Morocco Designates Eight New Marine Protected Areas to Strengthen Ocean
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco has officially declared the establishment of eight new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along its Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, in a significant move to protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable ocean governance.
The announcement was made by Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, during the opening session of the 8th edition of the Forum de la Mer held in El Jadida on Thursday.
In her remarks, Minister Benali reaffirmed Morocco’s active commitment to the new global biodiversity framework, noting that the country has set an ambitious national target to designate 10% of its maritime territory as protected by 2030.
“Protecting 30% of marine areas could increase fish biomass by 500%, offering greater security to the fishing industry while significantly enhancing added value for local communities,” Benali stated. She highlighted the long-term economic and ecological benefits of sustainable ocean management.
Strategic Reforms Guided by Royal Vision
Benali further emphasized that, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has embarked on a series of strategic reforms aimed at preserving both marine and coastal ecosystems.
“Morocco has implemented, in close consultation with stakeholders, a set of strategic, legal, institutional, and operational measures,” she said, underscoring the country’s integrated approach to marine conservation and climate resilience.
The designation of the new MPAs aligns with Morocco’s broader sustainability objectives and international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
