maâmora.

Strengthened Inter-Institutional Cooperation

The meeting underscored the strategic importance of the institutional partnerships developed by ANEF, particularly through agreements made with:

• The Court of Cassation (2022),
• The General Directorate for National Security (2024),
• And the Royal Gendarmerie (2025).

These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to enhance coordination among various institutions, which is essential for effectively combating harm to forest and wildlife heritage.

Contributing to an Integrated Vision for Environmental Protection

This hearing provided valuable input for CESE’s deliberations on mechanisms that could strengthen the effectiveness of the chain from sanctioning to remedying environmental violations.

It fits into a collective dynamic aimed at:

• Enhancing the protection of natural heritage,
• Improving the efficacy of legal and operational frameworks,
• And reconciling the preservation of natural resources with the needs of local communities.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Development

Through its contributions to CESE’s work, ANEF reaffirms its commitment to strengthened environmental governance, based on inter-institutional coordination, effective control mechanisms, and the promotion of sustainable management of forest ecosystems.

Press Contact

Naoual CHIHI

Communication and Press Relations Advisor to the Director General

National Agency for Water and Forests

06 61 04 73 48

Email: [email protected]