Minister of Agriculture Announces Establishment of Advanced Seasonal Centers to Combat Forest Fires
The Minister of Agriculture, Ezzedine Ben Cheikh, announced the establishment of advanced seasonal centers in areas most exposed to forest fires, as part of a plan implemented by the General Directorate of Forests, despite the persistent need to strengthen its capacity to protect against forest fires.
Alongside the Minister of the Interior, Khaled Nouri, he chaired the National Committee responsible for preparing for the protection of forest resources and agricultural crops in the summer of 2025. On this occasion, he highlighted the efforts made to maintain and modernize forest infrastructure.
During this meeting, which brought together members of the National Committee for Prevention, Intervention, and Emergency Management, as well as representatives from several ministries and institutions, the Minister specified that tracks have been opened and rehabilitated, watchtowers restored, water points developed, and logistical resources distributed according to the forest coverage of the regions.
He also mentioned the preventive measures implemented, such as organizing awareness days in collaboration with civil society, to promote a culture of prevention and shared responsibility. Field visits and awareness-raising actions have also been scheduled.
The Minister praised the progress made in the development of the National Forest Protection Center in Radès, an essential link for inter-institutional coordination and support for regional actions. He also highlighted the collaboration with local and regional partners to create a Vigilance Center dedicated to information and early detection, equipped with technological solutions, to improve the speed and effectiveness of interventions.
However, he acknowledged the persistent difficulties faced by the General Directorate of Forests, including the lack of human resources, the insufficiency of heavy machinery, and the challenges related to the simultaneous management of fires on multiple sites.
In this context, the Minister reaffirmed his department's commitment to strengthening its capacities, through improved coordination with concerned structures, the signing of partnerships, the intensification of technical training, and the adoption of more effective working methods.
Finally, this session enabled the examination of cooperation mechanisms between the Ministries of Agriculture and the Interior, the assessment of the preparedness of the various stakeholders involved, and the establishment of proactive measures for the summer season. The objective is to ensure optimal mobilization of human and logistical resources at the regional level and a rapid response, through a unified work plan elaborated in coordination with all stakeholders. The General Directorate of Forests thus plans, every summer, a set of preventive actions and a coordinated operational plan at the national and regional levels.
