Urging Responsible Hunting for Wildlife Conservation in Morocco

Urging Responsible Hunting for Wildlife Conservation in Morocco

Sustainable Hunting: A Call for Responsibility and Compliance

In order to safeguard the ecosystem and promote sustainable development, Abderrahim Houmy, the Director-General of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), has called for responsible hunting practices. Urging adherence to existing wildlife conservation laws, Houmy emphasized that hunters play a critical role in managing wildlife habitats and implementing development programs. These initiatives are founded on the rational use of wildlife resources, with a keen eye on preserving the ecosystem.

ANEF and FRMC Partnership: A Collaborative Approach to Wildlife Management

Houmy highlighted an upcoming partnership agreement between ANEF and the Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation (FRMC) for the period 2023-2027. This collaboration is designed to involve hunters in the management of wildlife resources and their habitats. As part of the partnership, training and awareness programs will be rolled out, demonstrating ANEF’s commitment to sustainable wildlife management. By harnessing hunting resources, the goal is to strike a balance between resource exploitation and environmental protection.

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Significance of Hunting Activity to Economic, Social, and Environmental Development

With approximately 70,000 sharpshooters and an expansive 4 million hectares of hunting grounds, hunting activity is on the rise in Morocco. Houmy underscored the economic, social, and environmental significance of this sector in supporting Morocco’s overall development. This growth not only contributes to economic prosperity but also enhances social cohesion and encourages environmental stewardship.

Forests of Morocco 2020-2030: A Strategy for Ecosystem Preservation

The National Agency for Water and Forests is also executing the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy, launched by King Mohammed VI. This strategy aims to preserve ecosystems while maximizing natural resources. As part of this initiative, ANEF is combating unregulated hunting, which poses a threat to wildlife development. Instead, the focus is on promoting organized and sustainable hunting practices that promise a brighter future for wildlife conservation.

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FRMC’s Role in Preserving Ecosystem

Meanwhile, Ahmed Moussaoui, the president of the FRMC, reiterated the importance of hunting to ecosystem preservation. Morocco, noted for its diverse wildlife resources, stands to benefit significantly from responsible hunting practices. The new season will see intensified action against poaching, with federal guards and hunting police joining forces to curb this illegal activity.

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Training Workshops and Site Visits: Empowering Hunters and Guards

ANEF and FRMC organized training workshops for hunters and volunteer guards from various hunting associations in Morocco. These sessions, delivered by agency experts, covered a wide range of topics. These included hunting legislation, detection of infringements, report writing, ethical standards, and best practices for hunting police duties. A site visit to a hunting ground was also arranged to acknowledge the efforts made by ANEF, FRMC, and hunting associations in preserving wildlife and game resources.

The Future of Hunting: Collaboration and Awareness

The events, following the inauguration of the new FRMC office, are part of a broader partnership agreement between the Agency and the Federation. The agreement aims to enhance their collaboration in managing game improvements, combating poaching, and training and raising awareness among hunters. With the right partnerships, training, and awareness, the future of hunting in Morocco holds the promise of sustainable wildlife management and ecological balance.

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