Morocco goes green and blue

Morocco is aiming for the stars without damaging the earth, land and sea in a spectacularly ambitious plan to generate 10 million visitors.  The bold VISION 2010 strategy embraces with equal strength the principles of protecting Morocco’s culture and environment while simultaneously implementing high-level business expansion and investment.

The Kingdom has total conviction over the ethic of responsible tourism and formed a committee last September to monitor and safeguard its principles. The dual objective is to make major tourism players and Morocco’s population aware that sustainable tourism is not only desirable but also no bar to prosperity.

Morocco is not only germinating the seeds of these ideas to grow a fine future. It has also literally been planting. An amazing 300,000 new palms are now flourishing in the Palmeraie, a magnetic area for tourists close to Marrekech. The beauty of the trees helps combat the beast of drought and urbanisation.

Two further examples highlighting Morocco’s determination to maintain top-flight responsible standards are the Blue Flag Programme for clean beaches and the Green Key that is awarded to tourist accommodation which satisfies a strict list of criteria, including waste, water and power management.  Morocco has 3500 kilometres of beach and last year two more gained recognition with the Blue Flag.  The Green Key Programme initiative was launched last November by the Mohammed VI Foundation and set up by the King of Morocco. Established international chains in the country have been approached to raise awareness among local hoteliers by holding workshops and presentations.  The same Foundation also announced in 2006 an eco-school programme aimed at raising the understanding among children of the importance of environmental issues.  Up in the skies, there is also action. Royal Air Maroc will be the first to screen during their flights a short film on the benefits and need to be a responsible traveller.

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