Morocco unveils ambitious forest investment plan for 2020-2030

Tuesday 18 February 2025 - 16:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco unveils ambitious forest investment plan for 2020-2030

Morocco's National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) has unveiled a comprehensive Forest Investment Master Plan in Rabat, marking a significant step forward in implementing the "Forests of Morocco 2020-2030" strategy. The announcement came during a major event attended by national and international experts, highlighting the country's commitment to sustainable forest management through public-private partnerships.

ANEF Director General Abderrahim Houmy emphasized the strategy's potential for private investors, particularly in wood industry development, ecotourism, and the valorization of forest products such as cork and aromatic and medicinal plants. "Private investment in the forestry sector is essential for strengthening local production, reducing import dependency, and stimulating economic growth while creating sustainable jobs," Houmy stated.

Morocco's forests, covering 12% of the national territory, play a crucial role in the country's economic, social, and environmental landscape. The strategy, launched under the direction of King Mohammed VI, aims to transform the forestry sector into a driver of sustainable and inclusive development, with local communities at the core of forest management.

Gian Weck, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, praised the initiative for addressing pressing climate change challenges while promoting transition toward a sustainable economy. Weck emphasized the vital role of innovation and entrepreneurship in creating green jobs and ensuring sustainable management of forest ecosystems, reaffirming Germany's commitment to supporting Morocco's forest preservation efforts.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Morocco, Abdelhak Laiti, highlighted the significance of Morocco-FAO collaboration in ensuring sustainable natural resource management. The Investment Master Plan, developed in partnership with FAO, focuses on enhancing the climate resilience of ecosystems and local communities.

Key components of the plan include:

- Increasing productivity of artificial plantations
- Developing high-potential forest sectors, particularly aromatic and medicinal plants
- Valorizing cork, pine resin, and carob production
- Implementing a concession program covering 120,000 hectares of forests, supported by private investments estimated at 1.25 billion dirhams

The plan specifically addresses Morocco's wood import dependency, which significantly impacts its trade deficit, while aiming to boost wood industry competitiveness and ensure sustainable management with positive economic and social returns.

The initiative's launch coincided with the announcement of five winners from the second Green Startup Competition, supported by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), Credit Agricole du Maroc, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, recognizing innovative projects in ecotourism and forest product development.

Through this comprehensive investment plan, Morocco reinforces its commitment to sustainable natural resource management while addressing the climatic and socio-economic challenges facing its forestry sector.