To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the Moroccan Government has formalised its commitment to tackling climate change in the country. This commitment includes an unprecedented National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development, aimed at protecting Morocco’s green spaces, nature reserves and natural resources, a number of agreements as well as a multi-billion dollar series of nationwide projects, with major investments in wind power, solar energy, wastewater treatment and education.

These various measures underline Morocco’s pledge to minimise the effects of climate change, protect the country’s natural resources and ecosystems and improve the standard of living for all its citizens.

Five agreements were formally signed by the Government in the presence of Prince Moulay Rachid and Princess Lalla Hasna, chairwoman of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, during week-long activities for Earth Day. These include an agreement for an ‘eco-schools’ programme, aimed at putting education at the heart of sustainable development in the country. Through initiatives designed to raise awareness of environmental issues and instil a sense of environmental responsibility, this practical programme will educate the next generation on how they can help build a sustainable future for Morocco.

Three agreements were also signed to gradually phase out the use of plastic bags, with the ultimate aim of eliminating them altogether. An appropriate legal framework will be established and people will be required to use environmentally responsible alternatives.

A final agreement relates to a project to harness energy from methane gas emitted by the El Oulja landfill site, which covers an area of 70,000 m². This will minimise pollution in the Bouregreg valley and allow the development of bio-gas technology to treat solid waste and wastewater.

Morocco Earth Day Commissioner, Mrs Miriem Bensalah Chaqroun says, “We are honoured that Rabat was one of the chosen few to host the 40th anniversary Earth Day celebrations. I think it bears testament to the significant progress we have already made in tackling climate change. It has also enabled us to demonstrate our long-term commitment to the environmental cause and our desire – indeed the desire of all Moroccans – to build a sustainable future for our people. We hope that other countries will be inspired to follow our example.”

The Moroccan capital, Rabat, was just one of five international cities chosen by the Earth Day network to officially host the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Morocco prides itself on being a leader in tackling environmental challenges in Africa and the Arab world. Several national programmes and initiatives have already been implemented in the country, in key sectors such as water, agriculture, industry, construction and energy. These include the national Energy Strategy launched in March 2009, as well as a $9-billion investment in solar energy to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by 3.7 million tonnes per year. By 2020, Morocco expects renewable energy sources to account for 42% of its total installed power.

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

More on some of the environmental projects being adopted across Morocco

Several environmental projects were selected from a number of nationwide schemes to be formally presented during Earth Day activities. These reflect King Mohammed VI’s vision for the protection of biodiversity and the progress of society and include a project to preserve marine ecosystems. This will involve the building of man-made reefs, the preservation of marine biodiversity, measures to discourage overfishing and restoring damaged marine habitats.

Two projects were also unveiled to combat desertification in Chaouia-Ouardigha and Laâyoune. The projects involve restoring forests and rural areas, soil conservation, protecting against sand encroachment, creating watersheds to battle water erosion and planting trees in urban areas. Green belts and recreation areas will also be created around the town of Laâyoune.

About Earth Day: the most famous environmental event on earth

Founded in the United States in 1970, Earth Day has become a genuine focal point for global environmental issues in more than 174 countries and continues to grow in importance. On March 18th 2010, Rabat was one of just five international cities to be chosen by the Earth Day Network as a host for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The 2010 objective for the Earth Day Network was to achieve “One billion acts of green ™” throughout the world, making Earth Day one of the most celebrated environmental event in the world.