The ‘Blue Belt’, Morocco’s Initiative to Boost Coastal Resilience to Climate Change

At COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco unveiled its new initiative, dubbed ‘Blue Belt’, to boost sustainable fisheries and bolster coastal resilience to climate change.

“On the occasion of this COP, Morocco will confirm its support for the initiatives relating to the oceans, which have been already launched, and will launch a new initiative called ‘the Blue Belt’, aimed at increasing the resilience of coastal populations as well as promoting sustainable fishing activities,” Princess Lalla Hasnaa, Chairwoman of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, Ambassador of the Coast, said in a speech at the opening ceremony of the Oceans’ Day at COP22.

“The Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection will join the Blue Belt,” said Princess Lalla Hasnaa, the youngest sister of King Mohammed VI, during the ceremony which was notably attended by Prince Albert of Monaco, French Minister of the Environment, Energy and the Sea, President of the COP 21, Ségolène Royal, and European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella.

The Foundation will take part in the creation of marine protected areas in keeping with its efforts to bolster sustainable development of three Moroccan wetlands on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, she said, adding that oceans protection is part of Morocco’s environmental engagement, which is a key component of public policies.

The Oceans Action Event at COP 22, part of the Global Climate Action Agenda, features high-level political leaders from around the world, international agencies, NGOs, experts, and private sector representatives to showcase how the world is tackling climate change impacts on oceans, seas, and coastal and island populations.