Libya environmental group battles to save forests

Green areas are quickly disappearing because of drought, human activity and desertification

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  Tree trunks and branches litter the ground in the Garabulli area, a coastal area east of Tripoli, famed for its pristine white sands and its trees, on March 14, 2023. - War-ravaged Libya is better known for its oil wealth than its forests, but environmentalists hope to save its remaining green spaces from logging, development and the impacts of climate change. (Photo by Mahmud Turkia / AFP)

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  Khalifa Ramadan is the leader of the Friends of the Tree group that works raise awareness about green areas around Tripoli that are fast disappearing

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  At his farm in Tajura, near Tripoli, Ramadan has planted eucalyptus, palm and laurel trees, which the group plans to replant around the capital

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  The group meets every week to launch media campaigns and carry out activities to confront 'the dangers facing Tripoli and other coastal cities'

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  Tree trunks litter the ground in Garabulli, a coastal area east of Tripoli famed for its pristine white sands and its centuries-old eucalyptus trees, acacias and wild mimosas

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  'The green belt has become the target of numerous offences over the past few years,' said Gen Fawzi Abugualia, spokesman for the agriculture police

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  The police unit is ill equipped to deal with all the challenges, but has nevertheless managed to score some points, Gen Abugualia said

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  The police have seized more than 8,000 hectares in the area, misappropriated by builders to erect private homes or seaside resorts

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