Since joining the RAMSAR Convention in 1980, Morocco has included 38 sites on the list of wetlands of international importance. As part of the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy, ANEF plans to register 10 new sites by the end of 2025, bringing the national total to 48 zones. The announcement was made in Marrakech during the African regional preparatory meeting for COP15 on wetlands.
40 African countries, parties to the RAMSAR Convention, international partner organizations, as well as experts in wetland management have gathered in Marrakech since Wednesday, until January 10, 2025, for the African regional meeting preparatory to the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties to the RAMSAR Convention (COP15) on wetlands to be held in July in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
This meeting aims to harmonize African positions and debate strategic issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The discussions focus, on the one hand, on the new RAMSAR 2025-2034 strategic plan, which defines objectives such as promoting the designation of new sites of international importance to strengthen ecological connectivity, particularly for the habitats of migratory birds. .
On the other hand, it discusses the role of wetlands as essential spaces for biodiversity and climate resilience as well as the institutional strengthening of the RAMSAR Convention, in accordance with the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (CMB ), adopted at COP15 on biodiversity (2022, Montreal).
Morocco: 38 sites on the list of wetlands
According to Abderrahim Houmy, director general of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), “since 1970, 35% of the world’s natural wetlands have disappeared, at a rate three times higher than that of deforestation. This degradation not only compromises ecosystems, but also the populations who depend on them for their livelihood. The effects of climate change (increased droughts, violent storms, rising sea levels, etc.) are accentuating this critical situation.
Africa, home to 44% of the world’s RAMSAR sites with a total area of over 111 million hectares, has a central role to play. Regional cooperation, supported by initiatives such as MedWet and the Southern Africa Initiative, must be strengthened to maximize the benefits of wetlands for local people and biodiversity.
-Still according to the DG of ANEF, “Morocco, since its accession to the RAMSAR Convention in 1980, has included 38 sites on the List of wetlands of international importance. As part of the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy, ANEF plans to register 10 new RAMSAR sites by the end of 2025, bringing the national total to 48 wetlands of international importance. It also involves strengthening technical tools and governance bodies for better coordination between state, non-state actors and international partners.
Morocco, key player in the RAMSAR Convention
Member of the Permanent Committee of the RAMSAR Convention for the period 2022-2025 as representative of the North Africa sub-region, Morocco carries the voice of Africa to meet the challenges of conservation, restoration and sustainable use of African wetlands.
The Marrakech meeting constituted an essential platform to consolidate cooperation between African countries and promote cross-border partnerships aimed at the conservation of biodiversity and wetlands since the meeting is of particular importance, particularly in the run-up to COP 15, which will see the adoption of the new RAMSAR Strategic Plan 2025-2034 aimed at integrating innovative solutions to respond to the impacts of climate change and promoting the designation of new sites of international importance.
Yassine Saber / ECO Inspirations
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