Morocco

Morocco
Overview

Morocco’s National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development has elevated the importance of environmental education nationwide. In Moroccan schools, much environmental education programming is the result of partnerships between regional districts and environmental NGOs to implement school-level EE programs. The national government, environmental NGOs, civil society organizations, international organizations, and neighborhood associations are all actively involved in environmental education efforts.

National Legislation

Environmental education is part and parcel of Morocco’s National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development. The Charter serves as a government-mandated, multi-stakeholder, public-private initiative in charge of mainstreaming environmental sustainability education across the nation. Article 8 of the Charter specifies the need for environmental and sustainable development awareness programs, academic learning opportunities, and training for the people of Morocco.

EE in K-12 Education

Through its National Education and Training Charter, the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training has entrusted the regional Education Districts with the responsibility of implementing environmental education policy in public schools. Currently, as part of a major education decentralization framework, each regional district teams up with environmental NGOs and civil society organizations to translate educational policy into actionable, school-level programs.

Professional Development

Morocco does not have a certification program for environmental or sustainable development education. However, Morocco has an increasingly powerful environmental education NGO network, which works in collaboration with regional governments and local councils. In addition, international organizations have stepped up efforts to support these NGO networks in their education programs, professional development initiatives, and awareness-raising campaigns.

Professional Associations

The Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection is the flagship environmental education association in Morocco.

National EE Campaigns and Funding

In Morocco, there is no dedicated environmental education fund. However, the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training allocates a budgetary allowance, which is increasingly being used by the regional education districts and partner NGO networks. In addition, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection is working to mainstream EE across the spectrum of government agencies.

Organizations

NGOs and neighborhood associations are very close to people and communities, and often very active in EE initiatives. As a result, increased responsibility for EE efforts has been granted to these networks. Examples include the Association Ribat Al Fath, the Bahri Association, AESVT Morocco, and the Moroccan Association for Ecotourism and Nature Protection

Organizations

Association Ribat Al Fath
Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection
Moroccan Association for Ecotourism and Nature Protection
National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development