Fez– Morocco and France have renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the forest sector, placing sustainability and climate resilience at the center of their partnership.
Talks held on Monday in Rabat brought together Abderrahim Houmy, Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), and Éléonore Caroit, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships.
The meeting reflected what both sides described as a long-standing and strategic relationship between Morocco and France, built on trust and a shared approach to environmental and development challenges.
Officials highlighted more than three decades of cooperation in the forest sector, covering key areas such as biodiversity protection, reforestation, protected area management, and strengthening the resilience of forest ecosystems.
Joint efforts have also focused on adapting forests to climate change and improving the management of urban and peri-urban green spaces.
Speaking to the press, Houmy described the partnership as “exceptional and strategic,” noting that it continues to deliver concrete results on the ground.
He pointed to progress in reforestation programs, watershed management, and forest fire prevention.
For her part, Caroit said her visit aimed to reinforce partnerships that directly impact communities, particularly in preventing forest fires and supporting reforestation efforts.
She stressed that such cooperation allows countries to pursue economic development while addressing climate challenges.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the French delegation visited Morocco’s Forest Fire Management Center, where they were briefed on monitoring and prevention systems.
Caroit praised Morocco’s approach, describing its use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and drones, as “remarkable.”
Both sides also underlined the importance of the “Ghabati Hayati – My Forest My Life” program, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) with €103 million.
The initiative supports the implementation of Morocco’s “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy and aims to modernize forest governance and promote a low-carbon, inclusive economy.
In addition, cooperation is being expanded through a twinning project led by ANEF with support from the European Union.
The initiative brings together several European partners, including France, Spain, Italy, and Sweden, to develop practical and innovative solutions tailored to local needs.
Looking ahead, both parties agreed to deepen technical exchanges and broaden sectoral cooperation.
They also reaffirmed their shared ambition to promote South-South cooperation, particularly in Africa, by sharing expertise and best practices in sustainable resource management.
A high-level visit by Moroccan forestry officials to France is scheduled for June, aimed at further strengthening institutional ties and opening new avenues for collaboration to address environmental and climate challenges.
