Morocco dealt a blow to Algeria by being elected as a member of the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention.
During the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), held from July 23 to July 31, 2025, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Morocco successfully thwarted Algeria’s attempt to politicize the treaty aimed at protecting wetlands.
The National Agency for Water and Forests confirmed in an official statement that some countries attempted to exploit the scientific and environmental nature of the Ramsar Convention to achieve political aims. However, Morocco strongly rejected this approach, maintaining the fundamental principles of the agreement.
Specifically, Morocco’s firm opposition was directed at an Algerian draft resolution that sought to remove four Ramsar sites located in the southern provinces of the Kingdom, namely the Oued Sakia El Hamra (Laayoune), the Aftissat Coast (Boujdour), the Dakhla Bay, and the Imilchil Sabkha (Gold Valley).
Thanks to intensive diplomatic mobilization and broad support from member states, the Algerian side was forced to withdraw its draft resolution, reflecting the international community’s solidarity with Morocco and its commitment to protecting the neutrality of the convention.
At the same time, the National Agency for Water and Forests showcased Morocco’s pioneering efforts in wetland conservation during the conference, relying on a comprehensive strategy that involves all stakeholders, including the government, local communities, academics, civil society, local populations, and the private sector.
These efforts reflect the “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030” strategy, which considers wetlands a cornerstone in maintaining ecological balance, addressing climate change, and supporting sustainable development.
Morocco continues to demonstrate its commitment by expanding its Ramsar site network, which now includes 38 international sites spanning from the Strait of Gibraltar to the desert regions, boasting significant biodiversity and supporting bird migratory pathways.
In a significant step, the city of Mahdia was officially announced as the second Moroccan city to receive the “Wetland City” badge, following Ifrane, reflecting the integration of environmental conservation into urban transformations.
At the international level, Morocco gained membership in the Ramsar Convention’s Standing Committee for the Northern Africa region for the period 2025-2028, underscoring global trust in its leadership position.
The COP15 conference saw participation from over 170 contracting parties, all committed to enhancing global wetland protection in a clear challenge to attempts at politicization.
