Morocco/Ifrane aims for international label of 100% clean city

The province of Ifrane is aiming to become a world model in environmental sustainability by earning the international label of 100% clean city, said Mouaad Jamai, wali of the Fès-Meknès region and governor of the Fès prefecture, on Tuesday in Ifrane.

Speaking at a communication meeting attended by the province's key players and investors, Mr. Jamai noted that the aim is to make Ifrane a model of ecological excellence, with a particular focus on obtaining an international "Ifrane, clean city" label.

To realize this ambitious vision, he stressed the need to stimulate investment in green sectors, such as eco-friendly vehicles and cabs, announcing the intention to make Ifrane's public transport 100% clean.

"This is a global strategy focused on protecting the environment and respecting nature", he said.This is a global strategy based on environmental protection and respect for nature", said the manager, underlining the firm intention to position Ifrane as a world benchmark for sustainable development.

He went on to say that the aim of this communication meeting was to explore the promising opportunities offered by the region and to discuss ways of enhancing its attractiveness to attract more high value-added investment.

Mr. Jamai pointed out that this initiative is in line with the directives of HM King Mohammed VI, who places investment at the heart of economic and social development.

He continued: "The Fès-Meknès region aspires to an economic revival based on a sustainable and inclusive development model.velopment model, drawing its strength from skilled human capital, a heritage dating back more than 12 centuries, a strategic position and unique innovation resources.

He also highlighted the key role played by Al Akhawayn University, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, in the province's development.

To realize the province's development vision, Mr. Jamai stressed the need to transform Ifrane into a global model of technological innovation and green growth, following the example of certain developed countries.

In this context, he emphasized the key role that Al Akhawayn, through its local and international partnerships, can play in this transformation, notably by creating business incubators and laboratories to encourage young people to create startups focused on sustainability in technological innovation.

With regard to infrastructure, Mr. Jamai announced that 5.5 MMDH have been allocated between 2015 and 2023 for infrastructure projects, social sectors and human development.

On the subject of private investment, the wali pointed out that the Comité Régional Unifié d'Investissement (CRUI) has approved projects worth 1.1 billion dirhams since 2022, noting that the last quarter of 2024 saw an acceleration in the pace of investment, with a further 1.1 billion dirhams worth of projects approved.The last quarter of 2024 saw an acceleration in the pace of investment, with 55% of projects approved, for a value of 258 million dirhams, or 91% of the total amount of investment projects approved in 2024.

For his part, Driss Misbah, Governor of the Province of Ifrane, stressed the importance of rigor and seriousness in the approach to investment, drawing lessons from successful experiences and overcoming the obstacles encountered.

He highlighted the province's exceptional ecological character, with its RAMSAR wetlands, vast forests rich in biodiversity (116,000 hectares), and rich cultural and craft heritage.

In this respect, the governor emphasized that the province of Ifrane is a popular destination for ecotourism, sports activities and medical tourism, with a capacity of 3,818 beds and 5,680 camping spaces.

He also highlighted the region's agricultural character, with 72,000 hectares of cultivated land, mainly apple and cherry trees, making Ifrane the region's leading producer of these fruits.

M. Misbah referred to the Ifrane National Park, which covers 85% of the province's surface area and will be rehabilitated at a cost of 734 million dirhams, recalling that Ifrane was ranked as the second cleanest town in the world in 2016 and among the most beautiful towns in Africa in 2023.

For his part, the president of the Fès-Meknès region, Abdelouahed Al Ansari, stressed the importance of this meeting, the eighth in a series of consultations initiated by the wilaya since last December.

He detailed the many projects carried out or initiated by the Regional Council in the province, particularly in terms of road infrastructure, access to drinking water, health, sport and culture.

"While significant efforts have been made, we remain aware of the continuing challenges facing the province", he admitted, reaffirming the Council's commitment to pursuing development and designing new projects to meet the needs of the population.

Source: www.mapexpress.ma/