Latest news with #NationalStrategyforSustainableDevelopment
Morocco World
10-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
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
Observer
21-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Shura meeting reviews housing, urban initiatives
MUSCAT, APRIL 21 On Monday, the Majlis Ash'shura hosted Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, during the ninth regular session of the second regular session of the tenth term. The session focused on the ministry's statement, which covered several key initiatives aimed at shaping the future of Oman's urban and housing landscape. Dr Al Shueili presented the ministry's ongoing projects and highlighted five key areas in the statement: the National Urban Development Strategy, the programmes of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), legislation and laws regulating the urban and housing planning sector, digital transformation and simplified procedures, and addressing future challenges and opportunities in developing sustainable cities and integrated urban neighbourhoods. In his speech, Dr Al Shueili emphasised that the ministry is working in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Strategy for Sustainable Development. The urban strategy is being integrated with the directives of the five-year plans, ensuring that urban growth and development meet the aspirations of Oman's future. He stressed the ministry's commitment to achieving balanced urban growth while promoting environmental sustainability and the diversification of the economy. Badr al Jabri, a member of Majlis Ash'shura, noted that housing is one of the most critical issues affecting citizens' daily lives. He highlighted that providing adequate and diverse housing options for citizens is a core mission of the ministry. The ministry aims to ensure that all segments of society have access to suitable housing through various programmes, such as 'Choose Your Land', 'Buy Your Land', and integrated residential neighbourhoods. A significant part of the ministry's efforts involves fostering effective partnerships between the public and private sectors. The ministry has successfully registered 90 developers for real estate development projects and granted 20 licences for such projects between 2022 and 2024. These initiatives have led to an investment value of RO 500 million for integrated residential and neighbourhood projects. The ministry's efforts in this area aim to ensure sustainable urban growth while strengthening the economy. In line with its focus on innovation and efficiency, the ministry has made substantial progress in its digital transformation. As of 2024, approximately 85 automated services have been introduced, facilitating citizens' access to essential services through electronic platforms. This transformation has seen a leap in the ministry's performance, with a rating increase from 58 per cent in 2022 to 80 per cent in 2024. The ministry's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its push to develop smart cities that align with the latest sustainability standards. Dr Al Shueili explained that the ministry is working to ensure that future cities are built on advanced technology and integrated residential neighbourhoods, which will enhance the ability of governorates to accommodate population growth in a modern and sustainable manner. To ensure efficient land use, the ministry has planned and prepared 49,018 plots for various uses, including residential, commercial and industrial purposes. Between 2021 and 2024, 69,963 plots of land and residential units were distributed under the Housing Options Programme, benefiting thousands of citizens. The ministry has allocated 216 housing units within integrated residential neighbourhoods and plans to allocate an additional 1,000 units in the Sultan Haitham City. This extensive distribution of residential options aims to support family stability and social cohesion. The ministry has also focused on maximising the role of the real estate market by facilitating transparent and competitive land use services. Between 2022 and 2025, 2,189 plots of land for commercial, residential, industrial and agricultural use will be offered, further stimulating economic activity and attracting investment. The ministry has already processed 375,132 transactions, amounting to over RO 10 billion in value between 2021 and 2024. The ministry's efforts are pivotal in creating a modern, sustainable and efficient urban landscape for Oman. Through its strategic focus on urban development, digital transformation and public-private partnerships, the ministry is working to provide Omani citizens with diverse housing options, ensure economic growth and promote sustainability, all while aligning with Oman Vision 2040.
