Latest news with #ZakiaDriouich
Maroc
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco Committed to Sustainable Ocean Governance
Morocco's Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, reaffirmed on Friday in Bouknadel Morocco's strong commitment to sustainable ocean governance, in line with the High Royal Directives. Speaking at the opening of the high-level preparatory workshop for the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), scheduled from June 9 to 13, 2025, in Nice, Driouich recalled that Morocco has adopted an ambitious roadmap for the blue economy, noted a press release from the Secretariat of State for Maritime Fisheries. Driouich also stated that this roadmap includes an integrated maritime legal framework, fishery management plans, the development of Marine Protected Areas, and the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing, according to the press release. On this occasion, she praised the crucial role of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, notably through its flagship initiatives such as Clean Beaches, Blue Flag, and #b7arblaplastic. She also emphasized the importance of involving youth and civil society in these efforts, recalling the participation of more than 500 young people in the African consultation held in Tangier in October 2024, and the engagement of over 950 young African experts in the oceanography capacity-building program launched in November 2024. In addition, Driouich stressed the need for a strong, coordinated African voice at UNOC-3, drawing in particular on the outcomes of key events organized in Morocco, such as the African consultation in Tangier, the Blue Africa Summit Forum, and the regional BBNJ workshop in Rabat. In this regard, she called for the promotion of African initiatives in ocean governance, the mobilization of blue financing, and the strengthening of North-South, South-South, and triangular partnerships. Furthermore, Driouich recalled that Morocco was one of the first countries to ratify the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), demonstrating its commitment to the sustainable management of marine resources, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 on life below water. She concluded by reaffirming the Kingdom's readiness, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, to share its experience and support African partners in developing an inclusive and sustainable blue economy, while stressing the need to anchor these efforts in a vision of food sovereignty, regional integration, and shared prosperity. MAP:10 mai 2025
Morocco World
10-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Invests $3.4 Million to Digitize Seafood Markets
Doha – Morocco has accelerated the modernization of its fishing sector with a MAD 34 million ($3.4 million) investment to digitize auction sales in 45 wholesale seafood markets. This initiative aims to improve transparency in commercial transactions by digitizing all documents used in these facilities. 'This digitization has focused on all documents used in these structures, with the goal of improving the transparency of commercial transactions,' said Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State for Maritime Fishing, during an oral question session at the Counselors' Chamber on Tuesday. Since 2010, Morocco has implemented various measures to strengthen the local market dynamics. The country now has 70 wholesale markets located in ports, landing points, and fishing villages. Fourteen new-generation markets have been equipped with ice factories. Twelve additional wholesale markets have been created outside ports, with two still under construction. Driouich noted that eight proximity markets for retail sales are scheduled to be completed by 2027. The State Secretariat is contributing MAD 30 million ($3 million) toward this initiative, with five projects currently underway. To organize distribution channels and ensure quality, plastic crates have been standardized across all ports. Management units have been renewed, and 100 ice production units have been established in ports and fishing villages. Insulated containers have been distributed to artisanal fishing boats, representing a total investment of MAD 93 million ($9.3 million). Regarding professional organization, Driouich indicated that fish traders' activities have been regulated. Certain provisions of Law No. 14.08 related to fish trading are currently being revised to address legal gaps, improve distribution chains, and combat illegal fishing. The 'Hout b'Taman Maaqoul' (Fish at Reasonable Prices) initiative has seen remarkable success during Ramadan. More than 4,673 tons of frozen fish were sold in 35 cities, compared to only 414 tons in three cities in 2019. Efforts are underway to extend this initiative throughout the year in coordination with partners. The Secretary of State attributed the sustained pace of seafood landings – averaging 1.4 million tons over the past decade – to joint efforts by all stakeholders and the implementation of structural measures under the 'Halieutis' strategy. Pelagic fish represent 84% of total national production. Read also: Morocco Launches $19.4 Million Digital Transformation of Civil Registry Tags: digitization in moroccoSeafoodwholesale trade in morocco
Morocco World
07-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco and Japan Explore Broader Horizons in Fisheries Sector, Boost Bilateral Ties
Rabat – Morocco's Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries, Zakia Driouich, met with Japan's Ambassador to Morocco, Nakata Masahiro, on Tuesday in Rabat to discuss the future of bilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector. The conversation conveyed a shared desire to deepen ties and explore new avenues of collaboration after more than four decades of partnership. Driouich spoke of the solid foundations that define Morocco-Japan cooperation in this field, pointing to Japan's role as a long-standing and reliable ally. She also noted Japan's early and consistent involvement, describing it as the sector's first and most committed donor. The meeting represented an opportunity to ponder key achievements while looking ahead to new opportunities shaped by global changes in ocean governance and environmental conditions. Among the successful joint projects mentioned was the Al Hassan Al Marrakchi oceanographic research vessel, which was completed in 2018 with Japanese financial support. More recently, the two countries launched the development of a next-generation fishing village in Souira K'dima, expected to run through 2017, and are currently working together on a project to expand aquaculture as part of Morocco's blue economy strategy. The two officials also expressed a mutual interest in reviving the trilateral cooperation initiative known as PRECAF II. This program, which brings together Morocco, Japan, and several African countries, seeks to support training and capacity-building in the fisheries sector across the continent. Driouich and Masahiro also spoke of the importance of maintaining close coordination within regional and international organizations that deal with marine resources and ocean-related issues. They acknowledged that global challenges in the maritime sector require a collective, well-coordinated response. Preparations are also underway for the next annual consultation session on the Morocco-Japan Fisheries Agreement, scheduled to take place in Tokyo later this year. At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their intention to give fresh momentum to their cooperation, recognizing that today's challenges call for innovative approaches and renewed commitment. Tags: fisheriesmaritime tiesMorocco fisheriesMorocco Japan
