The World Bank supports the blue economy in Morocco
The World Bank has approved a 350 million USD loan to support the launch of the Moroccan government’s Blue Economy program. “Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco has strong potential for the development of the blue economy. Its coastal areas already account for more than half of the country’s GDP and jobs, while greater potential remains untapped in established and emerging blue sectors, such as aquaculture, seaweed farming and marine renewable energy”, says Jesko Hentschel, World Bank Country Director for the Maghreb and Malta.
“As the diagnosis established in its New Development Model indicates, Morocco has the possibility of developing ‘coastal clusters’ which attract investment and create jobs, while ensuring sustainable development,” he added. Marine surveys, for example, will be carried out to estimate, on a scientific basis, the health of fish stocks and determine the measures to be taken to manage them. The quality of beaches, a major asset for coastal tourism, will be subject to environmental monitoring, while the use of satellite images of coastal areas will make it possible to measure erosion and support decisions relating to the development of coastal areas. Finally, the creation of 14 new aquaculture farms, notably combining shellfish farming and seaweed farming, can stimulate production, attract future investments, and generate new jobs for women and youth. This would encourage the opening of this sub-sector to all. The project comprises two interrelated components intended to support the government programme.
The first component, which revolves around an interministerial commission and regional coordination mechanisms, supports the establishment of institutional frameworks aimed at strengthening vertical and horizontal coordination. This component will also focus on establishing a new collaborative operating model across sectors and regions, optimizing budget planning, and working towards common goals.
“…Morocco is working to create a greener, more resilient, and more inclusive society. The Blue Economy program serves as a common platform for diverse regions and sectors for the development and implementation of integrated solutions dedicated to the effective administration of marine and coastal resources. The program thus supports a fair and sustainable society,” said Marcelo Hector Acerbi, senior environmental specialist and project manager.
The second component focuses on investment in key areas of the blue economy. These include sustainable tourism and the aquaculture sub-sector, vocational training dedicated to the management of the blue economy, as well as protecting and managing ecosystem services and improving climate resilience in targeted areas. The resulting job creation and economic growth should drive the recovery from the health crisis. To contribute to food security, the program will support the creation of aquaculture farms and the preservation of marine resources in protected areas. The program will also work to promote gender equality and the inclusion of youth through support structures (business incubators) and technical support.
F.Z.T.
