The number of forest fires recorded during the period from January 1 to July 18 reached 78 ( including 56 forests and 22 scrubland trees), against 156 fires in 2022 ( including 59 forests and 97 scrubland trees), said Director General of Forests, Naoufel Ben Haha.

Speaking on Friday at a regular press conference organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, he said that the current national strategy for protecting forests against fires is based mainly on an action programme to coordinate with all the parties involved, the opening up of forest circuits and the monitoring of water supply points, which total 355.

It also involves the adoption of the patrol system and the creation of 43 advanced early warning, information and rapid intervention centres.

The Ministry's programme provides for the introduction of a complementary and ongoing awareness-raising programme, support for civil society and private initiatives, the introduction of preventive and early warning projects, the widespread use of modern fire control methods, including the use of drones, and the creation of partnerships with civil society to carry out reforestation programmes.

Tunisia has 5.7 million hectares of forest, of which 1.2 million hectares are woodland, 4 million hectares are pasture and 500,000 hectares are state-owned.

The forestry sector contributes 1.3% to GDP and 14% to agricultural domestic product and provides between 15 and 25% of livestock fodder requirements.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse