Rabat: His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s vision for water management forms a strategic pillar of Morocco’s water, food, economic, and energy sovereignty, Senior Policy Officer at FAO-North Africa Mohamed Amrani emphasized on Wednesday in Rabat. This Royal vision has driven a paradigm shift in the water sector, marking a turning point in its governance by placing this vital resource at the heart of national strategies, establishing it as a driver of value and job creation.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Amrani stated during the 2nd edition of the MAP Town Hall forum that Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, has adopted a proactive approach in response to declining water resources exacerbated by climate change and population growth. This approach focuses on long-term planning, accelerated water infrastructure investment, and mobilizing non-conventional resources.

The FAO official highlighted the importance of reinforcing equity, solidarity, and territorial justice principles to ensure universal water access as a condition for building a sustainable and inclusive economic development model. He stressed the need for scientific excellence to maximize productivity and water conservation through new technologies.

Mohammed Benahmed, an international expert in territorial development, added that Morocco has risen to the challenge of water stress by adopting a visionary approach, initially started by the late King Hassan II and consolidated under King Mohammed VI. He noted that water has become a catalyst for development, playing a key role in promoting social cohesion, demographic resilience, and economic attractiveness.

Benahmed emphasized that water should be seen as a cross-cutting development catalyst, urging regions to become forces of innovation and adaptation in response to climate change rather than merely enduring water stress. MAP Town Hall, a reimagining of the traditional MAP Forum format, aims to foster informed and constructive public debate by facilitating in-depth dialogue among decision-makers, experts, and development stakeholders.