In this interview carried out on the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Forum, which ended Friday in Bali, he addresses Morocco‘s achievements in the field as well as the main challenges facing the African continent’s water resources.
What is your assessment of Morocco’s contribution to the World Water Forum?
Morocco and the World Water Forum have been inseparable for almost 30 years. Let us remember that the first world Water Forum was held in Marrakech (in 1997, editor’s note).Since then, Morocco has been present at all editions of the Forum, in particular since 2003, when HM the King decided to create the Hassan II world Water Grand Prize, which marks all the opening ceremonies of the Forum since the Kyoto edition, Japan.
the Moroccan presence has a wide scope and is also distinguished by the participation of Moroccan representatives working in the field of water, whether public or private actors.
What is your view on Morocco’s achievements in terms of protecting water resources?
Morocco is a major water nation with recognized expertise in water resources management. This is largely due to the dam construction policy implemented by the late HM Hassan II and continued by HM King Mohammed VI, as well as initiatives such as the transfer of water between surplus and deficit dams, which today guarantees the security of Casablanca’s water needs.
Morocco was one of the first countries to adopt the use of unconventional water resources, such as seawater desalination and wastewater recycling. Walking along the coast of Rabat, you can see the watering of green spaces with recycled water.
Desalination, recycling, improved groundwater treatment, water transfer…Morocco now masters all the main techniques related to water.
What are the main challenges facing Africa in the area of water?
The water situation in Africa is very contrasting, with regions experiencing shortages and others where water resources are abundant.Approaches to handling these situations differ.
Africa needs water aid, increased innovation, better governance and financing.
This is why the World Water Council launched the Water Financing Coalition during the Bali Forum, which aims to connect donors with project leaders in need of financing.
Currently, Africa has a population of 1.8 billion people, a figure expected to reach 4 billion by the end of the century. Therefore, Africa will also face the challenge of food security, which is closely linked to the water issue.
Moroccan expertise, which is recognized in countries such as Senegal, Mali and gabon, can play a decisive role to this end, and must be consolidated and intensified.
How does the Water financing Coalition aim to address Africa’s water resource challenges?
interview: Exploring Morocco’s Water Achievements and Africa’s Challenges wiht [Expert’s Name], Water Resource Management Specialist
Published on Time.news
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, [Expert’s Name]. As we reflect on the recently concluded 10th edition of the world Water Forum in Bali, I’d like to start by discussing Morocco’s meaningful contributions over the years. How do you assess Morocco’s involvement in the World Water Forum?
[Expert’s Name]: Thank you for having me. Morocco’s involvement in the World water Forum has been pivotal for nearly three decades. The first Forum was held in Marrakech in 1997, and since then, Morocco has been a consistent participant.A highlight of this commitment was the establishment of the Hassan II World Water Grand Prize in 2003, initiated by HM King Mohammed VI, which marks each Forum’s opening ceremony.This long-standing engagement showcases Morocco’s leadership in addressing global water resource challenges.
Time.news Editor: That’s impressive! Can you elaborate on Morocco’s specific achievements in protecting water resources?
[Expert’s name]: Absolutely. Morocco is recognized as a major player in water resource management. The country has excelled in dam construction, a policy spearheaded by the late HM Hassan II and now continued under HM King Mohammed VI. This initiative, alongside innovative practices such as transferring water between surplus and deficit dams, has secured reliable water access for cities like Casablanca.
Importantly, Morocco was among the pioneers in adopting unconventional water resources, including seawater desalination and wastewater recycling. Walking along the coast of Rabat,one can see the effective use of recycled water for irrigation,demonstrating the country’s mastery over key water management techniques—including desalination and groundwater treatment.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like Morocco is setting a strong example. However, what are the primary challenges that Africa faces concerning water resources?
[Expert’s Name]: Africa’s water landscape is indeed diverse, with stark contrasts between regions facing severe water shortages and those with abundant resources. to address these discrepancies, Africa will require significant water aid, innovation in water management, enhanced governance, and better financing.
The recent launch of the water Financing Coalition by the World Water council during the Bali forum is a critical step in connecting project leaders with potential donors. With Africa’s population projected to grow from 1.8 billion to 4 billion by the century’s end, the continent will also confront pressing challenges related to food security, which are intrinsically linked to water availability.
Time.news Editor: Considering Morocco’s recognized expertise in water management, how can this knowledge influence other African nations facing similar issues?
[Expert’s Name]: Morocco’s expertise is already beneficial in several African countries, including Senegal, Mali, and Gabon. This knowledge has the potential to play a transformative role,especially in promoting sustainable and innovative water practices. Collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing initiatives must be intensified to help other nations develop their water management strategies effectively.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,[Expert’s Name]. Your insights shed light on Morocco’s invaluable contributions and the pressing challenges facing Africa’s water resources.What final thoughts or practical advice would you like to share with our readers?
[Expert’s Name]: I’d encourage readers to recognize the importance of sustainable water management practices.Individuals and communities can contribute by advocating for efficient water use, supporting innovative technologies, and participating in local initiatives. as morocco demonstrates, proactive leadership and investment in water resources can lead to significant advancements in securing our moast precious resource for future generations.
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