Morocco Advances the SIPAM Agenda with National Workshop in Rabat

On June 26–27, 2024, Rabat hosted a key event for Moroccan agriculture: a national workshop organized by the FAO Representation in Morocco to explore the adaptation of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS or SIPAM) to the country’s specific context.

More than 60 participants—including government officials, agricultural experts, researchers, and conservation practitioners—gathered to discuss how SIPAM could help preserve Morocco’s unique agri-cultural landscapes and agroecosystems in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change.

Morocco already has three internationally recognized SIPAM sites, but the potential is much greater. With hundreds of candidate sites, the country is poised to integrate SIPAM more deeply into its national agricultural strategy, with FAO’s support.

Sharing Experiences and Charting a Roadmap for Agricultural Heritage

The workshop opened with remarks from Mr. Nahid Bezzaz from the Ministry of Agriculture, setting the stage for a two-day exchange of knowledge and ideas. The FAO and the Agriculture Department showcased existing SIPAM sites, highlighting their benefits and the lessons learned.

One of the highlights was the exchange of governance models, particularly the Tunisian and Valencian experiences, which demonstrated the power of strong local and national collaboration. These case studies inspired participants to explore community-based governance and adaptive frameworks for Moroccan sites.

Critical discussions also focused on the need to strengthen local capacity and adopt sustainable water and soil management practices, such as:

• efficient irrigation systems,
• use of treated wastewater,
• and resilient cropping techniques.

Innovation, Value Chains and the Future of SIPAM in Morocco

Participants emphasized the importance of adding value to SIPAM products, through quality certification, eco-labels, and innovative marketing. These strategies are seen as key to:

• improving rural incomes,
• attracting environmentally conscious consumers,
• and gaining international recognition for Moroccan agricultural excellence.
  

The event also reinforced the crucial role of research and innovation. Moroccan research institutions, working with international experts, were identified as drivers of SIPAM success through the development of sustainable techniques and resilient crop varieties. Strong collaboration between scientists, farmers, and policymakers was deemed essential.

The workshop concluded with the unveiling of a national roadmap for SIPAM development, with regions such as Marrakech-Safi, the Oriental, Beni Mellal-Khenifra, and Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima pledging to advance SIPAM implementation.

With its commitment and forward-looking vision, Morocco is on track to become a regional leader in preserving and enhancing agricultural heritage systems.