Exchange of experiences between Morocco and Spain for the conservation of endangered species
In the last week of November, a Moroccan delegation visited several entities specialised in captive breeding, reintroduction and recovery of endangered wildlife and protected areas management in Andalusia with the team of the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation.
2 December 2024 - The visit to several conservation and research centres in Andalusia aimed to foster the exchange of knowledge between Moroccan and Spanish professionals on captive breeding, species reintroduction and biodiversity conservation strategies on species such as the ibis eremita (Geronticus eremita), torillo (Turnix sylvaticus) and sea turtles. It was also carried out exchanges of experiences with managers of protected natural areas, focusing on public use and tourism. The visit took place during the celebration of the joint commission of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean, involving the three governments: Spanish, Moroccan, and Andalusian.
It was also discussed how to relaunch a new roadmap to improve the management of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean between the three governments, Spanish, Moroccan and Andalusian.
The Moroccan delegation, led by senior officials from the Moroccan National Agency for Water and Forests (Agence Nationale des Eaux et Forêts -ANEF-), included experts in ecology, protected area management, ecotourism and veterinary sciences. On behalf of the Spanish participants, representatives of the regional government, the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and local conservation organisations accompanied the Moroccan delegation throughout their visit.
"Strengthening collaboration between the Spanish, Andalusian and Moroccan administrations is key to achieving better results in the conservation of endangered species and in the management of the protected areas we share," said Zouhair Amhaouch, head of ANEF's National Parks and Protected Areas Department. "IUCN plays a crucial role as a catalyst for this transboundary cooperation, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and joint efforts to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development in our protected natural areas”.
The Moroccan experts had the opportunity to visit several significant sites for the conservation of endangered species, such as the Zoobotanic of Jerez, the Biological Station of Doñana of the CSIC, the International Bird Migration Centre in Tarifa of the Migres Foundation and the Centre for the Management of the Marine Environment of the Strait in Algeciras.