In an effort to address water scarcity and preserve biodiversity, Morocco has implemented an ambitious plan to restore 30% of its degraded ecosystems in the 300 critical wetlands for migratory birds between Africa and Europe. This initiative, which aims to be completed by 2030, focuses not only on environmental issues but also on improving agriculture, tourism, and natural disaster prevention.
Morocco leads with an environmental restoration plan
With around 400,000 hectares of wetlands and 38 protected sites under the Ramsar Convention, Morocco faces the pressure of a drought that has lasted seven years. Each restored wetland is as vital as building infrastructure, as it allows for the circulation of water and provides crucial habitats.
The Moroccan plan is not just an aspiration; it is concrete action. Its biodiversity document sets out steps to identify and restore these ecosystems, ensuring that at least one-third is under improvement measures by the year 2030.
Restoration techniques range from reforestation to water management and the creation of protected areas. The main goal is to revitalize the ecosystems so they function properly, beyond simply improving their green appearance.
Wetlands are essential for storing water, recharging aquifers, and mitigating floods, being vital in an arid environment. According to the Convention on Wetlands, since 1970, approximately 411 million hectares of these areas have been lost worldwide, with 25% of the remaining ones in precarious ecological conditions.
Abderrahim Houmy, from the National Agency for Water and Forests of Morocco, highlights that these spaces act as “natural regulators,” performing costly tasks for free in terms of water storage and management.
The plan includes specific projects such as channeling in Afenourir and improving water quality in the Marchica lagoon. Additionally, bird shelters are being created in coastal wetlands like Sidi Boughaba and Naila.
The restoration is not limited to specific actions, as the success of a wetland depends on the quality and quantity of water, the use of surrounding land, and human pressure.
Essaouira, a Ramsar site since 2005, is crucial in this strategy, not only for its landscape but also for combating coastal erosion. The Eleonor’s falcon, a local symbol, has experienced notable growth thanks to these efforts.
Effective management combines ecological conservation with sustainable use, benefiting sectors such as agriculture and tourism. However, uncontrolled tourism could threaten these achievements, which is why Morocco seeks international recognition of Essaouira as a “Wetland City.”
The real challenge will be measuring success with indicators on species, soil quality, and water. Recent rains provide temporary relief, but water stress remains a structural concern.
For more details on the updated national target, consult the official document Morocco National Targets GBF-NT.
