Speaking at a side-event, organized at the Moroccan Pavilion by the PCNS and the Union of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions of Africa (UCESA), on the sidelines of COP29, Ms. El Ouassif underlined the need to ” recognize climate migration as an issue in national and regional plans” and to put in place “monitoring mechanisms to better understand climate-related migration dynamics”, with the aim of integrating climate migration into development strategies.
Ms. El Ouassif, who presented the first phase of in-depth exploration of climate mobility in Morocco, the result of a collaboration between the PCNS, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) and the World Bank, indicated that Morocco is ”particularly exposed” to the impacts of climate change, due to the weight represented by the agricultural sector and the pressure on water resources, emphasizing the ”increasingly growing” interest ‘ that causes climate migration in Morocco.
She cited, in this context, a qualitative study (CESE – PCNS), carried out in the Souss-Massa region, which made it possible to “identify the perception of climate migration as a growing challenge, influenced by the degradation of resources and socio-economic pressures, to grasp the direct impact of climatic variations on the livelihoods of agricultural workers, and to understand that migration factors are often contextual, escaping purely quantitative analyses”.
Several factors influence climate migration in the Souss-Massa region, including drought and water scarcity, the critical dependence of agricultural practices on water resources, and family support networks, it said. Ms. El Ouassif, also an expert on migration issues in the context of climate change.
For his part, Moncef Ziani, member of the EESC office, underlined the importance of creating African synergy in order to control climate migration, to the extent that African populations are “easily and seriously” exposed to the effects of changes. climatic.
Citing a survey conducted by the CESE on the subject, Mr. Ziani highlighted several lessons, including 70% of African citizens surveyed who say they experience the effects of climate change on a daily basis, and 54% of Africans who believe they are not sufficiently informed about the causes and consequences of climate change, hence the issue of access to information.
The study showed, he continued, that 61% of African citizens surveyed share a feeling of injustice, and 60% say they are already committed to the fight against climate change.
Mr. Ziani, who is the president of the working group on climate change at UCESA, highlighted the need to build “country advocacy” to involve all African citizens in adaptation plans. and climate-related decision-making.
“Any development plan must now take climate migration into account,” he argued.
The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (11-22 November) focuses primarily on climate financing, given the need to enable all countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the worsening effects of climate change, particularly for vulnerable communities.
What are the key factors driving climate migration specifically in Morocco?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Ms. El Ouassif on Climate Migration
Editor: Welcome, Ms. El Ouassif! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss the critical issue of climate migration, especially in the context of Morocco. You recently spoke at a side event during COP29. Can you start by explaining why you believe recognizing climate migration is necessary in national and regional plans?
Ms. El Ouassif: Thank you for having me! Recognizing climate migration in national and regional plans is crucial because it allows governments to proactively address the challenges posed by climate change. As we know, climate migration isn’t just a humanitarian issue; it directly impacts development, social stability, and economic resilience. By integrating climate migration strategies into our planning, we can better manage the risks associated with environmental changes and support communities that are vulnerable to these shifts.
Editor: That makes complete sense. You mentioned in your presentation that Morocco is particularly exposed to the impacts of climate change. Could you elaborate on the specific vulnerabilities our country faces, especially concerning agricultural practices?
Ms. El Ouassif: Certainly. Morocco’s agricultural sector heavily relies on water resources, which are becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change and over-extraction. The Souss-Massa region, for example, is experiencing severe droughts that are eroding livelihoods, forcing many agricultural workers to consider migration as a survival strategy. The degradation of resources, coupled with socio-economic pressures, creates a complex situation that needs urgent attention in our development strategies.
Editor: In your qualitative study, you highlighted that migration factors often escape purely quantitative analyses. Can you explain what you mean by that and how contextual influences play a role in climate-related migration?
Ms. El Ouassif: Yes, the traditional approach to migration studies often relies on numerical data to draw conclusions, but this can oversimplify the situation. In the Souss-Massa region, for instance, we found that migration is influenced by a myriad of contextual factors—like social networks, family support systems, and local cultural attitudes toward mobility. Understanding these dynamics is essential for creating effective policies that address both the immediate and underlying causes of climate migration.
Editor: It’s fascinating how interconnected these issues are. With the increasing interest in climate migration, what immediate steps do you recommend for policymakers to take towards integrating climate migration into development strategies?
Ms. El Ouassif: First, I believe we need to establish robust monitoring mechanisms to understand migration trends and patterns better. This includes collecting qualitative data from communities affected by climate change to grasp their needs and concerns fully. Second, collaboration between various stakeholders—government, civil society, and international organizations—is essential to create a comprehensive response plan. Lastly, public awareness campaigns can help mitigate stigmas around migration and highlight its role as a response to climate stress, rather than portraying migrants in a negative light.
Editor: Those are insightful recommendations. As we look forward, what role do you see for Morocco as a leader in addressing climate migration, not just within its borders but in a broader African context?
Ms. El Ouassif: Morocco has a unique opportunity to take a leadership role in addressing climate migration, given our experience and the lessons learned from our studies. By implementing effective policies and demonstrating a successful integration of climate migration in development efforts, Morocco can serve as a model for other African nations facing similar challenges. We can also foster regional collaborations to share best practices and collectively address the impacts of climate change on migration across the continent.
Editor: Thank you, Ms. El Ouassif, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that addressing climate migration is not only an environmental issue but also a critical development concern. We appreciate your work and dedication to this important cause!
Ms. El Ouassif: Thank you for having me and for shedding light on this pressing issue. It’s a conversation that needs to happen for the sake of our communities and future generations.