Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to an environmentally friendly future.
Benali made her remarks during the second session of the 5th United Nations General Assembly for the Environment, which is currently taking place in Nairobi, Kenya.
The three-day event kicked off on February 28.
During the event, Minister Benali outlined Morocco’s steadfast commitment to UN regulations on environmental preservation.
She also emphasized the importance of the country’s strategy for sustainable development. In 2017, Morocco introduced the “Green Generation” strategy with the goal of transitioning towards a greener economy by 2030.
Benali also shared the country’s progress on renewable energy goals and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
By 2030, Morocco aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45.5%.
Read also: Morocco Commits to 80% Renewable Energy Use by 2050
In the field of biodiversity, Morocco has a total of 250 laws seeking to protect natural resources and wildlife.
The minister said the country puts a “great value” on biodiversity conservation as an integral part of Morocco’s plan to protect the green sector.
In order to protect and rationalize the use of natural resources in the country, the Moroccan minister encourages using a strategy that pursues sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
The strategy’s objectives include water rationing, soil preservation, and the promotion of organic products instead of inorganic alternatives.
Benali also noted that Morocco plans to establish the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) program, with the goal of protecting coastal ecosystems and safeguarding them from deterioration and pollution.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the link between preserving natural ecosystems and public health, the minister added, stressing that the health crisis has shown the importance of global cooperation and solidarity to face multidimensional crises that threaten humanity.
“The Environmental Assembly aims to serve as an opportunity to consolidate achievements, and strengthen cooperation for reconciliation with nature,” Benali said. “We remain convinced that human solidarity is the fundamental basis on which we must build our future.”
