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Rabat – Morocco is reaffirming its strong commitment to combating plastic waste at this week’s UN Environment Assembly.
The 2nd session of the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), took place in Nairobi; during which, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Laila Benali, expressed the country’s previous efforts in reducing plastic.
Morocco is committed towards building a greener future, by implementing the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2017, which aims for a transition to a greener economy by 2030.
Read also: Morocco Renews Commitment to Environment, Sustainable Development
It is not an overstatement to say that Morocco has had a rich history in combating pollution. The country is considered a pioneer in environmental preservation and awareness. To this end, Morocco remains active in combating plastic waste.
Morocco took legal measures towards reducing the circulation of plastic in the country. Starting all the way back in November 2006, when the Solid Waste Management Law No. 28-00 was promulgated. This law’s goal is to reduce gas emissions in Morocco.
There was also the famous “Zero Mika” law No. 77-15 law in 2016, which subsequently banned the production and use of plastic bags in Morocco.
Read also: Zero Mika: The Vision of Plastic-free Morocco
Morocco additionally issued in 2015 law No. 81-12. This law’s purpose is the protection and preservation of coastal areas of the country.
The minister also mentioned that Morocco’s first ecotax, dating from 2014, applies 1.5% ad valorem on the selling, manufacturing, and importing of plastic.
The Moroccan minister expressed the country’s plan for a “Plastic-Free Coastline.” The program outlines response measures to reduce marine plastic pollution. By giving priority to the prevention and reduction of plastic, via the implementation of circular economy models and the promotion of the use of ecological alternatives.
These programs and policies have enabled Morocco to make significant progress in the fight against plastic pollution, Benali highlighted.
The minister encouraged further international cooperation, recognizing its importance in order to deal with threats to the environment and coastal areas.
“An effective policy in this area depends on innovative solutions at several levels, particularly in terms of approaches, technology, governance, but above all in terms of transparency and data sharing,” said the Moroccan minister.
With the promise of an eco-friendly future up ahead, Morocco is truly setting an example as a pioneer in environmental awareness.
