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Morocco strengthens water management with German-backed climate initiative
Morocco has launched a new initiative to modernize water governance in the Tensift basin, a region grappling with critical water stress driven by climate variability, urbanization, and agricultural demands. Backed by Germany through its development bank KfW, the project, known as "GIREau VI," is a pivotal step in adopting data-driven approaches to climate adaptation.
Tackling water scarcity with advanced tools
The initiative comes as Morocco's national water reserves show a temporary recovery, with dam storage reaching 5.64 billion cubic meters by December 2025, a 16.9% increase over the previous year. Despite this improvement, authorities caution that long-term challenges, including erratic rainfall, structural pressures, and rising demand, persist.
GIREau VI focuses on deploying cutting-edge systems for monitoring and analyzing hydroclimatic data. This includes upgrading hydrological, piezometric, and meteorological networks, modernizing data collection tools, and integrating digital platforms for real-time analysis. By enhancing the accessibility and reliability of water data, the project aims to enable more informed decision-making and better allocation of resources among agricultural, urban, and environmental needs.
A shift from reactive to preventive measures
One of the project’s transformative elements is the introduction of a flood early-warning system. Using simulation and forecasting models, this system allows authorities to anticipate risks and implement preventative measures, marking a shift from crisis response to proactive management. Similar strategies are being adopted for drought mitigation, emphasizing early action over emergency interventions.
The financial and technical aspects of the project are supported by KfW as part of Morocco-Germany financial cooperation. National and international experts will assist the Tensift basin authority throughout the project's 30-month implementation period, covering preparatory studies, procurement, system deployment, and capacity building.
A broader vision for water resilience
Beyond the Tensift basin, GIREau VI reflects Morocco's evolving water strategy, which increasingly prioritizes data, forecasting, and governance as essential elements of climate adaptation. Alongside infrastructure projects like dams and desalination plants, these initiatives aim to bolster the country’s long-term resilience in the face of growing water challenges.
