Promoting Citizen Mobilization in Addressing Climate Change and Collaboratively Adapting to its Consequences. (MATTH0016)

Commitment ID

MATTH0016

Commitment Title

Promoting Citizen Mobilization in Addressing Climate Change and Collaboratively Adapting to its Consequences.

Problem

Environmental and climate risks threaten the sustainable development of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, exposing it increasingly. Key challenges include extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts affecting agriculture and water supplies, forest fires endangering ecosystems and communities, and urban floods damaging infrastructure. The region faces a growing water crisis, driven by urbanization, tourism, and agriculture, putting unsustainable pressure on groundwater and worsening during frequent droughts. Existing environmental regulations are often reactive, lacking preventive measures and citizen engagement mechanisms. Environmental degradation—including pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem decline—further increases climate vulnerability. The absence of reliable data, monitoring systems, and technical capacity hinders the region's ability to craft effective responses. To confront these issues, a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach is needed, combining improved governance, environmental regulation reform, and active citizen participation to build resilient, sustainable solutions.

Status quo

The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region faces a paradox: it is undergoing significant economic and social progress while becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Current climate initiatives are fragmented and lack strategic coordination, reducing their overall effectiveness. Although various stakeholders—local authorities, civil society, and the private sector—are engaged, their efforts remain disconnected.

Citizen participation in environmental governance is limited. Despite growing awareness, most people lack access to inclusive mechanisms that allow meaningful involvement in decision-making, monitoring, and evaluation of climate policies.

Institutional and technical capacities among local actors vary widely. While some municipalities have the tools and expertise to manage environmental challenges, many—especially in rural areas—struggle with limited resources and know-how.

Infrastructure for managing natural resources, particularly water and waste, is underdeveloped and increasingly stressed. Inadequate wastewater treatment and substandard waste management systems contribute to environmental degradation.

Reforestation and forest protection efforts are underway but face serious constraints, including climate impacts, human pressures, and insufficient long-term support. Similarly, while authorities have launched flood protection projects in high-risk zones, coverage remains uneven and often lacks integration into a comprehensive climate risk management strategy.

Action

This commitment presents a set of integrated actions to enhance climate resilience and foster citizen mobilization in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. A Regional Advisory Body for Climate and Environment will be created to coordinate policies, promote inclusive dialogue, and ensure coherence across stakeholders. The annual Nexus International Forum will serve as a platform for sharing innovations and best practices in climate adaptation.

Eight local energy and climate service centers will be established to provide technical support, training, and guidance to communities, businesses, and municipalities. A series of public environmental studies and reports will inform policy through localized data on vulnerabilities and adaptation options.

Infrastructure upgrades include two advanced wastewater treatment plants to reduce pollution and enable water reuse, and three waste treatment and recycling facilities to promote circular economy practices. A plant for olive waste treatment will convert agricultural byproducts into compost and energy.

A model ecological district will showcase sustainable urban planning. Over 20,000 hectares will be reforested to preserve biodiversity, combat erosion, and sequester carbon. Six flood protection projects and a broader regional flood risk management program will combine engineering and nature-based solutions. A bio-methanation unit will convert organic waste into renewable energy, reducing emissions and supporting sustainability.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

This commitment will help address climate challenges in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region through complementary, coordinated actions.

Resilience strengthening: Participatory governance and proactive strategies will improve the region’s capacity to anticipate and respond to droughts, floods, and fires. Flood protection infrastructure and reforestation of 20,000 hectares will enhance the adaptability of vulnerable areas.

Resource management: Improved water and energy systems will reduce overexploitation. Wastewater treatment plants will protect water quality, while renewable energy projects will cut fossil fuel reliance and lower carbon emissions.

Environmental protection: Reforestation and new waste treatment facilities will preserve natural resources and reduce pollution, improving ecosystems’ ability to sequester carbon and deliver essential services.

Community engagement: By fostering participation, the regional advisory body and local climate service centers will empower citizens to co-create solutions and influence decisions.

Awareness and education: Outreach efforts and the model ecological district will raise environmental awareness and promote efficient water, energy, and waste practices.

Together, these actions will build a more resilient, sustainable, and climate-conscious region capable of turning environmental challenges into development opportunities.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment is part of the long-term goal of creating participatory and transparent environmental governance that mobilizes collective intelligence to address climate change challenges and build a resilient and sustainable region.

Primary Policy Area

Crisis Response

Primary Sector

Environment & Climate

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?