The debates surrounding the drafting of a Charter for the Environment are currently underway in the Kingdom. On 25th and 26th of the next January , It's the turn of the region of Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate to start the discussions.

Many local organizations will participate in the conference, such as Ozone and Noumidia associations responsible for sensitising and environmental education, bird group of environmental protection in central Rif, the NGOs network of sustainable development in the national park of Al Hoceima, and Tazekka and Assafae Associations in charge of environmental protection and sustainable development.

This region is currently experiencing some momentum in terms of action plans for sustainable regional development. Different sectors are well covered: sanitation, fight against floods and droughts, development of sustainable agriculture for the preservation of heritage, protection of water resources, and promotion of renewable energies.

To do this, real projects have been developed such as the introduction of new wastewater treatment station, a landfill where the treatment is provided, and a campaign to collect plastic bags. In addition, the programs include the construction of six dams, the introduction of alternative crops and implementation of water saving systems in irrigation.

 To ensure monitoring these numerous sites, a regional observatory of the environment and sustainable development should be created. The desire to increase the flexibility among the regions is resulted in practice through the establishment of a Regional Committee of studies of the impact on the environment and an Observatory for monitoring and territorial development

The region of Taza, Al Hoceima, Taounate is far from being immune to environmental problems. In addition to the high seismicity of the area and the risk of frequent flooding, the danger most often originates from human activity itself. Thus, deforestation, overgrazing, overfishing, and anarchical urban sprawl are all scourges that affect the region. Hence raises the urgent need for increased awareness of environmental issues in order to prevent natural hazards and ensure the maintenance of biodiversity. The task is not tiny, because it is not easy to explain to many people in the region of olive production (main activity in the province) about the danger to the environment because of rejection of olive wastes in nature. The high population density also leads to increased deforestation to clear land for agriculture. Moreover, since the antiquated habitat and the number of cars contribute to pollution and the persistence of certain diseases. Thus, sustainable development depends mainly on a better human development and Taza region does not seem to escape the rule.

Therefore, many action plans are currently underway in the region should be the subject of much debate between associations and local politicians to ensure that projects are completed and does not remain a dead letters. The objective is to reach all citizens of the Kingdom to bring their stone to the building and the development of an Environmental Charter.

Source: Libération