Agadir, Morocco’s second-largest tourist destination, is undergoing a major green transformation as part of preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with more than 30,000 trees planted across nearly 200 hectares surrounding the Grand Stadium.
The trees are part of a sweeping landscaping project aimed at creating a sustainable, welcoming environment for fans, teams, and residents.
“The area around the stadium was previously a sparse area dominated by argan trees. We began by clearing waste and abandoned materials, then planted thousands of ornamental and fruit trees,” Abdelghani Bouaichi, vice-president of Agadir’s municipal council, told le360.
An additional 50 hectares have been allocated for roads and pedestrian pathways to improve accessibility.
To ensure water efficiency amid prolonged drought, irrigation relies on three reservoirs of treated water with capacities of 9,000, 5,400, and 4,500 cubic meters. This approach reflects Morocco’s broader commitment to sustainable resource management.
The project also includes modernized public lighting and new sports facilities, such as an Olympic swimming pool, an indoor arena, and courts for padel, basketball, and football.
Agadir, known for its beaches and resorts, is expected to play a prominent role during CAN and later as one of the host cities for the 2030 World Cup, alongside Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.
Authorities are betting on the city’s hospitality sector and its growing sports infrastructure to attract thousands of fans and reinforce Morocco’s image as a premier destination for global sporting events.
