Tripoli, Libya – (African Boulevard News) – A group of environmentalists in Libya are determined to save the remaining green spaces in the country from logging, development, and the impacts of climate change. The Green Association of Libya has been working tirelessly to raise awareness and protect the nation’s dwindling forests.
According to a recent report from the United Nations, Libya has lost 80% of its forest cover in the last four decades due to the country’s political instability, weak governance, and population growth. This environmental degradation has led to desertification, soil erosion, and water scarcity, which have all had negative impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, and human health.
The Green Association of Libya, founded in 2018, is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve and restore the country’s natural resources through sustainable development, education, and advocacy. The association has launched several initiatives to plant trees, clean up parks and beaches, and promote green technologies such as solar power and rainwater harvesting.
“Our goal is to create a culture of environmental stewardship in Libya and beyond,” said Mohammed Al-Mahjoub, the founder and CEO of the Green Association of Libya. “We believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting the planet, and we are committed to working with local communities, businesses, and government agencies to achieve this.”
One of the association’s flagship projects is the restoration of the Al-Zawiya forest, located in the northwest of the country. The forest, which covers an area of around 12,000 hectares, has been heavily degraded by illegal logging, overgrazing, and fires. However, the association has managed to mobilize local volunteers and secure funding from international donors to plant thousands of trees, build firebreaks, and establish a park ranger program.
“We are proud to say that the Al-Zawiya forest is recovering thanks to our efforts,” said Al-Mahjoub. “But our work is far from over. We still face many challenges such as securing land tenure, enforcing regulations, and adapting to climate change. We need more support from the government and the private sector to scale up our activities and achieve our vision of a greener, healthier Libya.”
The Green Association of Libya has received widespread praise from environmentalists, academics, and policymakers for its innovative approach and impact on the ground. “This is a great example of how civil society can make a real difference in safeguarding our natural capital,” said Dr. Salma El Daghili, the director of the Libyan Center for Environmental Studies. “We need more initiatives like this to create a sustainable future for Libya and the world.”
In conclusion, the Green Association of Libya is leading the charge in protecting the country’s remaining forests and promoting sustainable development. Their dedication and innovation serve as an inspiration for other environmental organizations and individuals to take action to preserve our planet for future generations.