Environmentalists Decry Mass Palm Tree Removal in Southern Morocco

The association described these actions as "heinous crimes", deploring that "this environmental destruction is taking place in the total absence of intervention by the regional authorities, who are content to play the role of spectators in the face of this tragedy threatening the future of the region."

These "environmental violations" are added to the effects of climate change, in particular drought and desertification, and the continuation of watermelon cultivation, a water-intensive crop, which is drying up the territory of the province, the association said in a statement.

The gradual disappearance of oases and the degradation of the environment are pushing the inhabitants of the Zagora region to move to other cities, the association pointed out, holding the authorities responsible for this situation, denouncing their indifference and their inability to take strict measures to put an end to these violations.