Speaking at the opening of the ninth scientific conference, initiated by the Center for Human and Social Studies and Research of Oujda (CERHSO), Mr. Dahak said that Morocco, despite water stress, has so far been able to manage this vital substance well, thanks to the dam policy launched by the late HM King Hassan II, as well as the water management policy and the continuation of the construction of dams that HM King Mohammed VI personally ensures the monitoring of the projects launched in this direction.
“Water security necessarily involves the optimal and rigorous implementation of public policies relating to water management. Hence Morocco can become a model to follow in this area,” he explained during this inaugural conference, which took place in the presence of the president of the local Council of Ulemas of Oujda, Mustapha Benhamza, the president and director of CERHSO, and other personalities.
In this regard, Mr. Dahak recalled the national water strategy (2009-2030) implemented by the Higher Council for Water and Climate, as well as the National Water Plan and the integrated and local water management plans, stressing that water is well framed in terms of structure and programs, in addition to Law No. 36-15 of August 10, 2016 relating to water, while emphasizing the execution of this strategy.
He continued that Morocco is currently adopting a new approach to address water stress, which is based on several concepts including the use of seawater, the reuse of wastewater, in addition to governance in the use of water and the improvement of the distribution network.
“If Morocco manages to achieve 80% preservation of water quality (currently it exceeds 40%) as planned, the Kingdom will have stood out from other countries, including developed countries,” he argued.
In the process, he noted that Morocco has long since created a water civilization, recalling in this regard the initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to register, last November, the Ksours of Figuig in the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Program.
Mr. Dahak also addressed the global water crisis, including “water injustice” and misdistribution of water, noting that the best solution to avoid the resulting crises and conflicts is the recognition of water as a global common heritage.
During this meeting, held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the creation of CERHSO, several areas will be addressed, including the culture of water management in Moroccan society, climate change and its impact on water capacity, as well as the strategic repercussions of the water crisis.
2024-09-22 15:00:29