National parks and protected areas
Morocco is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The choice is vast, as the natural environments are so varied: coasts, mountains, wadis, oases and deserts. The creation of national parks in Morocco began in the 1930s, and has continued ever since, particularly in the wake of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. There are now some 154 "Sites of Biological and Ecological Interest", including ten national parks and 146 nature reserves. More and more ecotourism initiatives are being deployed in these areas, with the aim of reconciling heritage protection and local development.
Toubkal National Park: located in the High Atlas mountains, it is home to Africa's second highest peak, Mount Djebel Toubkal, culminating at 4,167 meters above sea level. Located 75 kilometers south of Marrakech, it can be explored on foot, although a qualified local guide is required. Experienced hikers will discover grandiose landscapes: valleys, reliefs, rivers and springs, associated with oaks, thurifer junipers and cedars. Visitors will appreciate stopping off at the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ifni, the country's highest lake, at an altitude of 2,295 metres, ideal for swimming in summer. In terms of wildlife, the most attentive visitors will be able to observe bighorn sheep, golden eagles, lammergeiers and Magot monkeys. In addition to its nature protection activities, the park is committed to raising environmental awareness, and has set up an eco-museum between the villages of Asni and Imlil as a showcase for the park.
Tazekka National Park: located in the southern part of the Middle Atlas, this park aims to preserve the forest ecosystems around Mount Tazzeka, the habitat of the Atlas deer, a species reintroduced in 1994 in oak forests (cork oak, zebra oak and holm oak). The summit of Djebel Tazekka is surrounded by a cedar forest. Among the park's mammals are the crested porcupine, the Algerian hedgehog and a number of bat species, as well as the golden jackal and the red fox. Bird species include the Short-toed Eagle and Bonelli's Eagle.
Iriqui National Park: this protects desert environments. Located close to the Algerian border, it includes dune ecosystems associated with acacia, as well as a temporary wetland, Lake Iriqui, which is home to dorcas gazelles, striped hyenas, chameleons, geckos and other reptiles, as well as numerous species of migratory wintering birds.
Al-Hoceima National Park. Located in the north of the country, on the Mediterranean coast, this park is made up of magnificent coastal areas and mountainous inland terrain.
Talassemtane National Park: located near Chefchaouen, in the north-west of the country and subject to both Mediterranean and mountain influences, this is a picturesque landscape of cliffs, forests and deep, narrow gorges. It is home to a rich biodiversity, including endemic species such as the Moroccan fir, as well as macaques, otters and lynx.
Ifrane National Park. In the heart of the Middle Atlas mountains, it welcomes visitors and fishermen alike. It offers sublime landscapes, characteristic of this region of lakes and forests.
The Eastern High Atlas National Park. This park is distinguished by the great variety of its natural environments. Forests of cedar and oak, thuriferous juniper and Phoenician juniper, give way to a steppe landscape at higher altitudes. In terms of fauna, there is a population of cuffed sheep, Cuvier's gazelle, rare Berber leopards and Egyptian wolves, birds of prey and other bird species, amphibians and reptiles. Visitors interested in the country's cultural heritage won't want to miss the Imilchil engagement festival, a traditional celebration held every year during the summer.
Khenifiss National Park. Located in the north-east of the country, this park is home to the characteristic wetland flora and fauna of the Khenifiss lagoon, as well as archaeological remains.
Khénifra National Park. Located in the Middle Atlas Mountains, this park is home to numerous mammals, including striped hyenas and birds of prey such as the golden eagle, as well as reptiles and amphibians. It is also home to one of the country's largest cedar forests, at Ajdir Izayane, associated with populations of different oak species and maritime pines. There are also wet meadows dotted with juniper and thurifer.
Souss-Massa National Park. Located between Agadir and Tiznit, bordered by the High Atlas, the Anti-Atlas and the Atlantic Ocean, this park is home to exceptional biodiversity, including endemic species. For naturalists, the Souss and Massa wadis are home to over 40 species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as a large number of mammals (including gazelles, mongooses and jackals) and bird species, including one of the last remaining populations of bald ibis. For botanists and enlightened amateurs alike, the park's flora is estimated at over 300 species, including euphorbias and argan trees. More than 28 species, mainly fauna, are endemic with the Canary Islands.
Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve: classified in 1998 as part of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere program, part of the Souss-Massa National Park. Its aim is to protect the argan tree ecosystem, which is threatened by desertification and significant human pressure. The classification also aims to maintain local economic development based on ancestral practices, supported in particular by women's cooperatives.
Environmental challenges
The country's national environmental strategy is based on an assessment of a number of priority environmental and public health issues. These include water management, the fight against desertification, pollution and the degradation of natural environments. Biodiversity is threatened by the mainly anthropogenic pressures exerted on environments and species. Overfishing, hunting and excessive harvesting (of plants) have led to the disappearance of some species and threaten others. Pollution, generated by farming, industry and urbanization (in conjunction with tourist infrastructures), has altered the quality of the environment and contributed to the contamination of species and the food chain. Finally, the massive extraction of sand for construction, overgrazing and deforestation contribute to soil erosion and make the region more vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards such as drought and flooding. Contamination of water resources, combined with poor management of aqueous effluents and waste, also has a negative impact on human health. Air quality is also a cause for concern in major cities. It is mainly due to particles emitted by road traffic and industrial activities, and represents a human and financial cost. Poor air quality is the 8th leading cause of death in Morocco, costing 1.62% of GDP. Agriculture, for its part, impacts water resources and generates pesticide-laden effluents. Olive-growing poses problems linked to margines, a mixture of oil and water, which, when discharged into the Oued Sebou, contaminate downstream drinking water production sites. Agriculture also contributes to the phenomenon of deforestation, a matter of some concern in the country. The country is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, most of which are imported. Wood fuel is still very prevalent, generating problems in terms of air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
National Air Quality Plan
To address air quality issues, a new National Air Plan has been drawn up for the 2018-2030 period, including improved air quality monitoring via new monitoring stations. Regulatory measures are also expected, notably concerning industry and transport.
Waste management
In 2008, the country launched a National Household Waste Plan to implement proper waste management, but the deadline for the creation of landfill sites has been pushed back to 2024, following numerous delays. Efforts still need to be pursued, particularly in the cities of Casablanca and Tangier.
Renewable energy
Morocco has a National Renewable Energy Plan that sets a target of 42% of electricity from renewable energy by 2020. In 2021, this rate reached only 16.57%, so there is still work to be done in Morocco to achieve this goal. It is also in this context that the first part of the Noor concentrated thermodynamic power plant was commissioned in 2016. Located near Ouarzazate, it is equipped with mirrors that capture the sun's energy, with a capacity that aims, after extension, the 480 megawatts. Four other solar power plants are planned in the country. Morocco is also exploiting its wind power potential, thanks to a park whose capacity represented 787 Megawatts in 2016.
Mediterranean Plan
Initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1975, the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) aims to combat pollution of the marine environment. It brings together the various Mediterranean countries, including Morocco, and sets objectives or frameworks for action to reduce pollution, protect biodiversity and adapt to climate change.
