Morocco has officially established eight Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along its Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts as part of its commitment to the global biodiversity framework, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali announced Thursday at the opening of the 8th Sea Forum in El Jadida.
The initiative aims to protect 10% of Morocco’s maritime surface by 2030. “Thirty percent of marine protected areas would increase fish biomass by 500%, providing more certainty for the fishing industry while significantly increasing added value for local communities,” Benali explained.
Under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, Morocco has implemented strategic, legal, institutional, and operational measures to protect its marine and coastal ecosystems. “The preservation of fragile environments, particularly marine ones, is now at the heart of our National Sustainable Development Strategy, the reference framework for integrating sustainability principles into all sectoral and territorial policies,” the minister stated.
Morocco has adopted a coastal law establishing the foundations for integrated coastal zone management in compliance with international commitments, particularly the Barcelona Convention’s ICZM Protocol for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea and its coastline.
The country has also made progress in pollution control through the “Plastic-Free Coast” Action Plan and the National Emergency Plan against Accidental Marine Pollution. Bathing water quality compliance increased to 93% in a year, exceeding the 88% recorded in 2021, while beach waste decreased by over 21%.
The 8th Sea Forum, themed “The Sea, Future of the Earth,” continues until May 11, bringing together experts, researchers, artists, and representatives from institutions, NGOs, and businesses to discuss major environmental and maritime challenges.
