Under the theme "Spatial Justice: A National Stake and a Developmental Requirement for the Mountain," the National Forum and Third Conference of the Civil Coalition for the Mountain began in Fez on October 3 and 4, 2026. The event aims to highlight the issues faced by mountainous regions, including developmental, environmental, and social challenges. The forum seeks to explore ways to enhance the presence of these regions in public policies and national development strategies.
The forum features a series of scientific sessions, including a discussion on "Defenders of the Mountain in Africa: Experiences and Paths." Dr. Sam Kanyambe, General Director of the Rwandan organization ARCOS, which focuses on biodiversity protection and sustainable development in Africa, is among the speakers. Other topics include "Enhancing the Resilience of Mountainous Regions and Investing in Water Resources for Sustainable Development" and "Water and Biodiversity in Morocco."
The second scientific session focuses on the role of mountainous regions in public policies and development choices. Dr. Lahcen Jennan, a researcher specializing in geography and land planning, will present a paper titled "When Will the Mountain Become a Key Issue in Official Decision-Making and Sustainable Land Development Strategies in Morocco?" Dr. Abdurrahim Ariri, a media activist and researcher in law, will also present a paper on "The Mountain: The Orphaned Child of Public Policy in Morocco."
The conference is taking place in a context where there is growing discussion about addressing spatial disparities in mountainous regions. These regions face challenges in infrastructure, basic services, and sustainable management of natural resources. The Civil Coalition for the Mountain aims to promote developmental approaches that consider the specificities and constraints of these regions.
In addition to its intellectual and advocacy aspects, the forum includes the third national conference of the Civil Coalition for the Mountain. This conference aims to evaluate the coalition's achievements and renew its structures. The event features workshops to discuss foundational documents, including the basic law and membership charter.
The conference program includes a speech by the national secretariat, a presentation of the coalition's methodology, and a review of literary and financial reports. Participants will discuss the initial findings and finalize the conference's outcomes, which will be presented on the second day.
The Civil Coalition for the Mountain hopes to renew its working mechanisms, strengthen its organizational structure, and expand public debate on spatial justice. The coalition aims to make the development of mountainous regions a key aspect of sustainable territorial development, based on the valorization of their natural and human resources.
Key points
- The National Forum and Third Conference of the Civil Coalition for the Mountain aim to address the challenges faced by mountainous regions in Morocco.
- The event seeks to promote developmental approaches that consider the specificities and constraints of these regions.
- The conference aims to evaluate the coalition's achievements and renew its structures.
