Latest news with #Morocco-UAE
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Science
- Morocco World
New Farming Method Saves Bees While Boosting Income in Morocco's Oases
Rabat — A French researcher has developed an innovative approach to protect bees in Morocco's threatened oases ecosystems while helping farmers increase their revenue. Patrick Lhomme, who specializes in bee ecology, also known as pollination ecology, delivered a presentation of his findings during the second day of the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm, held May 22-23 in Ouarzazate. In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Lhomme explained his research findings. 'Bees contribute around 80 to 90% of the pollination service,' he told MWN, explaining that traditional conservation efforts require farmers to plant wildflowers, but most of them 'don't like wildflowers because they are afraid that it will invade their crops.' His team took a different approach, working with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), and the National Office for Agriculture Counseling (ONCA). Dual benefits Working with ICARDA, INRA, and ONCA, Lhomme developed a system where farmers plant crops that attract pollinators while generating income. The team tested this method with 300 farmers across different Moroccan agricultural systems, including oases in Errachidia and the Rif mountains. The results showed dual benefits. 'This approach protects pollinator[s] but also reduces pests,' Lhomme said. Not only do many pollinators like wasps and flies pollinate plants, but they also hunt harmful insects to feed their larvae, creating natural pest control. This approach is designed to help oases eliminate harmful insects, thus contributing to their productivity. Critical for survival Oases face unique threats from climate change. These isolated desert environments contain species found nowhere else, but insects 'cannot really go out of these oases' when conditions worsen, Lhomme explained. 'They have no way to escape from these places.' The solution centers on providing what bees need most: food and nesting sites. 'Flowers are what bees eat,' Lhomme said. 'If you want to protect bees, you have to recreate the habitat.' Farmer-centered success The approach succeeds because it aligns economic incentives with environmental protection. Rather than asking farmers to sacrifice productive land, it helps them earn money while preserving unique biodiversity. This model offers hope for Morocco's oases, demonstrating that conservation and economic development can work together to preserve these irreplaceable desert ecosystems. The two-day event brought together international researchers to deliver their findings to decision-makers in a way to contribute to reducing the effects of climate change challenges on oases. Read also: Morocco-UAE Partnership Strengthens Date Palm Industry Development Tags: beesMoroccan oasesMoroccoOases and climate change
Morocco World
6 days ago
- General
- Morocco World
Ancient Wisdom Holds Key to Saving Communities in Desert Oases
Rabat — Portuguese archaeologist Maria da Conceição Lopes believes ancient knowledge can save modern desert communities facing climate challenges. Speaking at Morocco's International Congress on Oases and Date Palm, Lopes shared how archaeological work transformed a dying Portuguese village into a cultural destination attracting one million visitors annually. On the sidelines of the event, Morocco World News (MWN) sat with Lopes to understand how her approach could contribute to preserving oases heritage. 'Archaeological heritage can provide opportunities to develop regions facing economic difficulties and desertification processes,' the archaeologist said. Villages revived In the 80s, a Portuguese village faced abandonment after its mines closed. Archaeologists developed a project highlighting the area's Islamic heritage, discovering the local church had evolved from an ancient mosque. 'We worked on all this Islamic heritage and valued it, and we invited the community to participate,' Lopes noted. The village now hosts an Islamic festival drawing one million visitors yearly — despite having fewer than 1,000 residents. Using heritage wisdom to solve modern problems Lopes argues that ancient communities developed successful strategies for climate adaptation that remain relevant today. 'We can learn from what our ancestors did to overcome all the problems of climate change,' she said, noting that 'archaeological knowledge can help us understand and decide on our future.' Read also: Morocco's ANDZOA Chief Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Argan, Oases Ecosystems The archaeologist stressed that modern people can learn from traditional craftsmanship and local knowledge systems, which she believes remain vital for oasis survival. Ancient communities that lived in oases have developed sophisticated techniques for managing scarce water resources and maintaining agricultural productivity in harsh conditions. 