Local groups left out as Morocco races toward a green future, report warns

Morocco's Green Push: Missing Key Players?

Report Highlights the Crucial Role of Civil Society in Achieving Sustainable Goals

Morocco is accelerating its transition to a greener economy, but a new report warns that the nation is overlooking a vital asset: its vibrant civil society. While boasting over 188,000 associations – one of the highest rates in the region – only a small percentage actively engage in environmental issues, and even those often lack the necessary support and visibility.

Backed by the EU and Sweden, the report by the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis (MIPA) reveals how numerous grassroots organizations are tackling crucial challenges such as water access, food security, and energy transition. However, these groups frequently face obstacles: fragmentation, limited funding, and a lack of consultation in national climate policy decisions.

Frustration Mounts Across Regions

MIPA’s research involved consultations with local groups in Agadir, Oujda, and Tangier, uncovering widespread frustration.

• Agadir: Participants advocated for stronger energy laws and incentives for renewable energy adoption.
• Oujda: Activists stressed the importance of incorporating social justice into the green transition.
• Tangier: Concerns centered on a lack of coordination between institutions and the exclusion of local governments from environmental planning processes.

Water security emerged as a paramount concern across all regions, with droughts, water waste, and unequal access frequently cited as problems. Proposed solutions included wastewater recycling, drought-resistant seeds, and innovative farming techniques.

Obstacles Hinder Progress:

The report identifies several key barriers to civil society’s effective participation:

• An outdated 1958 law governing associations that hinders their operation.
• A dearth of public funding for environmental initiatives.
• Complex bureaucratic procedures (red tape).
• Limited access to essential environmental data.

Recommendations for Inclusive Climate Action:

To truly achieve its green ambitions, Morocco must empower its civil society. The report recommends:

• Ensuring genuine participation of local groups in decision-making processes.
• Providing adequate training and financial resources to support their work.
• Prioritizing the inclusion of women, young people, and rural communities.
• Updating the legal framework governing associations to enable their effective engagement in the climate space.

Harnessing Local Knowledge for Sustainable Solutions:

The report emphasizes that Morocco cannot go green without going local. Civil society groups possess invaluable local knowledge, trust networks, and grassroots connections crucial for successful climate action. By actively integrating them into the process, Morocco can unlock its full potential for a sustainable future.