On Saturday in Tangier, the Club des Dirigeants (CDD) organized the 2nd Environment and Sustainable Development Day, under the theme « Restoration Generation, the generation that can make peace with the earth », in the presence of a host of national and international researchers, consultants and experts.
This unique event, organized under the aegis of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, celebrates both World Environment Day and Morocco’s collective effort to implement the sustainable development model dictated by HM King Mohammed VI’s strategic guidelines and the Kingdom’s international commitments.
In line with Morocco’s new strategy in its transition towards a green and sustainable economy, this event also aims to promote the efforts undertaken by both local authorities and the industrial fabric of the region, in this sector which constitutes one of the pillars of the circular economy and sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening of this event, the President of the CDD, Driss Drif, emphasized that this scientific event, oriented towards solutions and recommendations, serves as a platform for the exchange of expertise for stakeholders and operators in the sector, with the aim of making it the key meeting for consultation and recommendations, in order to build a sustainable and inclusive future.
He noted that this edition, which aims to bring together all actors operating in the field of the blue economy, freshwater management, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture, aspires to allow the various participants to learn about the sectoral efforts undertaken by public authorities, the evolution of technologies and best practices in these areas, as well as the prospects for development and the creation of green jobs, highlighting that the CDD wants to make this event a culture for its members and partners and an annual meeting for exchange.
For her part, the President of the CDD in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Kaoutar Bennis, stated that this meeting is an opportunity to acknowledge Morocco’s efforts and commitment to addressing challenges by making sustainable development a « strategic choice, » under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, noting that this edition promotes belonging to the « Generation Restoration » family, which aims to participate in the restoration of ecosystems for people, nature, and climate, and contribute to the global effort engaged by the 193 countries that signed the 2030 Agenda, as well as Morocco’s considerable effort in terms of sustainable development.
After emphasizing the essential role that terrestrial and marine ecosystems play in climate regulation and protection against extreme weather events, Mrs. Bennis pointed out « the triple crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, which is accelerating due to our irresponsible activities, » adding, « we are all affected by this crisis and we all need to act: decision-makers, businesses, civil society, and each one of us. »
This day, she continued, is an opportunity to raise awareness and make new commitments to restore and protect our ecosystems, enhance the well-being of the many populations that depend on them for their livelihood, and protect us as humanity, adding, « if we want a sustainable planet, we must set very ambitious goals, and above all act together, without wasting time. »
For his part, Amine El Harti, from the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Investment Center (CRI-TTA), noted that this event reflects this spirit of belonging to the land and the significant interest in environmental issues, highlighting the significant development that the region is experiencing at all levels, particularly in the field of environment and sustainability, thanks to the enlightened vision of His Majesty the King.
In this regard, he emphasized the current position of the TTA region as a national reference in renewable energies, thanks to its five operational wind farm projects, in addition to a new photovoltaic park being developed in Tangier with a capacity of 30 MW, noting that several green projects have been launched in the region as part of the implementation of the new sustainable development strategy led by the Kingdom.
The Director General of Services at the Regional Council, Rabie El Khamlichi, affirmed the TTA region’s firm commitment to supporting the national dynamic to meet the sustainability challenge, noting that sustainable development is one of the major axes of the Regional Development Program (2022-2027).
Mr. El Khamlichi noted that the Regional Council has implemented several projects in the environmental field, notably aimed at supporting the national effort in achieving sustainable development goals, as well as strengthening flood protection and rehabilitating public landfills, reiterating the region’s determination to support this dynamic, in partnership with civil society.
The event’s program includes three panels on the themes « Blue Economy and Inclusive Sustainable Development, » « Water Action for Our Common Future, » and « Soil Conservation and Restoration. »
These panels provide an opportunity for participants to discuss several issues related to maritime sovereignty, opportunities for the blue economy for inclusive sustainable development, the challenges of restoring our oceans and seas, the evolution of the port environment in the face of sustainable development, the circular economy as a necessary shift for sustainable economic performance, artificial intelligence and wastewater treatment, and food security and sovereignty.
The event will also be marked by the awarding of prizes in the « Tech Talents » Innovative Startups Competition in the field of sustainable development.
Source: Libération
