Morocco and France Strengthen Forestry Partnership

A high-level meeting took place in Rabat between Abderrahim Houmy, Director General of Morocco's National Agency for Water and Forests, and Éléonore Caroit, French Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Nationals Abroad. The talks focused on bolstering the strategic partnership between the two countries in the forestry sector, building on a long-standing relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for addressing environmental and climate challenges. The two officials commended the quality of Moroccan-French cooperation in the forestry sector, which has spanned over three decades and covered key areas such as sustainable management of protected areas, biodiversity conservation, reforestation, and adaptation to climate change. Houmy highlighted the meeting as an opportunity to review the positive outcomes of cooperation programs between Morocco and France, including reforestation, watershed management, and forest health. Caroit emphasized her visit's aim to strengthen partnerships, particularly in combating forest fires and reforestation efforts. The French minister noted that these partnerships have a positive impact on communities and align with national development goals, balancing sustainable development, adaptation to climate change, and economic growth. During the visit, Caroit and her delegation toured the Forest Fire Management Center, learning about its operations and missions. Discussions also underscored the importance of the Ghabati Hayati - My Forest, My Life initiative, funded by the French Development Agency with 103 million euros, in support of Morocco's Forests of Morocco 2020-2030 strategy. The Al Ard Al Khadraa - Green Land program, led by ANEF with EU support, was highlighted as a key driver for institutional and technical partnerships, fostering innovative solutions for on-the-ground challenges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting South-South cooperation, particularly with Africa, based on shared experiences and joint efforts to support sustainable natural resource management. A high-level exchange visit by ANEF officials to France is planned for June 2026 to strengthen technical cooperation and institutional partnerships, exploring new avenues for collaboration on forestry, environmental, and climate challenges. Key Partnership Initiatives Ghabati Hayati - My Forest, My Life: a 103 million euro initiative funded by the French Development Agency Al Ard Al Khadraa - Green Land program: a key driver for institutional and technical partnerships Twinning project: a collaborative development of innovative solutions tailored to on-the-ground realities The partnership between Morocco and France serves as a model for effective cooperation in addressing environmental and climate challenges, with a focus on sustainable development and community protection.