Mehdia joins Ifrane, which received the same title in 2022, becoming the second Moroccan city to earn this prestigious label, Houmy said during a conference in Salé themed “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” The event was organized by ANEF in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).
This recognition aligns with Morocco’s national strategy, “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030,” which aims to protect wetlands and enhance their resilience against growing pressures from climate change and urbanization, Houmy added.
He also emphasized the critical role of wetlands in safeguarding water security, mitigating natural disasters, and preserving biodiversity. With 38 Moroccan sites now designated as wetlands of international importance, the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to these vital ecosystems is evident.
Ajay Barai, WWF’s Director for Europe and North Africa, highlighted the significance of the partnership between ANEF and WWF in addressing Morocco’s environmental and climate challenges.
Barai underscored WWF’s global commitment, which spans over 100 countries, and expressed the organization’s goal to expand its presence in Morocco by opening a local office. This initiative will mobilize local expertise and international resources to amplify conservation projects and support sustainable public policies.
“By fostering inclusive approaches, WWF aims to strengthen conservation efforts in Morocco in line with global commitments, such as the Paris Agreement and the Global Biodiversity Framework,” Barai said.
Quiterie Pincent, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Morocco, highlighted the agency’s long-standing partnership with ANEF, which has spanned more than two decades.
This collaboration has been crucial in biodiversity conservation, sustainable ecosystem management, and local community engagement, she said, praising initiatives like the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy and projects promoting women-led forest cooperatives and reforestation efforts, which reflect a shared vision for development in harmony with nature.
The AFD Director also emphasized the importance of dialogue and international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to supporting ANEF’s future conservation efforts.
During the event, several partnership agreements were signed, aimed at enhancing wetland conservation in Morocco. These included an agreement between ANEF and WWF to bolster wetland protection and implement the Global Biodiversity Framework, a partnership with the Moroccan Federation of Ecological Fishing to promote sustainable wetland management through recreational fishing, and a collaboration with the Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature in Morocco (SPANA) and the Chabab Sidi Boughaba Cooperative to restore Lake Sidi Boughaba’s ecosystem.
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