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Environment & Sustainability Guide · Morocco

Environment & Sustainability Guide in Morocco

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies

Morocco, with a population of 36.9 million, grapples with climate change impacts like a 1.4°C temperature rise since 1901 and intensifying droughts affecting 70% of its territory. The country leads Africa in renewable energy, targeting 52% by 2030 via projects like Noor Ouarzazate. Protected areas cover 5 million hectares, but water scarcity, floods, and the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake highlight vulnerabilities. Air quality trends stable per database, though data gaps persist. Sustainability hinges on policy execution amid aridity.

Air Quality Index

0510

Moderate

6.0/10(AQI: N/A)

Stable trend

Database indicates stable AQI trend over 6 months with no current average PM2.5/PM10 data. Urban areas like Casablanca face moderate pollution from traffic and industry, but national monitoring shows no significant worsening. Government initiatives include the 2016 National Air Quality Plan targeting PM reductions.

Water Quality

0510

Moderate

5.5/10

Water scarcity impacts 70% of territory; only 92% have basic drinking water access per 2022 data. Pollution from agriculture and industry affects surface water, with treatment standards improving via ONEE but salinity and contamination persist in rural areas. Monitoring by Ministry of Equipment shows variable quality.

92% basic access; urban safer than rural due to desalination.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure limited; formal rate under 10% with focus on urban collection. Programs target plastic and paper via local authorities, but informal sector dominates. National waste strategy aims for 20% by 2022, unmet per recent assessments.

Recycling Rate: 8.0%

plasticpapermetal

Green Spaces

Protected areas span 5 million hectares (12% land); 152 national parks/reserves including Toubkal. Forest coverage stable at 12.8%, threatened by desertification. Reforestation targets 600,000 ha by 2030.

Forest Coverage: 12.8%

National Parks: 152

High Atlas and Sahara reserves protect biodiversity hotspots.

Environmental Policies

Signed Paris Agreement; NDC targets 18% GHG cut by 2030. Protected areas law 1934 updated; plastic ban on bags since 2016. Renewable plan for 52% energy by 2030.

Key Policies:

•Paris Agreement NDC
•National Renewable Energy Plan
•Plastic Bag Ban 2016

Renewable Energy: 52% renewable electricity by 2030, 20% final energy.

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Common risks: earthquakes, floods, droughts, wildfires. 2023 Al Haouz quake killed 2,962. Government has national seismic network and flood warnings.

earthquakesfloodsdroughtswildfires

Climate Change Impacts: Temperatures rose 1.4°C since 1901, 0.2°C/decade recently; droughts frequency up 20% last 20 years, affecting 70% land. Precipitation down 20-30% in south; heatwaves increased, e.g., 49.6°C in 2021. Floods more intense: 2023 events displaced thousands. Sea level rise 3.7mm/yr coastal erosion in Atlantic/Med. Extreme weather frequency doubled since 1990s per IPCC AR6 regional analysis.

Sustainability Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Noor Ouarzazate solar complex (580MW); targets 52% renewables by 2030, 10.5GW capacity. Wind projects like Tarfaya (300MW). Achieved 37% renewable electricity 2022.

Water Management

National Water Plan 2020-2027: dams, desalination (1B m³/yr target), efficiency in agriculture (80% usage). Wadi corridors for flood control.

Reforestation

Plantons 2025: 2M trees/year; counters desertification in south. Protected argan forests.

Wildlife & Nature

Barbary LionExtinct In Wild

North African OstrichCritically Endangered

Cuvier's GazelleEndangered

Argan TreeVulnerable

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