Morocco prioritizes sustainable water management amid climate challenges

Wednesday 23 April 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco prioritizes sustainable water management amid climate challenges

Morocco has taken significant steps to enhance its water resource management in response to increasing pressures from drought and climate change. At the recent SIAM 2025, the country signed two pivotal agreements aimed at revolutionizing its approach to water management.

The agreements were established between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Equipment and Water during the International Conference on Water Management for Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture, attended by nearly 30 foreign delegations, including ministers from France and Italy.

The first agreement targets the Fez-Meknes aquifer, emphasizing collaboration among farmers, local authorities, and industry stakeholders. “This new contract will allow us to balance environmental protection and economic development,” stated Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari.

The second agreement focuses on enhancing inter-departmental coordination, particularly in data sharing and weather forecasting. “The exchange of data between our services and the development of specific meteorological tools will revolutionize agricultural decision-making,” remarked Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water.

In an interview with Morocco World News, Baraka disclosed that Morocco is collaborating with the World Water Council to establish a new international center dedicated to renewable energy and water. “The aim is to share Morocco’s successful experience in seawater desalination using renewable energy – particularly solar energy,” he noted.

As Morocco's farming season looks promising, recent rainfall has boosted expectations for the grain harvest, projected to increase by 41%, reaching 44 million quintals, according to Minister El Bouari.

By 2030, Morocco plans to produce 1.7 billion cubic meters of desalinated water, of which 500 million cubic meters will be allocated for agricultural use. “This will allow us to irrigate over 100,000 hectares—enabling the cultivation of high-value crops and reinforcing our food sovereignty,” Baraka explained.

Furthermore, a new project aims to support regions affected by earthquakes. “We’ve signed a groundwater contract covering the earthquake-affected zone,” Baraka elaborated. “Water from the Moulay Abdeslam dam will support irrigation over 30,000 hectares, starting with 10,000 hectares.”

Both ministers emphasized that these initiatives align with the vision outlined by King Mohammed VI in his 2024 speech, aiming to fulfill 80% of Morocco’s irrigation needs. “In the face of growing water stress, these agreements reflect our commitment to deliver the royal vision,” concluded El Bouari.

Experts at the conference advocated for the expedited adoption of innovative water governance models, with many praising Morocco’s participatory approach to groundwater management as a potential benchmark for the region.