Morocco Expands Marine Conservation with Eight New Protected Areas
Rabat – Morocco has officially established eight new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along its Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
The announcement was made by Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, made the announcement during the opening of the 8th edition of the Forum de la Mer in El Jadida on Thursday.
Speaking at the forum, Benali reaffirmed Morocco's engagement under the new global biodiversity framework, with an ambitious national goal of designating 10% of the country's maritime territory as protected by 2030.
'Protecting 30% of marine areas could increase fish biomass by 500%, offering greater security to the fishing industry while significantly enhancing added value for local communities,' Benali explained, emphasizing the long-term benefits of sustainable ocean management. Strategic Reforms Under Royal Leadership
Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has launched a comprehensive series of reforms aimed at preserving marine and coastal ecosystems. 'Morocco has implemented, in close consultation with stakeholders, a set of strategic, legal, institutional, and operational measures,' said Benali.
She also highlighted that the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (SNDD) now places marine conservation at the core of public policy. The strategy acts as a framework to integrate sustainability principles across territorial and sectoral development plans.
Benali welcomed the progress of initiatives such as the 'Plastic-Free Coast' plan, which complements the National Emergency Plan against Accidental Marine Pollution.
Read also: Morocco Aims to Become Regional Leader in Renewable Energy, Strategic Minerals
These combined efforts have led to a measurable improvement in beach water quality, with compliance rates rising to 93% in 2024, up from 88% in 2021. Additionally, beach waste collection has seen a notable reduction of more than 21%.
Beyond regulations, Benali stressed the need for collective action. 'These concrete achievements highlight the importance of collective action driven by awareness, education, and the ongoing mobilization of all actors, institutions, local authorities, civil society, citizens, and especially Moroccan youth and grassroots associations,' she said.
Held under the theme 'The Sea, Future of the Earth,' the Forum de la Mer runs until May 11 in El Jadida. The event serves as a platform for dialogue and co-creation, gathering researchers, experts, artists, NGOs, companies, and institutional representatives to address the pressing challenges facing oceans and coastal environments.
The opening ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Pascale Trimbach, French Consul General in Casablanca, and Mhamed Atfaoui, Governor of the Province of El Jadida. Tags: leila benaliMarinesmorocco marines
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