Adherence of all requisite for success of environmental policy, PM

    The government has adopted an environmental strategy to implement programs and projects within the framework of a proximity policy to meet the needs of citizens, El Fassi said at the opening of the 6th session of the National Council of Environment (CNE).

     Recalling that the environment remains a major concern of the government, particularly to put in motion an integrated development, the Premier stressed that the partnership agreements, concluded on April 14 between the government and the regions under King Mohammed VI's chairmanship in the field of water and environment, reflect the government's commitment to adopt an environmental policy of proximity.

    This policy, he explained, aims at developing, in partnership and collaboration with all stakeholders, regional and local projects on sewage treatment, management of solid waste, as well as the setting up of regional observatories for the environment and sustainable development.

    El Fassi also recalled the efforts of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, which took several initiatives to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

    The environmental strategy aims to raise challenges related to protecting the environment and improving citizens’ quality of life, while taking into account the imperatives of economic development.

   The strategy revolves around several aspects, including the monitoring of environmental conditions in the various regions so as to provide accurate and reliable environmental data to protect natural resources and ecosystems of the country, and address climate changes.

    Speaking at the opening session, Secretary of State for Water and the Environment, Abdelkebir Zahoud, said the degradation of the environment costs more than 13 billion dirhams (1.5 billion dollars) annually, i.e. 3.7% of GDP, while the cost of preserving the environment is estimated at 1, 8% of GDP.