Rabat – The European Commission on Tuesday allocated €115 million for the “Terre Verte” program to support the inclusive and eco-friendly development of Morocco’s agricultural and forestry sectors.
The program seeks to contribute to the implementation of Morocco’s decade-long national strategies “Green Generation” and “Moroccan Forests.” The two plans expect to promote a nationwide ecological transition, in addition to creating job opportunities in the agriculture and forestry sectors by 2030.
Breaking down the “Terre Verte” goals, the European Commission stated that the program aims to advance “sustainable agricultural value chains” and protect and manage forests in four pilot regions, Tetouan-Tangier-Al Hoceima, Beni Mellal – Khenifra, Draa-Tafilalet, and the Oriental region.
The program further solidifies the recently-launched EU-Morocco green partnership.
Last week, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Green Pact Frans Timmermans signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Rabat, laying the foundation for the EU’s first green partnership with a third-party country.
According to Timmermans, the partnership recognizes “Morocco’s leadership and potential in the green transition” and “shows that the EU is on Morocco’s side in the fight against the climate and biodiversity crises.”
European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi echoed Timmermans’ statement, noting that the program is part of the EU’s “Economic and Investment Plan for the Southern Neighbourhood.“
Recalling the repercussions of drought and the war in Ukraine on Morocco’s agriculture, Varhelyi said that the EU aims to assist the “development of sustainable agriculture practices and sustainable management of forest resources” in its southern neighbor and partner.
With 11 days left until the COP 27 meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, the world has its eye on Africa. Initiatives such as the EU’s new investment aim to show symbolic or material support to African countries such as Morocco that have committed to fighting against climate change while facing overlapping climate, energy, and food crises.
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