Record-high temperatures in recent weeks have led to massive fires across several oases in Morocco's southeastern Draa-Tafilalet region, causing the destruction of vast areas of palm trees and putting the local ecosystem - and its economy - at risk.
Breakdown
- Morocco's palm groves have been damaged by recent wildfires and drought.
- Date palm cultivation is vital to the region's economy but is now at risk. 11s
- Negligence, such as not pruning trees and lack of farm guards, worsened fire spread. 22s
- Recent rainfall has helped revive some of the damaged palm trees. 47s
- Environmental groups call for sustainable irrigation to protect the oases. 59s