Benali reports notable improvement in beach water and sand quality ahead of summer season

Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, on Tuesday unveiled the national report on beach water and sand quality, highlighting significant progress in coastal environmental indicators across the country.

During a press conference dedicated to presenting the annual environmental status of Moroccan beaches, Benali stated that the number of beaches monitored for water quality has grown from 79 in 2004 to nearly 200 in 2024, with 488 monitoring stations—a 154% increase over two decades.

The monitoring of sand quality and marine waste has also seen considerable development. The number of monitored beaches rose from 13 in 2010 to 64 in 2024. Since 2018, more than 90 marine pollution observation stations have been established along Morocco’s coastline to reinforce pollution tracking efforts.

Benali noted that the percentage of beaches meeting swimming water quality standards increased from 88% in 2021 to 93% in 2024, a 5-point gain. However, around 7% of monitored beaches still fall short of these standards, signaling the need for intensified efforts from all stakeholders to improve coastal water conditions.

Regarding sand cleanliness, the volume of accumulated waste has declined by over 21% compared to previous years. Despite this progress, marine litter remains a major environmental challenge amid Morocco’s ongoing climate stressors, especially drought. Benali emphasized that over 80% of marine waste originates from land sources, with plastics accounting for more than 75% of this pollution.

While acknowledging an overall improvement in coastal conditions, Benali cautioned that this progress varies by region and season. Continued public support and infrastructure upgrades remain essential to sustain these gains, she said.

Mohamed El Bouch, Director of the National Laboratory for Pollution Studies and Monitoring, noted that the early timing of the press conference was aimed at helping relevant stakeholders better prepare for the summer tourism season. He announced the launch of Morocco’s first comprehensive coastal environmental assessment, covering sand, water, and chemical pollution through certified national labs and various programs.

El Bouch added that Morocco has improved its ranking in regional reports on Mediterranean marine environments, citing a reduction in the number of “black spots” from four in 2005 to just one today—classified now as “sensitive,” not “critical.”

Minister Benali concluded by reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to protecting its coastlines through legal and institutional reforms, field projects, and a forthcoming national plan to combat marine pollution.