Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Princess Lalla Hasnaa, daughter of the late King Hassan II, affirmed Morocco’s commitment to ocean conservation and cooperation across Africa within the framework of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, made the remarks on Wednesday during her speech on Wednesday at the third meeting of the Dialogue of Foundations held in Monaco between June 14 and 16.
She stressed the need for “substantial and comprehensive support” for Africa, particularly to stand against threats posed by climate change and its impact on the entire African population.
Lalla Hasnaa underlined the importance of launching joint, concrete actions and shared initiatives to foster sustainable development throughout the continent.
Underscoring Morocco’s eagerness to support Africa in this regard, the princess recalled the Bouknadel Declaration presented during the United Nations Conference on Oceans in Lisbon in 2022. The declaration aimed to raise awareness about the urgent need to increase investment in ocean science.
For Lalla Hasnaa, protecting coastal areas from rising sea levels and pollution is a key priority that needs a swift and determined action plan.
“We have always believed that action is the most efficient means for the triumph of the causes we defend,” she said.
Read also: UN Agrees on First Treaty to Protect the High Seas
She recalled the various coastal environmental protection initiatives and projects that Morocco has carried out under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, including the “Clean Beaches” program in 2001.
The country has launched several other programs aimed at raising awareness about ocean pollution, especially that resulting from plastic waste. This includes the #bharblaplastic social media campaign, meaning #beachwithoutplastic in English.
In addition, Lalla Hasnaa unveiled plans to introduce a program seeking to support university students across Africa to enhance their understanding of the ocean.
The ongoing event saw the participation of prominent figures, including Prince Albert II of Monaco and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, among other distinguished guests.
