From November 30 to December 12, COP28 brought together representatives from nearly 200 countries to tackle the climate crisis. A progress report on the Paris Agreement was drawn up, along with an action plan to reduce emissions and protect people's lives and livelihoods.
This edition marked a major step forward with the implementation of the compensation fund for climate "loss and damage" in vulnerable countries. This historic decision, applauded by delegates from all over the world, puts into practice the main outcome of COP27 in Egypt last year. During the conference, several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan, announced their financial contributions to the fund.
With regard to the blue economy, a number of initiatives have taken shape, such as the "Partnership for a Blue Mediterranean", scheduled to begin operations in early 2024. It has set an ambitious target of mobilizing at least 1 billion euros of investment.
At the Swedish pavilion, the partners and donors involved in the Partnership reiterated their commitment to the development of a sustainable blue economy in the southern Mediterranean region. This declaration of commitment was formalized by the signing of a letter of understanding, making their participation in the partnership official and announcing the launch of operations at the beginning of 2024.
The "Partnership for a Blue Mediterranean" aims to meet the challenges facing the Mediterranean Sea by orchestrating the financing of projects linked to the blue economy. Its action will extend to the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions, with an initial focus on Egypt, Jordan and Morocco. This collaborative initiative aims to catalyze sustainable projects that will contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems in these crucial areas.
On December 3, the Morocco Pavilion hosted a major side event on the theme of "Inclusive Aquaculture for the Blue Economy", bringing together a panel of renowned experts. Participants included representatives from the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the National Aquaculture Development Agency (ANDA) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance through its Programme Management Unit (PMU) Blue Economy Morocco.
The aim of the event was to provide participants and the general public with insights into Morocco's progress and initiatives in the field of the blue economy and sustainable aquaculture, thereby contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development". In addition, the event aimed to promote Moroccan leadership in the formulation of public policies that foster synergies and guarantee the financing of new, income-generating activities, encouraging sustainability, the fight against climate change, innovation and territorial development.
In her speech, Mrs. Meskerem - Regional Director MENA for Sustainable Development at the World Bank - focused on the financing mechanisms for the blue economy, enabling the full potential of this new growth engine to be unleashed. She underlined the Bank's commitment to the blue economy, particularly in terms of food security, employment and ecosystem services, while highlighting Morocco's potential in productive sectors such as fishing and aquaculture.
Mrs. Fellahi, from the UGP Blue Economy Morocco, emphasized the importance of developing the blue economy initiative in Morocco, thereby promoting various economic sectors capable of generating investment and creating jobs. She also emphasized the importance of blue leadership and initiatives aimed at federating all stakeholders, notably on environmental and social aspects within the framework of the national blue economy program financed by the World Bank.
Mrs. Maarouf, General Manager of ANDA, presented the development strategy for aquaculture in Morocco, emphasizing the synergy with the principles of the blue economy. In particular, she highlighted aquaculture planning as an innovative tool for catalyzing productive investment, and recalled the dynamics of aquaculture investment in Morocco through the promotion of projects led by young entrepreneurs, women and SMEs as part of development programs, with the support of the World Bank and IDB.
Mr. Daouda Ndiaye, Head of the Climate Change Division at the IDB, outlined the institution's strategy for promoting productive sectors capable of meeting the challenges of food security. He also outlined the financing program, including the envelope, the region and the sector, with strategic objectives focused on promoting investment, enhancing production and stimulating trade and exports.
In closing, Morocco affirms its unwavering commitment to sustainability, the fight against climate change, innovation and territorial development. These concerted efforts, supported by solid partnerships, testify to Morocco's determination to shape a future in which the blue economy plays a central role in the well-being of populations and the preservation of our planet.
