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Economy

Morocco and France Unite for the Sustainable Rebirth of Toubkal Park After Earthquake

Tuesday 16 April 2024 - 10:12

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Moroccan and French authorities have forged a groundbreaking collaboration to lead an ambitious program aimed at rebuilding and rejuvenating the earthquake-affected Toubkal region through sustainable development and environmental conservation. The partnership between Morocco's National Water and Forestry Agency (ANEF) and the French Development Agency (AFD) has resulted in a €102 million initiative, solidifying their dedication to a greener, more resilient future.

Drawing from their successful cooperation in projects such as the "Ghabati Hayati" Program and the "Conservation of Biodiversity of the Ifrane National Park," the new initiative adopts a dual approach: fostering local economic growth through sustainable ecotourism and safeguarding the invaluable forest ecosystems of the Toubkal region.

Christophe Lecourtier, France's Ambassador to Morocco, emphasized the program's vision of a prosperous and resilient future for the region, extending beyond mere infrastructure reconstruction. ANEF and AFD will collaborate to pinpoint crucial areas and tailor projects to preserve and restore forest ecosystems.

In a press release, the agencies stressed their commitment to promoting sustainable ecotourism while ensuring that local communities are not only consulted but also actively involved in the development process. This inclusive strategy aligns with the overarching goal of fostering resilience and prosperity in the Toubkal region.

Recognizing the significance of knowledge transfer, AFD has committed to supporting ANEF's capacity-building endeavors through training programs and the exchange of best practices. This collaborative effort will encompass expertise in integrated water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation.

Aberrahim Houmy, General Director of ANEF, praised the dynamic nature of the partnership, stating, "This collaboration with the AFD group is dynamic and has allowed us to innovate during the first 'Ghabati Hayati' program." He expressed the intention to continue collaborating on implementing the "Forests of Morocco 2020-2030" Strategy and advancing the reconstruction and sustainable development of the Toubkal National Park area.

With a touch of sophistication and a formal tone suited for online publication, this landmark alliance between Morocco and France lays the foundation for a sustainable revival of the Toubkal region, harmonizing economic prosperity with environmental stewardship and resilience in the face of natural disasters.