Morocco and the European Union on Thursday launched a €1.25 million institutional twinning project in Rabat aimed at promoting sustainable and resilient forest management across the North African country.
The project, part of the EU-funded “Al Ard Al Khadraa – Terre Verte” programme, seeks to align Morocco’s forestry governance with international standards while supporting adaptation to climate change, biodiversity conservation and rural development. It also reflects the broader EU-Morocco Green Partnership and shared priorities ahead of the upcoming Mediterranean Pact.
“This initiative is a response to the pressing challenges facing our forest ecosystems,” said Abderrahim Houmy, Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF). “It represents a forward-looking, inclusive approach centred on institutional innovation and co-construction.”
The project supports Morocco’s “Forests of Morocco 2020–2030” strategy, launched under the vision of HM King Mohammed VI. It focuses on four pillars: reforming ANEF’s organizational structure, modernizing the forestry economic model, strengthening skills, and enhancing institutional communication.
EU Deputy Ambassador Daniele Dotto said the twinning marks a first for the forestry sector in Morocco. “Robust institutions are key to sustainable forestry, and this partnership will strengthen capacity, research, and innovation,” he said, noting the EU has committed over €65 million in grants to Morocco’s forest sector.
Launched on the International Day for Biodiversity, the initiative also emphasizes peer-to-peer learning and technology transfer, targeting forest governance, applied research, and the upskilling of forestry professionals.
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