Marrakech: In a speech delivered at the opening of the 19th World Water Congress, held until December 5 under the theme “Water in a changing world: Innovation and Adaptation,” Baraka emphasized that this system combines seawater desalination, dams, wastewater reuse, groundwater recharge, digitization, and regional water contracts.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the minister highlighted Morocco’s new approach to water resource management, based on the adoption of integrated development master plans for all water basins by 2050. These master plans serve as the foundation for the development of the National Water Plan, a national roadmap aimed at ensuring convergence between the state, regions, local authorities, and economic actors.
Baraka reported the construction of 17 desalination plants, with a production capacity of 350.3 million m3 per year, while four other projects are underway with a capacity of 567 million m3. Additionally, 11 projects are planned for drinking water supply, irrigation, and
industrial use, targeting a total capacity of 1.7 billion m3 by 2030, powered by renewable energy to ensure sustainability.
The minister argued that water challenges facing Morocco today are no longer cyclical but represent a new stage requiring creativity, innovation, and intelligent governance. He noted that the 19th World Water Congress would be an opportunity to propose innovative solutions and practical recommendations.
Co-organized by the Ministry of Equipment and Water and the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Congress offers a platform to explore innovative solutions, strategies, and adaptive approaches to water resources in a changing world.
The event provides an opportunity for experts, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to exchange knowledge, present innovative research, establish partnerships, and jointly develop concrete solutions to address the complex challenges of global
water governance, security, and sustainability.
The program includes a ministerial round table, four high-level panels, over 140 technical sessions led by international experts, side events to explore specialized topics in greater depth, and a large exhibition space dedicated to showcasing innovative water technologies and projects.
The event will culminate in the Marrakech Declaration, a collective call bringing together decision-makers, scientists, and practitioners to strengthen the link between science, policy, and action and accelerate global mobilization for water conservation.