US, Morocco signed an action plan to boost cooperation against climate challenges

The action plan will help enforce environmental laws and protect endangered species

Morocco and the United States have inked the fourth cooperation action plan for the period of 2024-2027, reaffirming their joint commitment to pursuing environmental and sustainable development objectives. Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, sealed the agreement alongside US Ambassador to Morocco, Puneet Talwar, today, aiming to bolster concerted efforts toward attaining sustainable national goals in accordance with the new development model. The action plan encompasses key focus areas such as environmental legislation, climate change, green growth, economic sustainability, and environmental education. Benali expressed contentment with the agreement's signing, emphasizing its role in enhancing bilateral cooperation on biodiversity, environmental conservation, and energy transition.

The agreement also aims to facilitate training initiatives and promote the involvement of civil society and the populace in significant environmental endeavors, particularly as Morocco prepares to launch structural projects across various sectors, as pledged by the minister. Benali anticipates that the agreement will address challenges related to water scarcity and green hydrogen. In recent years, Morocco has grappled with water-related challenges due to insufficient rainfall, resulting in low dam levels. The government has committed to implementing measures to alleviate the situation. Morocco and the US have a history of collaboration in the environmental realm, having signed a joint declaration of cooperation in 2004. The two nations maintain robust diplomatic ties, reflected in various agreements spanning defense, trade, security, counterterrorism, energy, and scientific research.