Morocco's Active Role in Global Biodiversity Initiatives
Morocco is currently participating in the 38th session of the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB), which commenced on Tuesday in Hernandarias, Paraguay. This significant event gathers leading officials and experts who specialize in biodiversity, sustainable development, and environmental governance, marking a pivotal moment for global environmental efforts.
The Moroccan delegation, led by Samir Addahre, who serves as the Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Morocco to UNESCO, is actively contributing to discussions aimed at enhancing international cooperation in sustainable practices. The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña Palacios, who was joined by various government ministers and international representatives dedicated to advancing environmental and scientific collaboration.
During the session, high-ranking officials provided insights into the importance of sustainable development, including Paraguay’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, and the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Rolando de Barros Barreto, along with representatives from UNESCO. Notably, this session occurs one year after the adoption of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan 2026-2035, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, aiming to enhance their contributions to global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Strengthening Biosphere Reserves for Future Generations
Latifa Yaakoubi, Chair of the ICC-MAB, underscored the critical role of biosphere reserves as “living laboratories” for sustainable development, emphasizing their potential to encourage innovation, research, and collaborative efforts among communities and ecosystems. Morocco's participation in this session underscores its unwavering commitment to the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program, a dedication reaffirmed during the 36th ICC-MAB session held in Agadir in 2024, which was a landmark event highlighting Morocco's influential role in global biodiversity conservation and sustainable territorial management.
The Agadir session also witnessed the election of Yaakoubi as the president of the ICC-MAB, an achievement that reflects the recognition of Moroccan expertise in biosphere reserve governance and environmental stewardship. The ongoing discussions in the 38th session are expected to focus on enhancing governance mechanisms, promoting scientific research, engaging youth, and incorporating technological innovations into the management of biosphere reserves across the globe, ensuring a sustainable future for the next generations.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
