National Conference under the theme: “Marine Protected Areas and the Blue Economy: Challenges and Opportunities”

Marine protected areas (MPAs) constitute a strategic lever to reconcile the preservation of marine ecosystems with the development of a sustainable blue economy, the Minister stated at the opening of a conference organized by the State Secretariat in charge of Maritime Fisheries, in collaboration with Global Fishing Watch.

Held under the theme “Marine Protected Areas and the Blue Economy: Challenges and Opportunities”, the conference brought together institutional stakeholders, national and international experts, as well as civil society representatives, to explore ways of strengthening the sustainable management of marine resources.

In her opening remarks, the Minister stressed that “marine protected areas should not be perceived as a constraint, but rather as a strategic investment for the future,” noting that they contribute to “restoring marine ecosystems, enhancing resilience to climate change, and ensuring the sustainability of fishery resources.”

She further stated that “the transition towards a sustainable blue economy is now a national priority,” emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach that balances “biodiversity conservation, economic development, and social inclusion.”

Recalling the Kingdom’s commitments, the Minister highlighted that “Morocco aims to increase the coverage of its marine protected areas to 10% of its territorial waters by 2028,” adding that this objective aligns with the country’s international commitments on biodiversity.

She also underscored the need to “strengthen governance and coordination among stakeholders,” calling for “collective mobilization involving public institutions, the private sector, and local communities.”

The Minister further emphasized the role of innovation, noting that “the use of digital tools, particularly satellite systems and data analytics, is a key lever for improving the monitoring of maritime activities and effectively combating illegal fishing.”

Participants, for their part, highlighted the central role of MPAs in conserving marine biodiversity, restoring natural habitats, and supporting the socio-economic development of coastal areas.

They also stressed the importance of strengthening financing mechanisms and developing innovative solutions to support the effective implementation and management of MPAs.

This conference forms part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of its marine heritage and to promote a sustainable development model based on the responsible use of marine resources.