Strengthening seismic preparedness in Morocco with Japan and UNESCO support

Wednesday 28 May 2025 - 16:06

By: Zahouani Ilham

Strengthening seismic preparedness in Morocco with Japan and UNESCO support

A new seismic monitoring station was officially inaugurated at the Abu Al-Abbas Al-Sabti Dam in Morocco’s Chichaoua Province on Tuesday. This installation is part of a network of 20 stations deployed nationwide, supported through a collaborative project involving UNESCO, the Japanese government, Morocco’s National Center for Scientific and Technical Research, and the Ministry of National Land Use Planning.

The station's launch marked the completion of the initiative “Strengthening Morocco’s Resilience to Earthquakes,” launched after the devastating Al Hoceima earthquake on September 8, 2023. Funded with $900,000 from Japan, the project aimed to enhance Morocco’s capacity to monitor seismic activity, manage disasters effectively, and educate the public on earthquake risks.

The project adopted a broad strategy that included the installation of advanced monitoring systems, such as accelerometers for measuring seismic intensity. These systems were placed in newly built or renovated units equipped with solar panels to ensure uninterrupted operation. Additionally, the national seismic network was expanded with 12 new seismometers, 10 accelerometric sensors, and 8 early warning systems. To enable real-time data transmission, 37 communication modules were installed, powered by 20 solar batteries.

UNESCO's Maghreb Office Director, Eric Falt, stressed the need for a proactive rather than reactive approach to earthquakes. He highlighted that the project’s true value lies in fostering a science-based culture of prevention and awareness. Japan’s Ambassador to Morocco, Masahiro Nakata, also expressed pride in sharing his country’s experience, particularly in light of Japan’s frequent and intense seismic events, such as the 2011 earthquake and the recent Noto Peninsula quake.

Beyond technology, the initiative prioritized human capacity building. Over 400 individuals including engineers, administrators, educators, and civil society members benefited from 15 training sessions and workshops on topics like earthquake-resistant design, psychological crisis response, disaster planning, and emergency communication. Awareness campaigns also reached 12 schools across Al Haouz, Chichaoua, and Taroudant.

Additional outcomes of the project included a blueprint for a future construction technical center, six educational films promoting the value of traditional architecture, and the launch of a national digital platform offering public access to real-time seismic data.

The inauguration ceremony drew several dignitaries, including Japan’s ambassador, the Director of UNESCO’s Maghreb Office, and Chichaoua’s provincial governor, Bouabid El Krab. Their presence underscored the spirit of international scientific cooperation and shared resilience that underpinned the project.

In its closing statement, UNESCO reaffirmed its dedication to supporting nations in disaster preparedness through scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing. It also recognized Japan’s approach as a global model for seismic risk management and sustainable resilience building.