“Morocco Takes Proactive Measures to Address Water Scarcity, Says Minister”

Alalam24 , Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, affirmed today in Fes that the Kingdom has proactively taken immediate measures to address water scarcity through structured projects in a participatory framework.

Mr. Baraka highlighted, in his speech at the opening of the third international conference on water and climate, that “with the aim of adapting to the impact of climate change on water resources, the Kingdom has taken proactive measures to address water scarcity through the programming and implementation of structured projects in a participatory framework involving all sectors, relevant institutions, and the private sector, which has experience in implementing major projects.”

The minister noted that Morocco, like most countries in the world, especially those in the Mediterranean region, faces challenges related to the scarcity and uneven distribution of water resources over time and space. He pointed out that this situation is expected to worsen in the future due to rising temperatures and decreasing water resources.

The government official highlighted that the Kingdom is also working to implement the Paris Agreement on climate and taking the necessary steps to achieve sustainable development goals in the water sector. He noted that these commitments are reflected in the significant efforts made, particularly in integrating climate change into the development policies of key sectors of the national economy.

He mentioned that, in accordance with the royal directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the government is working to update the water policy to adapt to climate change by accelerating the pace of project implementation and applying an integrated approach to the sectors involved in water management. This approach involves the same path as conventional water resource mobilization projects but with a crucial turning point in implementing unconventional water mobilization projects.

He also mentioned that the government is working on an important program for desalination projects in coastal cities to ensure potable and industrial water and alleviate pressure on conventional water resources in the country. This will enable the allocation of these waters to the inland regions to ensure drinking water for the population and meet the irrigation water needs of large, medium, and small equipped areas.

After highlighting efforts to enhance the integration of a gender approach in water policy, the minister emphasized that the integrated water resources management in Morocco, established by the activation of Law 95-10 on water, is an effective tool for implementing programs and projects to adapt to climate change at the level of water basins and nationally.

In this context, he mentioned the establishment of ten water basin agencies at the national level and enhancing their responsibilities under Law 15-36 related to water, which strengthened the institutional framework by establishing basin committees. These integrated water resource management plans were developed in a participatory manner involving all stakeholders in the water sector, including civil society associations.

He explained that the goal is to study all aspects related to surface and groundwater resources, reuse of treated wastewater, seawater desalination, and integrate all means of managing and economizing water, as well as the necessary financial and legislative aspects for the best implementation of these plans in the next 30 years.

Mr. Baraka pointed out that the Water Law also calls for the preparation of the national water plan using the same participatory methodology by the year 2050.

The minister noted that this international conference, which revolves around the effective role of water in all areas and the importance of managing it in the present and future, is in line with the royal directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Mr. Baraka further stated that this conference serves as a pre-conference to the COP and its recommendations will need to be addressed regarding technological solutions, research, and development programs, and financing mechanisms in the water sector.

Overall, the minister emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing water scarcity and adapting to climate change, while highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts involving all sectors and stakeholders to ensure sustainable water management in Morocco.