Organized within the framework of the Ibn Khaldoun National Project, financed by the Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technique (CNRST), and in collaboration with the Territoire, Patrimoine et Histoire laboratory, the event brings together a community of experts from various Moroccan and foreign universities, notably Tunisia and France. of experts from various Moroccan universities and from abroad, notably Tunisia and France, united by the common goal of developing strategies to deal with water scarcity in the region.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Mohammed Moubtassim, Dean of the Dhar El Mahraz Faculty of Arts and Humanities in Fez, stressed the importance of this international meeting in view of the pressing challenges facing the Mediterranean basin.

He pointed out that this region is particularly vulnerable today to the effects of climate variability and change, which are major constraints affecting the availability of water resources. This situation is exacerbated by growing anthropogenic pressure, noting that the aim is to collectively address these issues and develop innovative, sustainable solutions.

M. Moubtassim outlined the main themes of the discussions, which focused on the impact of rainfall variations on Mediterranean water resources and ecosystems, the vulnerability of territories adaptation and resilience measures, as well as equitable water management and concrete solutions, awareness-raising initiatives and innovative approaches to preserving aquatic ecosystems.

For his part, Abousalim Abdelhaq, Vice-Chairman of the Fès-Meknès Regional Council, emphasized that the Royal High Directions form the basis of the Kingdom's environmental and water policies.

He emphasized Morocco's commitment, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and through the New Development Model, to sustainable management of natural resources, particularly water, in order to meet climate challenges and promote a green economy.

Mr. Abousalim acknowledged that the Fès-Meknès region is experiencing significant environmental pressures, marked by increasing water stress, rainfall fluctuations and rising temperatures, threatening agriculture and water supplies.

The vice-president underlined the active role of the region, with its own competencies in territorial planning, sustainable development, adaptation to climate change and water security.adaptation to climate change and water security, notably through the construction of small dams and support for rural drinking water supplies.

He stressed the importance of partnerships, particularly with the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University of Fez, considering the university to be an essential driving force for reflection and innovation in public policy.

For his part, Abdelmalek Slaoui, President of the Association Marocaine de Climatologie, highlighted Morocco's water policies since independence inindependence in 1956, including initiatives such as the Plan Maroc Vert and Génération Green, emphasizing the inseparable link between water security and the country's food, social and political security.

In a statement to MAP, Mohamed Hanchane, Climatologist and Coordinator of the Colloquium, emphasized that the conference was being held in the context of global climate change, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean region and the impact of these changes on water resources.

He explained that the exchanges will assess the capacity to adapt to these new conditions and address strategies for raising public awareness of these issues.

Mr. Hanchane said that over 50 presentations were scheduled over the two days, adding that the proceedings of this scientific meeting would be published in two separate works, in Arabic and French.

According to the organizers, this international symposium promises to be a platform for sharing expertise and developing concerted strategies in the face of the climate and water emergencies affecting the entire Mediterranean basin.