Morocco Signs Seven Agreements to Boost Energy Efficiency, Climate Resilience

Rabat – Morocco has signed seven partnership agreements aimed at promoting energy efficiency, resilience to climate change, and territorial governance.

These agreements were signed during the 3rd edition of MEDCOP Climate, a conference focusing on Mediterranean climate issues, which is taking place from June 22nd to June 23rd, 2023, in Tangier.

The first framework agreement on decarbonizing industries in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (TTA) region, was signed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Regional Council (CRTTA), the Mediterranean Climate House Foundation (MCMF), and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa).

This agreement aims to collaborate on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the competitiveness of industrial operators in the TTA region.

MoU on Cooperation in Energy Efficiency

The second agreement, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in energy efficiency in the TTA region, was signed between the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency (AMEE) and the CRTTA.

Its objectives include improving energy efficiency, rationalizing energy consumption in energy-intensive sectors, building capacity and skills in energy and climate, and raising awareness among stakeholders and citizens to reduce the carbon footprint.

Additionally, the CRTTA signed a framework agreement with the municipalities of Tangier, Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Ksar El Kebir, M’diq, and Melloussa.

This agreement aims to formalize the collaboration between these municipalities, which have been selected to host the Sustainable Local Energy Communities (SLEC) project, and define the terms of partnership for its implementation, operationalization, and long-term sustainability.

The fourth partnership agreement focuses on the implementation of the “Index of participatory democracy for a green, resilient, and inclusive transition” project.

It is part of the “Support for citizen participation” program, a strategic partnership between Morocco and the European Union. Signed by the Moroccan Alliance for Climate and Sustainable Development (AMCDD), the Mediterranean Climate House, the IMAL Initiative for Climate and Development, and UCLG-Africa, this agreement aims to leverage expertise, mobilize financial resources, and enhance civil society capacity and territorial governance.

Cooperation Program for Territorial Planning, Sustainable Development

The fifth memorandum of understanding was signed between the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Mediterranean Climate House Foundation.

It seeks to promote environmental protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The agreement focuses on supporting the implementation of the Mediterranean Climate House Foundation’s strategy and action plans, reducing climate risks through nature-based solutions, and sharing best practices in modeling and assessment.

The sixth memorandum of understanding establishes a cooperation program between the TTA Regional Council and UN-Habitat. It aims to provide support in territorial planning, integration of SDGs and the New Urban Agenda recommendations, project structuring, capacity building for executives and elected representatives, and inclusion of women, young people, and vulnerable populations in regional projects.

The seventh memorandum of understanding was signed between the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the TTA region. Its objectives include identifying opportunities for energy optimization in public lighting, setting energy efficiency targets, assessing social and economic impacts, and identifying potential funding sources.

The 3rd edition of MEDCOP Climate brought together ministries, public organizations, donors, businesses, local authorities, and NGOs to address the diverse challenges faced by the Mediterranean region under climate pressure.