Background & Objectives

• The Moroccan forest domain, covering 9 million hectares (8% of national territory), is crucial for biodiversity (39 ecosystems), water cycle regulation, and rural livelihoods (7 million inhabitants). However, it faces threats like forest fires, illegal harvesting, and climate change impacts. The recent institutional reorganization under the Ministry of Agriculture integrates forest management, with ongoing support through a €12.5 million extension of a financing agreement to enhance policies and action plans.

Activities

• This contract aims to provide technical assistance to the Department of Water and Forests (DEFLCD) for implementing the EU Support Program, strengthening institutional capacities, updating forest policies, and supporting forestry sector organizations through expert missions, study visits, and workshops.

Results

• R1 – The forest policy and its governance framework are consolidated, updated and completed

• R2 – The efficiency and performance of the forest administration in securing the forest estate, conservation and development of the forest heritage are increased

• •R3 – The local economy and rural populations have more benefits from the sustainable management of forests and its heritage resources