2024-05-11 13:11:32
Initialed by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the Director of Operations for Neighboring Countries of the European Union at the EIB, Lionel Rapaille, in the presence of the Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), Abderrahim Houmy, this financing contract relating to the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy is part of the cooperation between Morocco and the EIB and is extends over the period from 2024 to 2028.
This financial partnership is also part of the efforts made by Morocco, under the enlightened vision of HM King Mohammed VI, for the modernization and strengthening of the competitiveness of the water and forests sector.
Structured around three essential components, the financing contract emphasizes adaptation to climate change, the promotion of biodiversity, and the strengthening of institutional capacities for effective and coordinated implementation.
The first component concerns support for watershed development plans to rehabilitate forests, reduce erosion, preserve water resources and soil fertility. It includes reforestation, assisted natural regeneration, mechanical erosion control, revegetation of gullies, and the opening or maintenance of forest trails.
The second component of the contract relates to the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of ecotourism in national parks, with the conservation and rehabilitation of habitats and species, the development of adequate infrastructure, and the promotion of ecotourism.
As for the third component, it is intended for technical assistance to ANEF in the preparation and implementation of the project, and support for the sectors, with a subsidy from the Investment Facility for the Neighborhood of the ‘European Union.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Lekjaa emphasized the importance of signing this financing contract which marks a significant milestone in the achievement of Morocco’s environmental and socio-economic objectives.
In this sense, he highlighted Morocco’s commitments in the fight against climate change, including the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45.5% by 2030, and the transition towards the development of clean and renewable energies.
The minister also highlighted the originality of the forest support program, highlighting the strengthening of the capture of greenhouse gas emissions and the contribution to clean energy.
For his part, Mr. Rapaille underlined the importance of this financing contract which is structured around an integrated approach aimed at strengthening the biodiversity of the Kingdom’s national parks and facing the challenges of climate change, while promoting the economic development of these forest areas.
It is also a financing which is part of an overall project meeting various objectives, he noted, noting that the said program includes crucial actions such as protection against erosion, development of forest areas, and promotes an inclusive approach by involving all local stakeholders.
And to specify that this innovative program aims to reconcile various issues such as the protection of the environment, the preservation of often neglected biodiversity, in addition to the promotion of the economic development of the country.
For his part, Mr. Houmy highlighted the role of this initiative capable of creating an environment conducive to the effective implementation of the forestry strategy, specifying that the signing of this financing agreement with the EIB for the realization of Morocco’s Forests strategy is a continuation of other agreements already concluded, such as those with the French Development Agency and cooperation with the European Union.
Focused on the preservation of biodiversity, adaptation to climate change and collaboration with local populations, this strategy highlights the importance of forest user populations as essential players in the sustainable management of natural resources, he indicated.
At the end of the signing ceremony, Mr. Lekjaa and Mr. Rapaille praised the level of cooperation ties between Morocco and the EIB, while expressing their desire to engage in joint reflection to strengthen access to new means of financing.
2024-05-11 13:11:32