Within the framework of promoting scientific excellence for sustainable development, the Department of Sustainable Development commends the international distinction awarded to Dr. Kaoutar Aboukhalid, a researcher at the Regional Center for Agricultural Research in Oujda (INRA), laureate of the "PRIMA S1 2025 – Award."

This award, granted by the PRIMA Partnership (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area), recognizes the significant scientific contributions of women researchers toward enhancing the resilience and sustainability of food systems across the Mediterranean basin.

The jury specifically highlighted the work conducted under the MOROREGEN project, titled: “Sustainable conservation and valorization of Moroccan oregano: from wild collection to domestication and ecological restoration.”

This project aligns perfectly with national strategic priorities for biodiversity preservation and sustainable ecosystem management, focusing on three fundamental pillars:

• Applied Scientific Research: Aimed at the characterization of phytogenetic resources.
• Domestication and Ecological Restoration: Strategically designed to mitigate anthropogenic pressure on wild oregano populations.
• Socio-economic Rural Development: Facilitated through the sustainable valorization of local terroir products.

The success of this research illustrates the vital synergy between agricultural research and natural resource conservation policies. It further underscores Morocco's commitment to implementing its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) by fostering innovative solutions for the protection of the Kingdom’s endemic and iconic species.