The 2026-2027 hunting season was launched in Marrakech, Morocco, with a focus on sustainable development and conservation. The event, organized by the National Water and Forestry Agency in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation, aims to promote eco-tourism and protect the country's natural resources. This year's season is expected to attract a significant number of local and foreign hunters.

According to Abdel Rahim Houmi, Director-General of the National Water and Forestry Agency, the previous hunting season saw a positive trend in key sector indicators. Over 65,000 Moroccan hunters and nearly 5,000 foreign hunters participated in the season. The number of rented hunting areas increased from 1,278 in the 2020-2021 season to 1,737 in the 2025-2026 season.

The rented area also expanded from 3.35 million hectares to approximately 4.39 million hectares during the same period. This growth reflects the increasing importance of renting as a mechanism for managing hunting resources sustainably and ensuring their exploitation in a way that preserves wildlife. The agency is committed to strengthening partnerships in areas such as hunter training and combating poaching.

The hunting sector in Morocco has experienced significant growth, with 146 specialized companies operating in the country. Efforts are being made to diversify hunting products and services, including the development of archery hunting. This aims to enhance the appeal of hunting and capitalize on its tourism and environmental potential.

The National Water and Forestry Agency is working to promote sustainable hunting practices and protect Morocco's natural heritage. The agency's strategy, "Forests of Morocco 2020-2030," aims to conserve and manage the country's forests and wildlife resources effectively.

The hunting season is an essential part of Morocco's eco-tourism industry, generating significant revenue for the country. The sector also provides opportunities for local communities to benefit from hunting tourism. The government is committed to ensuring that hunting activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The launch of the new hunting season in Marrakech marks the beginning of a new period of cooperation between the government, hunters, and local communities. The event highlights the importance of balancing conservation and sustainable development in Morocco's hunting sector.

Key points

  • Over 65,000 local and 5,000 foreign hunters are participating in the 2026-2027 hunting season in Morocco.
  • The rented hunting area has expanded to approximately 4.39 million hectares.
  • The sector has experienced significant growth, with 146 specialized companies operating in the country.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.