Calls to protect the future of Libya's green forests
(14 May 2015) LEAD-IN: Conservationists are concerned that Libya's forests are in danger of disappearing. The already small areas of woodland are under threat from forest fires and loggers. STORY-LINE: The Green Mountains of Libya - the largest area of greenery in a country known better for its desert. It's used for grazing cattle and for leisure activities, such as hiking and picnics. But woodland like this is rare in Libya. "Forests make up a small part of the area of Libya; a part of that doesn't exceed one percent of the total area of Libya," says Atiya Abdul Karim, Professor at the Faculty of Natural Resources at Omar Mukhtar University in Bayda City. "Most of this is here in the Green Mountains, as the reports and statistics show that more than 50 percent of the plants and trees (in Libya) are here in the Green Mountains," he continues. Karim says the plants here are mainly a "mix of different trees and shrubs". But this precious forest is under threat. It's shrinking every day as a result of deforestation and the expansion of settlements. Fires have destroyed 50 hectares (123 acres) of trees in this area alone. But experts say the blame does not only lie with the blazes. "Fires destroy a wide area of forest land. But fire is considered a natural cause and it is infrequent," says Karim. He says loggers are also responsible for the losses. Fires and logging have wiped out 1,000 hectares (2, 471 acres) of forest in recent years. Trees are chopped down by firewood sellers, farmers, and to clear areas for building, even though such action is illegal. "The other cause with a recently increasing high frequency is logging and removal of the green cover, for agricultural purposes and population spread," he says. "In the recent years we have noticed that there is a horrific increase in logging and deforestation of wide areas and many acres of forest land," Karim adds. But Libya does not have the resources to protect its greenery. The country is currently split between two rival governments with armed factions engaged in regular battles - deforestation is not high on the agenda here. When a devastating forest fire broke out in April 2013, the authorities were forced to use Italian firefighting aircraft to extinguish the flames as it does not have any of its own. Karim wants officials to exercise more control over issues that threaten the woodlands. "If there is a need for an agricultural or population expansion it should be systemic and planned in the first place," he says. "There should be regulations and rules to organise this process and there should be a legal body to protect forests and to know which areas should be keep protected," he continues. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: / ap_archive Facebook: / aparchives Instagram: / apnews You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
