Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests, Mohamed Sadiki, highlighted, on Monday in Agadir, Morocco’s active role in the field of biospheres.
Speaking at the closing session of an international conference, initiated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the National Agency for the Development of Oases and Argan Zones (ANDZOA) on the theme « Rooted in resilience: Discovering the importance of soil in sustainable development », Sadiki noted that this event reinforces Morocco’s commitment to the conservation of natural resources, sustainable development and the improvement of relations between humans and the natural environment.
« The choice of Morocco to host this meeting reflects the international community’s recognition of the Kingdom’s active role in the field of biospheres, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty the King, » he said at the closing session, which was attended by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and a host of international personalities, experts and researchers in the field.
He noted that the Kingdom is currently home to four biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO, including the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve, the Southern Moroccan Oases Biosphere Reserve, the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve and the Atlas Cedar Biosphere Reserve.
Referring to the 36th Session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which will kick off on Tuesday in Agadir, the Minister noted that Morocco is « a country which, through its biological and cultural diversity, offers an exceptional ground for experimentation and innovation for this programme ».
« Since joining the MAB programme, Morocco has been fully committed to protecting its ecosystems, which are living laboratories for developing innovative practices in natural resource management, adapting to climate change and promoting environmental education », he explained, noting that sustainable natural resource management is becoming a lever for inclusive development in the face of climate challenges.
