Announcement of Morocco Protects Forests, Prevents Soil Erosion on January 11, 1990

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE World Bank .818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433, U.S.A. *Telephone: (202) 477-1234 BANK NEWS RELEASE NO. 90/43 Contact: Richard Kollodge (202) 477-4507 MOROCCO PROTECTS FORESTS, PREVENTS SOIL EROSION WASHINGTON, January 11, 1990 -- Morocco will protect and develop its forests, control soil erosion on ecologically fragile land, and help meet the fuel needs of the poor through a project being supported by a $49 million World Bank loan. Morocco's forests play an important role in preventing soil erosion, which can devastate agricultural areas and block water supplies. The forests are also the habitat of endangered species of plants and wildlife. But heavy demand for fuelwood and overgrazing in wooded areas are leading to the rapid destruction of these forests, which currently cover only about 8 percent of the country. The project includes an inventory of Morocco's 5.8 million hectares of forest and will lead to improved management of 690,000 hectares of forest, 125,000 hectares of rangeland, and watersheds covering 350,000 hectares. About 32,000 hectares of natural forest will be regenerated and about 44,000 hectares will be planted and used to produce fuelwood or protect watersheds from erosion. Special measures will be taken to prevent overcutting or damage to the ecology of these areas. Two of the country's nature-conservation areas will be equipped, and a program to maintain plant cover around watersheds will be put in place. The project also includes actions aimed at protecting forests of argan trees, which are found only in Morocco and are important in controlling the movement of sand dunes. The project, which is to be carried out under the guidance of Morocco's Department of Forestry and Soil Conservation with participation from rural communities, is expected to result in increased production of wood, forage for herds and other goods; new jobs in the areas covered by the project; and reduced siltation of dams and irrigation networks. The World Bank loan is for 20 years, including five years of grace, with a variable interest rate, currently 7.75 percent, linked to the cost of the Bank's borrowings. It also carries an annual commitment charge of 0.25 percent on the undisbursed balance. Note: Money figures are in U.S. dollar equivalents.