Ifrane: The province of Ifrane aims to become a global model of environmental sustainability by obtaining the international label of a 100% clean city, stated Mouaad Jamai, Wali of Morocco’s Fez-Meknes region and Governor of the Fez prefecture, during a communication meeting in Ifrane.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Jamai emphasized that the objective is to make Ifrane an example of ecological excellence, particularly by securing an international certification as a “Clean City.” To achieve this vision, he stressed the need to stimulate investments in green sectors, such as eco-friendly vehicles and taxis, with the intention of making Ifrane’s public transportation 100% clean.
Jamai explained that this is a comprehensive strategy focused on environmental protection and respect for nature, highlighting the firm commitment to positioning Ifrane as a global reference in sustainable development. The communication meeting aimed to explore the promising opportunities offered by the region and discuss way
s to enhance its attractiveness to attract more high-value-added investments.
He recalled that this initiative aligns with the directives of HM King Mohammed VI, who places investment at the heart of economic and social development. The Fez-Meknes region aspires to an economic recovery based on a sustainable and inclusive development model, drawing strength from its qualified human capital, a heritage spanning over 12 centuries, a strategic geographical position, and unique innovation resources.
Jamai highlighted the key role of Al Akhawayn University, celebrating its 30th anniversary, in the development of the province. He insisted on the necessity of transforming Ifrane into a global model of technological innovation and green growth, similar to certain developed countries. He underscored the crucial role that Al Akhawayn University can play in this transformation through its local and international partnerships, particularly by creating business incubators and laboratories to encourage young entrepreneur
s to establish sustainability-focused tech startups.
Regarding infrastructure, Jamai announced that 5.5 billion dirhams had been allocated between 2015 and 2023 for infrastructure projects, social sectors, and human development. Concerning private investments, the Unified Regional Investment Committee (CRUI) has approved projects worth 1.1 billion dirhams since 2022, with an acceleration in investment projects in the last quarter of 2024.
For his part, the Governor of the province of Ifrane, Driss Misbah, emphasized the importance of rigor and seriousness in investment approaches, learning from successful experiences and overcoming challenges. He highlighted the exceptional ecological character of the province, with its RAMSAR-listed wetlands, vast forests rich in biodiversity, and its rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
Misbah pointed out that Ifrane is a prime destination for eco-tourism, sports activities, and medical tourism, with an accommodation capacity of 3,818 beds and 5,680 camping spots. He al
so emphasized the region’s agricultural character, with 72,000 hectares of cultivated land, mainly dedicated to apple and cherry orchards, making Ifrane the region’s leading producer of these fruits.
He mentioned the Ifrane National Park, which covers 85% of the province’s area and is set to undergo rehabilitation with a budget of 734 million dirhams. Ifrane was ranked the second-cleanest city in the world in 2016 and among the most beautiful cities in Africa in 2023.
Meanwhile, the President of the Fès-Meknès region, Abdelouahed Al Ansari, stressed the importance of the meeting, which is the eighth in a series of consultations initiated by the Wilaya since last December. He detailed the numerous projects undertaken or launched by the Regional Council in the province, particularly in road infrastructure, access to drinking water, health, sports, and culture. Al Ansari reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to continuing development and designing new projects that meet the population’s needs.