Rabat: Dakhla is hosting the 18th congress of the Association of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World from November 27th to December 1st, 2024. This event is all the more exceptional this year, as it is placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the congress is initiated by the Regional Council of Dakhla Oued-Eddahab with the support of local authorities and in partnership with the World Association. It will serve as a platform for dialogue, debate, and exchange of experiences on themes related to the preservation and conservation of bays and sustainable development, as detailed in a press release issued by the organizers.

The international forum will highlight the region’s tourism and economic potential and the efforts made to promote sustainable and inclusive development, stated Yenja El Khattat, president of the Dakhla Oued-Eddahab Regional Council, as cited by the press release. The congress will have an African dimension reflecting Morocco’
s vision, under the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI, to make Dakhla a crossroads for co-development in Africa and the Atlantic region.

Representatives from 44 member bays from different continents are expected to attend. Several new bays, candidates for joining this international network, will also be represented. The conclave will gather representatives of local authorities, elected officials, leaders from both the public and private sectors, academics, and members of civil society and the media.

This marks the second occasion the event is held in Morocco, following the 2004 congress in Agadir. Dakhla, along with Agadir and Al-Hoceima, was admitted to the organization of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World in 2019 in Toyama, Japan. During the 2022 congress in Cambodia, Dakhla was unanimously selected to host the 18th edition.

The congress agenda includes the General Assembly of the Association, workshops on natural conservation, renewable energies, South-South and North-South partnerships, an African b
ays forum, a youth forum, a video competition prize presentation, a beach clean-up, and site visits in Dakhla.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the natural and economic assets and the charms of the world capital of water sports, known for its white sand beaches, dunes, and lagoon.

Founded in 1997, the Association of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World aims to preserve and promote the biodiversity of these exceptional natural sites and contribute to sustainable tourism. The international network, based in Vannes, France, currently includes 44 bays from various countries across different continents.