Morocco and Ivory Coast Forge Water Management Partnership

Wednesday 22 May 2024 - 18:00

In a move to bolster international cooperation and address global water security challenges, Morocco and Ivory Coast have forged a strategic partnership in integrated water resource management. The collaboration was formalized through a cooperation agreement signed on the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum, currently underway in Bali, Indonesia.

The agreement, inked by Nizar Baraka, Morocco's Minister of Equipment and Water, and Laurent Tchagba, Ivory Coast's Minister of Water and Forests, establishes a framework for institutional and technical cooperation in the realm of water resource management. This comprehensive partnership will encompass various facets, including water legislation, public awareness campaigns on water conservation, and the integrated management of both national and transboundary water resources.

The document outlines knowledge-sharing initiatives on water transfer technologies, groundwater management practices, and the establishment of national and regional basin organizations for effective water resource governance. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the countries' respective water management strategies and foster a sustainable approach to this vital resource.

In a press release following the signing ceremony, Baraka expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting the existing strong relations between Morocco and Ivory Coast. He underscored Morocco's commitment to supporting Ivory Coast's water management efforts, particularly in establishing basin agencies.

Echoing this sentiment, Tchagba welcomed the agreement, describing it as a much-needed platform for implementing the vision of the preparatory process that began in Fez, Morocco, during the 3rd International Conference on Water and Climate held in July 2023. He emphasized Ivory Coast's desire to benefit from Moroccan expertise in water management, particularly in light of the adoption of a new water law by the Ivorian government in November 2023.

Tchagba further emphasized that the agreement is an expression of a broader vision for cooperation between the two nations, a vision championed by King Mohammed VI and President Alassane Ouattara. This partnership underscores the shared commitment to fostering international cooperation and addressing the pressing challenges of water security on a global scale.

The 10th World Water Forum, co-organized by the World Water Council and the Indonesian government, serves as a significant platform for such collaborative efforts. With an estimated 30,000 attendees from 172 countries participating in discussions and forging partnerships, the forum aims to address global water security challenges through a multifaceted approach, fostering international cooperation and implementing sustainable solutions.