Rabat – Hicham Lasri, a Moroccan film director, producer, screenwriter, novelist, and comic artist, attended the fourth edition of Veg’Fest Morocco as a guest speaker at the University of Sidi Mohamed ben Abdellah’s Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy on October 15.
Lasri addressed those at the event by sharing his vision of a more eco-friendly, simpler future.
Veg’Fest, is Morocco’s first organization for vegans and vegetarians, it aims to promote a sustainable lifestyle by reducing animal product consumption and carbon footprint.
In an interview with Morocco World News, Lasri emphasized the importance of vegetarianism as a responsible approach to minimizing environmental harm and energy consumption.
Lasri’s vision of vegetarianism or veganism entails leading a healthier, more responsible, and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
VegFest
The Moroccan director said “it is not cars, planes, or oil that pollute the most; it is the intensive breeding of animals that is harmful to nature,’’ he continued, “when we consume less meat, we raise fewer cattle, which means less gas and less pollution.’’
VegFest in Fez
He also noted that ecology is one of this generation’s most pressing challenges, not politics or economy, but “making the earth healthier.’’
A study published by the Guardian finds that meat accounts for nearly 60% of all greenhouse gases emissions from food production (use of farming machinery, spraying of fertilizer and transportation of products). This large quantity of greenhouse gas exacerbates the climate crisis.
‘Vegetarianism Can Improve Physical and Mental Health’
Considering the fact that 48.9% of Moroccans have experienced some form of mental illness, Lasri hypothesized that diet may contribute because diet correlates with the environment.The environment and the excess of meat consumption, he said, “are neither good for your health nor your mental well-being.’’
Vegan food is highly criticized as people say it lacks protein. However, Lasri argued that although there are alternatives and additional methods of nutrition, people tend to choose the easiest option that involves the least amount of effort.
It is noteworthy that many plant-based foods on the market are high in protein, including lentils, beans, quinoa, soybeans, and nuts. Soybeans also contain amino acids, a healthy source of protein. Most soy products contain between 15 and 20 grams of protein per 100 grams. Lentils also have a high level of protein; they contain almost 24g of protein per 100g.
Additionally, plant-based foods filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can improve well-being.
‘Vegetarianism is a Possibility, not a Philosophy’
Lasri opposes the idea of vegetarianism being an extreme philosophy. He reiterates that everyone has the right to pursue their needs and wants. He does, however, acknowledge that vegetarianism can be difficult to understand or embrace because it occasionally clashes with religious beliefs or cultural norms.
‘“I think that we live in an era marked by dogmatism, we return to something that used to belong to religion: dogmatism, proselytizing, and forcing people to change their religion.’’ He continued, “I believe that we shouldn’t impose things, people must be given the freedom to weigh their options and make their own decisions.’’
Participants in VegFest
Difference Between Vegan and Plant-based
Also present at Veg’Fest was Sahar Essaissi, a fifth-year veterinary student who has been a vegan for five years. Essaissi explained the difference between a plant-based diet and a vegan diet.
The key difference is that veganism refers to a way of life that forgoes all animal products, including leather for clothing. In contrast, plant-based diets typically exclude animal products and emphasize plant-based foods.
Being a vegan or vegetarian, she continued, “is about how you live, being conscious of what you do, and being kind to others and animals.’’
Veg’Fest is organized in partnership with Generation Vegan and VegFund. The festival has been working to raise awareness of veganism in the Arab world since 2017.
In 2021, the festival gained recognition after receiving the Best Global Initiative award from VegFest UK, as well as a nomination for the Best Vegan Project award.
This year’s Veg’Fest showed that there is more to being a vegan than a diet. It is a way of life that encourages a more thoughtful approach to the environment and animals, while bringing many environmental problems to light.
