2024-05-02 11:12:32
Speaking at the opening of the 10th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks which is being held until September 11, Mr. Addahre stressed that Geoparks cover cultural and tourist geological areas and archaeological sites and architectural heritage of great universal value, believing that “it is essential to conserve this heritage and protect it against all risk factors”.
Geoparks, he continued, represent a real lever for socio-economic growth and sustainable development and contribute to stimulating tourist activity by offering opportunities that promote the generation of new sources of income for the benefit of local communities, in the respect for nature, ecosystems and biodiversity.
It is obvious, insists Mr. Addahre, that this development cannot be achieved in the absence of a fundamental dimension of education and training which are essential levers for the transmission of knowledge and practices to younger generations.
Furthermore, the diplomat noted that the holding of the International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks for the first time in Arab and African lands, marks the confidence placed in Morocco, in the continuity of its choices judicious strategies and multiple initiatives undertaken in favor of sustainable development under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
“Indeed, the organization in Morocco of major events of global scope such as this Conference reflects the firm commitment of our country to act hand in hand with the entire international community as well as with regional and specialized multilateral organizations, in order to achieve the strategic objectives that we have set together, in perfect coherence with the Sustainable Development Goals and the priorities of the Global Agenda”, believes Mr. Addahre.
“This conference today offers us a unique opportunity to translate our priorities into concrete actions, with a view to effectively supporting emerging initiatives, particularly at the Arab and African scale, and to further encourage international partnership and cooperation projects. in this matter,” he said.
Mr. Addahre said he was confident that the spirit which prevailed throughout the process of labeling and revalidation of the M’Goun Geopark since 2014, will remain as a reference which allows the labeling of other projects in the future. of UNESCO Global Geoparks in other regions of the Kingdom.
The M’Goun Geopark, an integral part of the Beni Mellal Khenifra region, is considered to be the first Geopark in the Arab and African world to be recognized by UNESCO. This recognition was renewed following the visit of UNESCO experts in 2018 and 2022. He was honored with the presidency of the UNESCO African Geoparks Network, and represents Africa within the Executive Bureau of the Global Network. of UNESCO Geoparks.
Organized, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, by the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (GGN), the Beni Mellal-Khénifra Regional Council and the M’Goun Geopark Association, this 10th Conference brings together the Global geoparks having obtained the global label “UNESCO Geopark” spread over a total of 48 countries including Morocco, represented by its M’Goun UNESCO Geopark.
On the menu for this 10th Conference are plenary sessions, thematic workshops and field visits to the territory of the M’Goun Geopark, in addition to meetings focused on governance structures within the GGN and meetings of the GGN Executive Bureau. in addition to the processing of applications for the organization of the next edition of UNESCO Geoparks, formulated by four countries, namely: Brazil, Chile, South Korea and Indonesia.
The agenda of this event also includes scientific presentations on sustainable management methods for geological sites, environmental education, responsible tourism and local economic development, climate change and its negative repercussions and the fight against desertification and natural disasters.
2024-05-02 11:12:32