'When we go to the oases, we see how important know-how is,' Lopes observed, adding that 'it's important to maintain the know-how, to develop it, to give conditions to artisans to stay.' Having worked in southern Portugal's increasingly arid regions, Lopes sees direct parallels with Morocco's challenges. 'We have the same problems concerning climate change and socio-economic issues,' she explained. The researcher believes archaeological knowledge and heritage preservation can guide policy decisions as Mediterranean communities confront rapid environmental and social changes. 'Archaeological knowledge, knowledge of heritage, of memory, of ancient legacies can help us understand and decide on our future,' Lopes concluded. Her message resonates strongly in Morocco's oasis regions, where traditional practices face pressure from modern development and climate change. Read also: Morocco-UAE Partnership Strengthens Date Palm Industry Development
Ya Biladi
19-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco-UAE consortium launches major water and energy infrastructure project
A consortium formed by the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, Taqa Morocco, and Nareva was created to advance Morocco's strategic infrastructure. This Morocco-UAE partnership has signed three memorandums of understanding with the Moroccan government and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) to develop new infrastructure for water and electricity transport, seawater desalination, and power generation from renewable and natural gas sources. The large-scale investment program worth approximately 130 billion dirhams by 2030 stems from the joint declaration signed on December 4, 2023, between King Mohammed VI and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. It aims to address Morocco's urgent needs in water and energy through a large-scale investment program to be completed by 2030, announced an ONEE press release on Monday. The program includes five key components: · Water transfer between the Sebou and Oum Rbia basins (800 million m³/year), · Seawater desalination capacity of 900 million m³/year powered entirely by renewables, · A 1,400-km HVDC power line (3,000 MW) linking the south to the center, · An additional 1,200 MW in renewable energy, · Gas-fired combined cycle power plants in Tahaddart (1,500 MW total). Each project will be governed by specific development agreements between the consortium and ONEE. The first deal, for the Tahaddart plant, has already been signed. Financing will be arranged by the consortium and sourced from both national and international lenders. Beyond infrastructure, the program is expected to create over 25,000 jobs—including 10,000 permanent roles—foster technology transfer, and support the emergence of a local industrial ecosystem, particularly in desalination and renewable energy. Ultimately, the project aims to combine national sovereignty, water security, clean energy transition, and technological innovation—while generating a lasting impact on employment, competitiveness, and sustainable development.
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Morocco and Egypt Ambassadors attend 10th Arab Handball Cup in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, May 7: The 10th Arab Handball Cup, held in Kuwait at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex until May 11, saw notable diplomatic attendance. His Excellency Ali Ben Issa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mohamed Barada, the Moroccan Consul, were present for the second day of the tournament, watching the Morocco-UAE match. During this match, the Moroccan Ambassador presented the Best Player award to Moroccan national team member Al-Zarki Abdullah. Also attending was His Excellency Osama Shaltout, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Kuwait, who observed the Egypt-Iraq match. He presented the Best Player award to Egyptian star Mohamed Khalaf. Ambassador Ali Ben Issa expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's organization, praising both the Arab and Kuwaiti Handball Federations for raising the level of competition. He extended his best wishes to all the participating Arab teams. Ambassador Osama Shaltout thanked Kuwait, represented by the Handball Federation, for hosting the Arab Handball Championship, which had been missing for several years. He emphasized that the tournament not only served as a competitive event but also as a celebration of Arab unity, fostering a friendly and fraternal atmosphere. Shaltout noted that the championship provided excellent preparation for future competitions, including continental championships and World Cup qualifiers. The Egyptian youth handball team delivered an impressive 39-31 victory over Iraq in the second round of Group A, advancing further in the tournament. The second round of the group stage also saw Qatar defeat Tunisia 31-30 and Morocco triumph over the UAE 33-25. These results secured Qatar's qualification to the semi-finals, topping Group B with 4 points. Tunisia followed in second place on goal difference over Saudi Arabia. In Group A, Egypt topped the table on goal difference over Bahrain, with both teams on two points, while Iraq withdrew from the competition without earning any points.
