MOROCCO
>> GEF-SGP biodiversity projects
Selected GEF biodiversity projects:
>> Biodiversity conservation in the proposed Bas Draa National Park:
The objective of the proposed project is to contribute to sustainable biodiversity management in Morocco, based on rational use and protection of natural resources within the proposed Bas Draa National Park.>> Protected areas management:
Objectives include the establishment of a representative system of protected areas in Morocco and sustainable conservation management in cooperation with the local population. Project components are: 1) implementation of existing conservation management plans for selected protected areas; 2) preparation and implementation of conservation management plans for up to ten selected sites of biological and ecological interest; 3) capacity building in the area of conservation management and study on resource mobilization; and 4) public awareness activities in order to promote public understanding of conservation issues.>> Biodiversity conservation in the Southern High Atlas:
The project will conserve globally significant biodiversity in the southern flank of the High Atlas through an adaptive management scheme integrating pastoral range management with biodiversity conservation in a grazing-dependent ecosystem. Simultaneous global and local benefits are expected, which would ensure both a demonstration effect and a self-sustaining local process after project completion. Threats to biodiversity are rooted in imbalanced incentives towards indiscriminate settlement, conversion of wetlands and common pastures for crops, reduced mobility of livestock, and lack of awareness. This project will address these root causes through a revival of biodiversity-friendly transhumance and common property management regimes, land use planning and innovative incentives for rangeland and wildlife conservation.>> National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and First National Report to the CBD:
The aim of this project is to assist the country with the ability to formulate and manage sectoral and cross-sectoral programmes to meet the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity through a cost-effective approach within the context of national sustainable development efforts, and to report to the Convention on progress achieved in implementing agreed commitments.>> Back to top
Selected GEF-SGP biodiversity projects:
>> Preservation of the Thuya Forest through practices that reduce the consumption of raw materials used in Thuya crafts:
This project targets the reduction of pressure on the Thuya tree in Essaouira through the following measures: introducing practices and tools that safeguard the raw material during the production process; producing items based on other woods; improving the 'wood plating' process; and creating an 'ecolabel' for new products.>> Protection of the yellow bee Apis Melifica Saharienis in Ait Guettou village:
The project aims to protect an endangered yellow bee species by improving and modernizing the apiculture sector. The project will also contribute to a reduction in poverty and rural migration.>> Protection of the argan tree by introducing an alternative source of energy to argan wood in the locality of Abaynou:
The project will contribute to the rehabilitation of the argan tree, an endemic species, through the following measures: 1) introduction of 200 improved ovens and two solar water heaters; 2) creation of five nurseries for young trees; 3) plantation of 2500 trees (argan and alternative trees); and 4) organization of training programme on argan conservation and alternative energy sources.>> Safeguarding the oasis of M'Hamid
This project will contribute to the safeguarding of the M’Hamid palm grove ecosystem through replanting and other measures. The project will also support income generating activities within the local community.
>> Back to top