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Morocco Charts Path to Low-Carbon Future Through Strategic Carbon Markets
Morocco Charts Path to Low-Carbon Future Through Strategic Carbon Markets

Morocco World

time09-07-2025

  • Business
  • Morocco World

Morocco Charts Path to Low-Carbon Future Through Strategic Carbon Markets

Rabat — Morocco's Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali outlined on Tuesday the country's ambitious low-carbon vision at the second 'Scaling of Carbon Markets in Africa' conference in Casablanca. She said the North African country views carbon markets not as a technical checkbox but as a strategic tool for sustainable development. Beyond technical compliance 'This is not about checking boxes. This is a deeply ethical, strategic, and economic choice,' Benali argued at the conference organized by Casablanca Finance City Authority and CDG Group with international partners. She pointed out that Morocco treats carbon markets as more than just technical mechanisms — they anchor the country's development model across energy, economic, and social dimensions. Morocco has shown remarkable foresight by building its carbon market foundation before the Paris Agreement's Article 6 mechanisms were finalized. 'Climate action should no longer be the privilege of big emitters. It must be an approach that takes advantage of Morocco's main competitive advantages,' the minister explained. Strategic energy moves Benali noted Morocco's resilience during challenging geopolitical moments, particularly when Algeria cut gas supplies to Europe in 2021. The crisis pushed the North African country to take bold steps, including strengthening pipeline networks to support both natural gas and future green hydrogen use. The country has made decisive moves toward clean energy, aiming to abandon coal in its electricity generation plan by 2030. It has also canceled planned coal projects in Nador and Jarada, the minister noted. Meanwhile, work continues on converting fuel oil turbines to natural gas, with the Nador West Med project serving as Morocco's first LNG entry point. Building international partnerships The North African country has signed bilateral agreements with Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, and Norway to develop high-impact projects. It has also launched the 'Carbon Balance Morocco' project in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency, the Ministry of Industry, the Moroccan Standardization Institute, and business leaders. African leadership vision Benali described Morocco as an emerging 'corridor for strategic transition metals and minerals between Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic basin.' The country plans to create an ESG certification mechanism for resources extracted or processed in Morocco. The minister further called for African-defined standards to facilitate financing for the mineral value chain. Morocco is developing a national certification system for green electrons and gradually liberalizing the medium-voltage market. Competitive advantage through carbon certification The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has pushed exporting industries to adopt low-carbon practices. Benali sees carbon certification as a 'tool for competitiveness, market share preservation, and decarbonization support.' Morocco's approach demonstrates how developing nations can turn climate challenges into economic opportunities through strategic planning and international cooperation. Tags: Low carbonLow-carbon visionMoroccoRenewable Energies

Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row
Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row

Ya Biladi

time05-07-2025

  • Ya Biladi

Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row

The international Blue Flag was raised on Friday over Essaouira beach for the 21st consecutive year. Awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag label has been promoted in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, chaired by Princess Lalla Hasnaa. An official ceremony was held to celebrate the certification of the «City of Alizés» beach under the national Clean Beaches program. The event was attended by the Governor of the Province, Mohammed Rachid, along with representatives of local and security authorities, heads of external services, civil society actors, and other public figures. Speaking to MAP, Mohammed Hassou, Director of Ports for the Marrakech-Safi region, stressed that the recognition is the result of a collective effort to improve bathing water quality, upgrade beach infrastructure, promote environmental education, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. He added that the National Ports Agency (ANP), as a public institution, reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and encouraging younger generations to take part in protecting the environment and preserving Morocco's coastal assets. For the occasion, awareness booths run by local associations and organizations were set up to educate beachgoers on eco-friendly habits and local environmental initiatives. This summer, the Blue Flag will fly over 28 beaches, a mountain lake, and four marinas across Morocco. With 33 certified sites, the country ranks 21st globally out of 50 participating nations. Morocco also holds the distinction of being the leading Arab country and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations — a demanding international ecolabel that recognizes exemplary environmental management of recreational water areas.

Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row
Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row

Ya Biladi

time04-07-2025

  • Ya Biladi

Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row

The international Blue Flag was raised on Friday over Essaouira beach for the 21st consecutive year. Awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag label has been promoted in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, chaired by Princess Lalla Hasnaa. An official ceremony was held to celebrate the certification of the «City of Alizés» beach under the national Clean Beaches program. The event was attended by the Governor of the Province, Mohammed Rachid, along with representatives of local and security authorities, heads of external services, civil society actors, and other public figures. Speaking to MAP, Mohammed Hassou, Director of Ports for the Marrakech-Safi region, stressed that the recognition is the result of a collective effort to improve bathing water quality, upgrade beach infrastructure, promote environmental education, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. He added that the National Ports Agency (ANP), as a public institution, reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and encouraging younger generations to take part in protecting the environment and preserving Morocco's coastal assets. For the occasion, awareness booths run by local associations and organizations were set up to educate beachgoers on eco-friendly habits and local environmental initiatives. This summer, the Blue Flag will fly over 28 beaches, a mountain lake, and four marinas across Morocco. With 33 certified sites, the country ranks 21st globally out of 50 participating nations. Morocco also holds the distinction of being the leading Arab country and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations — a demanding international ecolabel that recognizes exemplary environmental management of recreational water areas.

Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label
Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label

Morocco World

time12-06-2025

  • Morocco World

Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label

Doha – The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded Blue Flag certification to 33 Moroccan sites during the 2025 summer season, according to a statement from the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection (FM6E). The sites include 28 beaches, four marinas, and one mountain lake. The certification, which evaluates environmental management standards at bathing areas, places Morocco 21st globally among 50 participating countries. According to the foundation's data, this positioning makes Morocco the leading Arab country and second in Africa for Blue Flag certifications. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have maintained their status for 2025, with Sol beach in Tanger-Assilah province joining the list as a new addition. The foundation attributes this consistency to the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, economic partners, and community organizations. Aguelmam Azigza mountain lake in Khénifra National Park has renewed its certification. Located between a majestic cliff and a forest of century-old cedars, this Middle Atlas jewel has undergone development. Improvements include road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services, making it the first natural lake in Morocco to receive this recognition. Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth Moroccan marina to receive Blue Flag status, following Saïdia (2018), Est Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceima (2023). With 1,400 berths, it has reportedly been the largest marina in the country since its 2018 opening as part of the Tangier port redevelopment. The Blue Flag label is based on four fundamental criteria: bathing water quality, environmental information and awareness, hygiene and safety, and sustainable development and management. Surprise inspections are conducted throughout the summer to verify compliance with these standards. All Blue Flag-labeled beaches are integrated into the 'Clean Beaches' program, which mobilizes 68 local authorities (supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities), 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations each summer. The program collaborates with several institutional partners, including the National Laboratory for Pollution Studies and Monitoring, the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Ports and Maritime Public Domain Directorate. This coordinated network works for nearly three months during the summer period to improve beach facilities, monitor sand and bathing water quality, ensure safety and health services, and raise awareness among vacationers about environmental issues. For the 2025 cycle, the foundation received 45 beach applications, suggesting increased interest in the certification process among coastal municipalities. Created in 1987 by the FEE, the Blue Flag has become the most prestigious environmental label worldwide. In 2025, 5,195 sites across the globe are part of the Blue Flag global network, with 95% (4,928 sites) located in the northern hemisphere. Read also: 93% of Moroccan Beach Waters Meet Quality Standards

UNOC-3: Morocco Champions Africa's Role in Inclusive, Scientific Ocean Governance
UNOC-3: Morocco Champions Africa's Role in Inclusive, Scientific Ocean Governance

Maroc

time11-06-2025

  • Politics
  • Maroc

UNOC-3: Morocco Champions Africa's Role in Inclusive, Scientific Ocean Governance

Morocco's steadfast commitment to Africa and its efforts to promote inclusive ocean governance took center stage at two high-level side events held on Tuesday in Nice, France, as part of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3). Participating in both side events, Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries, emphasized the joint efforts of states, environmental institutions, and civil society actors to make the ocean a lever for sustainable development, regional integration, and South-South solidarity. The first event, organized by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection under the theme 'Innovation in Africa to Accelerate the Global Implementation of SDG 14,' provided an opportunity for Driouich to reaffirm Morocco's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 through innovation and African cooperation. Commending the Foundation's pioneering role, she underscored Africa's ambition to establish a cooperative model of ocean governance, as reflected in the Blue Africa Summit and the Tangier Declaration. Driouich also spoke of integrating technological, social, and institutional innovation at the core of African maritime strategies, while advocating for stronger African representation in international forums and the recognition of the continent's potential. Morocco, she stated, positions itself as a key driver of 'blue diplomacy,' placing the ocean at the service of sustainable development, peace, and sovereignty of African nations. Themed "Africa's blue ambition for UNOC3: Morocco's commitment to regional cooperation," the second side event was organized by the Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries. This meeting highlighted Morocco's promotion of inclusive ocean governance, based on science, diplomacy, the blue economy and South-South cooperation. These two events, which fully align with the Atlantic Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, helped put forth the African priorities at UNOC-3 and strengthen regional blue economy synergies while supporting the implementation of international ocean actions. MAP: 11 June 2025

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