Elaboration of a regional action program to raise awareness of adaptation to climate change (MALAA0001)

Commitment ID

MALAA0001

Commitment Title

Elaboration of a regional action program to raise awareness of adaptation to climate change

Problem

Among the problems that will be solved by the implementation of the commitment, we cite:

- Degradation of the environment;

- Depletion of surface and underground water resources;

- Over-exploitation of water resources;

- The regression of biological biodiversity in wetlands and the fragility of forest ecosystems;

- Reduced plant cover (forests and steppes);

- The expansion of pollution zones and the increase in groundwater salinity;

- Desertification and the advance of sand;

- Low awareness of the risks of climate change among the population;

- Low awareness of the need to adapt to climate change;

- Low societal awareness of the importance of the sustainability of water resources and the rationalization of its use;

- The low level of involvement of civil society and citizens in tackling environmental challenges.

Status quo

Climate change is taking its toll on the forests and water resources of the regions forming the Consortium. In Morocco, forests contribute almost 1.5% of GDP to the national economy and generate almost 10 million working days, representing 50,000 permanent jobs (National Water and Forest Agency, 2024). The forest provides 30% of industrial wood requirements and 17% of livestock requirements. However, it is threatened by the degradation of ecosystems, estimated at 17,000 ha/year, due to the negative effects of climate change and human pressures. Excessive harvesting of firewood and over-exploitation for fodder exceed 3 times the carrying capacity and are holding back the sustainable development of the forest (El Hairchi and al., 2022). There has been a sharp decline in the water content of the water basins in the regions forming the Consortium: Moulouya 37.14%, Souss Massa 18.09%, Drâa-Oued Noun 30.95% (Equipment and Water Ministry, 2025).

Action

The commitment is to co-create and co-implement an integrated program to raise awareness and adapt to the effects of climate change in the 4 regions, with the involvement of civil society in the design and implementation of innovative solutions for adapting to climate change. The aim of the commitment, which is to raise participatory awareness of the need to adapt to climate change, is based on the following objectives:

- A population aware of the need to protect the environment, particularly water and forest resources;

- Improved management of water resources, particularly in rural areas;

- Rational exploitation of water and forest resources;

- Civil society involved in the design and implementation of innovative solutions for exploiting water resources;

- Promoting women as environmental leaders;

- Sustainable irrigation practices to reduce water loss.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The products and results expected from the implementation of the commitment are:

- Citizens familiar with and aware of the effects of climate change and the importance of water sustainability by 2027;

- Awareness of the importance of adapting to climate change anchored in the population;

- Improved sustainability of water resources in rural areas;

- Natural resources (forestry and water) preserved;

- Greater involvement of civil society in the design and implementation of solutions to preserve natural resources, particularly water;

- Innovative community projects created, reducing the effects of climate change on the environment;

- Strengthened capacity of elected representatives and managers to adapt to the effects of climate change;

- Local environmental trainers and facilitators trained;

- Strengthened capacity of women environmental leaders;

- Contribution to the implementation of the SDGs.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

The long-term objective of the strategic vision to which this commitment relates is to make the regions of the consortium resilient and sustainable territories, adapted to climate change, through:

- Raising public awareness of the effects of climate change;

- Raising awareness of the need to adapt to the effects of climate change;

- Raising awareness of the ways in which water resources can be used by the population, particularly women in rural areas;

- Preservation of natural resources;

- Capacity-building for elected representatives, managers and members of consultative bodies;

- Capacity-building for women environmental leaders;

- Promoting sustainable water resource management practices;

- Involving civil society in the design and implementation of innovative solutions for environmental protection, in particular the management of forest and water resources.

Primary Policy Area

Crisis Response, Inclusion

Primary Sector

Environment & Climate, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?