Image Source

If it is a Moroccan city that can claim to be (really) ecological, it is Chefchaouen. In April 2010, long before the environmental euphoria that seized the kingdom on the eve of COP22, Chaouen city council had proclaimed it "ecological city". A decision voted unanimously by the members of its municipal council.

"Chefchaouen enjoys so many environmental attractions and privileges that legitimize this decision, such as the almost non-existent air pollution, healthy air, sanitation approved and finally resources and a natural, cultural and architectural heritage confirmed, On the official website of the city.

The city council had then "committed itself to undertake a number of environmental measures and obligations, such as the adoption of an efficient policy in the management of natural resources and the environmental field, Promoting the biological diversity of the territory, creating and managing green spaces in the city, organizing awareness campaigns in the field of respect for the environment, while involving civil society and inhabitants in Workshops for the reflection, design and evaluation of sustainable development projects in the city ".

It must be said that the city has about fifteen associations particularly active on the environmental front. Which regularly launch awareness-raising actions and do not hesitate to mobilize volunteers for cleaning actions for example. Among them, the Association of Green Energy and Sustainable Development, which is part of the network of associations participating in COP22.

Meanwhile, several initiatives are launched in the "pearl of the Rif". Lastly, an ecological marathon on 31 October at Talassemtane National Park to "sensitize the racers to the natural potential of the blue city of the Rif, but also encourage them to carry out actions in favor of the environment". A wilderness run that will bring together 300 riders who will have to cross a 30-kilometer course, while limiting the ecological impact.

A (green) road map with the Ministry of Tourism

In July 2015, a regional program contract was signed between the city and the Ministry of Tourism. "The tourism roadmap for the region also includes the identification of a portfolio of eco-tourism products and green stations, including the creation of a green station in Akchour, the creation of an ecolodge and Panda in the hinterland.The region will also develop a campsite and tourist accommodation in the hinterland of Chefchaouen, "writes Today Morocco.

On July 20, Chefchaouen was chosen to welcome the participants of the MedCOP Climate held in Tangier, a kind of COP22 of the Mediterranean countries, for a visit of the city under the theme of ecological transition.

A year earlier, construction of the first ecological inn in Morocco was launched in the Chefchaouen region, specifically in Mokrisset. For this project, dubbed "Le Djebli Club", more than twenty volunteers had been mobilized and a participatory fundraising campaign had been launched. His goal? To allow its visitors and the inhabitants of the region to reconnect with nature.

Common front with Malaga

The Blue City, which benefits from a European Union program to implement actions for sustainable energy, has also recently put in place a series of projects to make Chefchaouen a model city for Energy management.

Launched in 2015, the program, supported by an EU budget of around 10 million dirhams, is expected to be completed in 2018.

Chefchaouen, who is also a founding member of the Moroccan Association for Eco-Towns (AMEV), had sealed a partnership in 2011 with the Spanish city of Malaga to draw inspiration from its experience in sustainable development in areas Such as transportation, energy or environmental education. The Chaouen region is also known for its cannabis plantations. Many tourists go to the place to consume this product of the Moroccan soil. That is to say if the blue city of the Rif has green hand.

Image Source

Image Source

Image Source

Image Source

Image Source

Image Source

Image Source