News

Sustainable mountain development in Morocco

02.11.2018

An international conference organized by the General Council for Agricultural Development of Morocco and the French General Council of Agriculture on the theme “How to address development challenges in mountains” took place in Marrakech, Morocco from 16-19 October. This conference is part of a series of seminars – called SESAME, Séminaires sur l’eau et la sécurité alimentaire en Méditerranée,– created by the Moroccan General Council for Agricultural Development and the French General Council for Agriculture after the World Water Forum in Marseilles. In particular, this 6^th SESAME seminar took place to discuss the challenges associated with mountain development both in Mediterranean and African countries. During the conference, the Mountain Partnership Secretariat, its roles and activities including the 2030 Framework for Action, were presented by Jean Marc Faurès, Senior Programme Officer from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The importance of mountains and their role in the survival of the global ecosystem as vital sources of water, energy, biodiversity, and agricultural products was discussed. In particular, it was highlighted the critical importance of ensuring the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in mountain areas. The 2030 Framework for Action was endorsed by the Mountain Partnership members that committed to support concrete actions and establish policies to strengthen the resilience of mountain peoples and environments; indeed, mountain ecosystems continue to be under threat from climate change, land degradation and natural disasters, with potentially devastating consequences for mountain communities and the rest of the world.

Overall, the international workshop in Marrakech allowed an exchange of ideas between countries regarding sustainable mountain development and the main challenges that are being faced by mountain areas.  Several approaches were discussed when dealing with mountain development, including the need to adopt a territorial approach by putting mountain communities at the centre of development processes and empowering local institutions.

Photo by FLICKR/Gilbert Sopakuwa