Morocco has emphasized the importance of protecting pastoral lands as the Arab region faces growing environmental challenges. At the 37th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment in Cairo, the Moroccan delegation reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to joint Arab environmental action. The delegation highlighted the need for stronger Arab cooperation to address climate change, water scarcity, drought, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.
The Moroccan delegation called for enhanced Arab-African and South-South cooperation to tackle desertification and drought, improve water and food security, and protect ecosystems. They also stressed the importance of sharing successful experiences based on solidarity among developing countries. The delegation identified several areas for cooperation, including combating desertification and drought, restoring land, managing pastures sustainably, and developing early warning systems.
Morocco's emphasis on sustainable pastoral areas and resilience reflects the significance of these ecosystems to the region. Pastoral lands cover over two-thirds of Morocco's national territory, and livestock farming remains a crucial economic and social activity for communities living in these areas. The Moroccan delegation noted that pastoral activity serves as the primary source of livelihood for people in these regions.
To address the challenges facing pastoral lands, Morocco has launched several projects to develop and manage these areas. These programs target the red meat, dairy, and camel farming sectors and aim to improve production and living conditions for local communities. The Kingdom has also adopted a pastoral legal framework to organize transhumance, establish mechanisms for sustainable management of pastoral resources, and encourage livestock farmers to participate in the sector's development.
The Moroccan delegation stressed that strengthening resilience requires a shift from crisis management to anticipation, prevention, adaptation, and investment in sustainable natural resources. In line with Royal Directives, Morocco continues to implement integrated policies and strategies covering climate, water, energy, biodiversity, and land degradation. The Kingdom views sustainable pastoral areas as an investment in food and water security, livelihoods, and economic and social stability across the Arab region.
The 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to take place in Antalya, will provide another opportunity to strengthen international efforts on adaptation, financing, and resilience. Morocco called for greater climate and environmental financing, easier access to international financial resources, technology transfers, and capacity building to help countries turn shared challenges into opportunities for development, investment, and innovation.
Morocco participated in the Cairo session with a delegation led by Mohamed Ait Ouali, the Kingdom's ambassador to Egypt and permanent representative to the League of Arab States. The delegation included Ikram Belaarbi, foreign affairs secretary at the Kingdom's representation to the League of Arab States, and Nosra El Ghayati, head of the international cooperation division at the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development.
Key points
- Morocco calls for stronger Arab cooperation on climate resilience and sustainable pastoral lands
- Pastoral lands cover over two-thirds of Morocco's national territory and are crucial for local communities
- Morocco seeks to strengthen international efforts on adaptation, financing, and resilience at the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
