Morocco has officially created eight Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along its Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, according to Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali.
As part of its commitment to the new global biodiversity framework, Morocco is working toward safeguarding 10% of its marine territory by 2030, Benali noted Thursday during the opening session of the 8th edition of the Sea Forum in El Jadida.
Explaining the importance of this approach, the Minister noted that having 30% of marine protected areas could increase fish biomass by 500%, while significantly enhancing the economic benefits for local communities.
Benali affirmed that, under the enlightened leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, Morocco has implemented a series of strategic, legal, institutional, and operational measures to protect its marine and coastal ecosystems.
She noted that the preservation of fragile environments, particularly marine ones, “is now at the heart of our National Strategy for Sustainable Development,” which serves as the reference framework for integrating sustainability principles into all sectoral and territorial policies.
The coastal law was adopted, laying the foundations for integrated coastal zone management, in line with Morocco’s international commitments, particularly the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), she added.
Running until May 11, the Forum is designed as a space for exchange, reflection, and action, bringing together experts, researchers, artists, as well as representatives from institutions, NGOs, and businesses to address major environmental and maritime challenges.
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