On Tuesday, the European Commission allocated 115 million euros to the “Terre Verte” program to support the inclusive and environmentally friendly development of the agricultural and forestry sectors in Morocco.
The program seeks to contribute to the implementation of Morocco’s decade-long national strategies “Green Generation” and “Moroccan Forests”. The two plans anticipate promoting the environmental transition at the national level, as well as creating jobs in the agriculture and forestry sectors by 2030.
The European Commission stated that the program aims to strengthen “sustainable agricultural value chains” and protect and manage forests in four pilot regions, namely, Tetouan – Tangier – Al Hoceima, Beni Mellal – Khenifra, Draa – Tafilalet, and the Eastern Province. The program also promotes the green partnership that was launched recently between the European Union and Morocco.
Last week, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and European Commission Executive Vice President in charge of the Green Pact Frans Timmermans signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Rabat, laying the groundwork for the first green partnership between the European Union and a third-party country.
According to Timmermans, the partnership recognizes “Morocco’s leadership and potential in green transformation” and “shows that the EU stands with Morocco in fighting the climate and biodiversity crises.”
European Neighborhood and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varheli echoed Timmermans, noting that the program is part of the “EU Economic and Investment Plan for the Southern Neighborhood.”
Referring to the repercussions of the drought and war in Ukraine on Moroccan agriculture, Varhely said the EU aims to help “develop sustainable farming practices and sustainable management of forest resources” in its southern neighbour and partner.
With 11 days to go until the 27th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, the world has its eyes set on Africa. Initiatives such as the European Union’s New Investment aim to demonstrate symbolic or material support for African countries such as Morocco, which have committed to combating climate changes while grappling with overlapping climate, energy and food crises.