Assahafa.com
The 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention took place from July 23 to 31 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with the participation of delegates from over 170 countries, aiming at bolstering governance and protecting wetlands at global level.
During this major international event, Morocco showed active participation and remarkable contribution, reaffirming its commitment in favor of wetlands and biodiversity, according to a press release from the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF). It cited the adoption of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2025–2034 among major advancements of this COP, as a benchmark in line with the objectives of the Global framework for biodiversity.
This new plan offers an ambitious vision for safeguarding and sustainable usage of wetlands, amid increasing climate, pollution, and urbanization pressures, the same source adds, noting that in a context where some states have attempted to divert the scientific and environmental purpose of the Convention for political ends, Morocco has strictly and responsibly spoke for respecting the fundamental principles of Ramsar.
As such, Morocco firmly rejected a draft resolution introduced by Algeria, which sought to undermine the Kingdom’s territorial integrity by suggesting the declassification of Ramsar sites located in its southern provinces, notably Oued Assaquia Al hamra (Laayoune), the Aftissate Coast (Boujdour), Dakhla Bay, and Sebkhat Imlili (Oued Eddahab).
Thanks to effective diplomatic commitment and the overwhelming support of the Contracting Parties, this political maneuver culminated in the withdrawal of said draft resolution. The international community overwhelmingly welcomed Morocco’s position, reiterating the need to preserve the neutrality of the Ramsar Convention and to oppose any attempt to politicize its action.
As the national focal point for the Convention, ANEF oversees the implementation of integrated action plans for wetlands, based on an inclusive approach involving public institutions, local authorities, researchers, civil society, local communities, and the private sector. This participatory governance aims to ensure the sustainable, consistent, and coordinated management of Moroccan wetlands.
Among strategic levers, the Agency highlights the Morocco Forest Strategy 2020-2030, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, specifying that this strategy pays particular attention to the preservation of these fragile environments as vectors of ecological regulation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
To date, Morocco counts 38 Ramsar-designated sites of international importance across the Kingdom, with ecosystems recognized for their biological richness and importance in international migratory routes.
In line with this approach, the city of Mehdia has been officially designated as Morocco’s second Ramsar City, after Ifrane, illustrating the Kingdom’s willingness to connect wetland conservation to urban planning.
Morocco was also elected to the Ramsar Standing Committee for 2025–2028, representing North Africa—recognition of its role in advancing regional environmental governance.
Source: map
