A senior environmental official in Libya has warned of a worrying rise in wildfires occurring during nighttime hours, pointing to potential human involvement as the main cause.
Faris Fathi, Director of the Geographic Systems Department at the Ministry of Environment under Libya’s eastern-based government, told the Libyan News Agency (LANA) in Al-Bayda that data from the ministry shows an increase in nighttime blazes in areas such as Shahat and Wadi Al-Kouf.
He attributed the trend to “human intervention,” either through deliberate acts or severe negligence.
“Forest fires are among the most dangerous environmental threats in Libya,” Fathi said, explaining that they destroy natural habitats vital to wildlife and have a direct economic impact on local communities reliant on forests for farming, herding, and eco-tourism.
Fathi categorised wildfires into two main types: natural and man-made. Natural fires are typically sparked by weather events such as lightning storms, extreme heat, or strong winds. However, the most common cause in Libya remains human activity — including deliberate arson or careless behaviour like discarding cigarette butts or lighting open fires without supervision.
He stressed that the recurrence of these fires every year demands urgent action from the authorities to strengthen prevention strategies and implement effective emergency response plans to safeguard forest ecosystems and Libya’s biodiversity.
The call comes amid a series of intense fires sweeping through eastern Libya’s Green Mountain region, fuelled by high temperatures and dry southern winds known locally as “Ghibli.”
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
