Championing Sustainability: Princess Lalla Hasnaa Spearheads Environmental Initiatives

Wednesday 22 May 2024 - 08:00

In a pivotal meeting of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, Princess Lalla Hasnaa, the esteemed President, unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for fostering a sustainable future. Her impassioned address, delivered with eloquence and unwavering determination, outlined the Foundation's remarkable accomplishments and ambitious initiatives for 2023.

Underscoring her steadfast commitment to empowering African youth, Princess Lalla Hasnaa emphasized the African Youth Climate Hub (AYCH) as a cornerstone of her endeavors. This transformative initiative took center stage during her opening remarks at the inaugural high-level annual meeting of the Partnership for Green Education, co-organized by UNESCO and the UAE Ministry of Education during COP 28.

With a fervent call for equitable data sharing with the Global South, Princess Lalla Hasnaa advocated for decisive measures to bridge the digital divide in Africa, a crucial step towards inclusive progress and environmental stewardship.

As the patron for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the Princess unveiled a series of groundbreaking projects spearheaded by the Foundation. These initiatives, including those discussed at the third Institutional Dialogue in Monaco last June, complement the Foundation's established programs, such as the Clean Beaches initiative and the Sea Without Plastic campaign.

Notably, these newly unveiled projects aim to bolster ocean knowledge among African university students, leveraging training resources developed in collaboration with the Hassan II International Environmental Training Center.

A pivotal focus of Princess Lalla Hasnaa's address centered on the Foundation's concerted efforts to decarbonize Morocco's economy. She meticulously detailed training initiatives tailored for companies to measure their carbon footprint, as well as climate finance training programs designed specifically for local governments.

A highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the inauguration of the historic Hboula Garden in Meknes. This restoration project, executed in collaboration with various partners, stands as a testament to the Foundation's unwavering commitment to preserving Morocco's natural heritage.

In her concluding remarks, Princess Lalla Hasnaa expressed profound gratitude to all partners for their steadfast support and commitment to the Foundation's environmental initiatives, emphasizing their pivotal role in fostering a sustainable and balanced future.

During the meeting, the Board of Directors approved the financial statements for 2022 and 2023, with the legal auditor affirming their accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.

Established in 2001 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection has been at the vanguard of raising environmental awareness among Moroccan citizens. With a holistic approach, the Foundation's programs target a diverse audience, including youth, civil society, businesses, and academic institutions, fostering a culture of sustainability through education and sustainable development initiatives.

Supported by numerous local and international partners, the Foundation's programs encompass five main areas: Education for Sustainable Development, Protection of Coasts and Oceans, Air Quality, Climate, and the Protection and Development of the Marrakech Palm Grove, Sustainable Tourism, and Restoration of Historical Parks and Gardens.

Through Princess Lalla Hasnaa's visionary leadership and the Foundation's unwavering commitment, Morocco continues to stride towards a greener, more sustainable future, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage of environmental stewardship.