Ifrane Aims to Obtain the 100% International Clean City Label

Ifrane – The Wali (Governor) of the Fès-Meknès region, the Governor of Fès Province, Mouad Jamai, confirmed on Tuesday in Ifrane that this province aspires to become a global model in the field of environmental sustainability by obtaining the 100% international clean city label.

Mr. Jamai, in a speech during a communication meeting bringing together key stakeholders and investors in the province, indicated that the goal is to make Ifrane a model of ecological excellence, by striving to obtain the international label "Ifrane Clean City."

To achieve this goal, the Wali of the region stressed the need to encourage investments in green sectors, such as green taxis, affirming that the desire is to make public transportation in Ifrane 100% clean.

The official explained that "this is a comprehensive strategy based on environmental protection and respect for nature," stressing the firm determination to make Ifrane a global reference in sustainable development.

On the other hand, Mr. Jamai stated that this communication meeting aims to explore the promising opportunities that the province abounds in and discuss ways to enhance its attractiveness to attract more high value-added investments.

He indicated that this initiative is in line with the high instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which place investment at the heart of economic and social development.

He continued that the Fès-Meknès region seeks to achieve economic recovery based on a sustainable and inclusive development model, thanks to qualified human capital and a rich heritage spanning more than 12 centuries, as well as a strategic location and distinctive resources in the field of innovation.

He also stressed the important role of Al Akhawayn University, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, in the development of the Ifrane province.

To achieve the province's development vision, Mr. Jamai stressed the need to transform Ifrane into a global model in technological innovation and green growth, similar to a number of developed countries.

In this context, he stressed the important role that Al Akhawayn University can play in this transformation through its local and international partnerships, particularly through the creation of business incubators and laboratories to encourage young people to establish start-up companies focused on sustainability in technological innovation.

Regarding infrastructure, Mr. Jamai announced that 5.5 billion dirhams have been allocated between 2015 and 2023 for infrastructure projects, social sectors, and human development.

Regarding private investments, the Wali explained that the unified regional investment committee has approved projects worth 1.1 billion dirhams since 2022, noting that the last quarter of 2024 saw an acceleration in the pace of investments, with 55% of the submitted projects being approved, worth 258 million dirhams, which represents 91% of the total amount of investment projects approved in 2024.

For his part, the Governor of Ifrane Province, Idris Mssabih, stressed the importance of rigor and seriousness in the investment approach, by benefiting from successful experiences and overcoming existing constraints.

He stressed, in this context, the exceptional ecological nature of the province, which abounds in wetlands classified under the Ramsar Convention, its vast forests rich in plant and biological diversity (116,000 hectares), and its rich cultural and craft heritage.

The governor pointed out, in this regard, that the Ifrane province is a distinguished destination for ecotourism, sports activities, and medical tourism, with an accommodation capacity of 3,818 beds and 5,680 camping spaces.

He also highlighted the agricultural nature of the province, where the cultivated land area is estimated at 72,000 hectares, particularly apple and cherry cultivation, making the province the main producer of these two fruits at the regional level.

Mr. Mssabih also addressed the Ifrane National Park, which covers 85% of the province's area and will be rehabilitated with a budget of 734 million dirhams, noting that the city of Ifrane was classified as the second cleanest city in the world in 2016 and among the most beautiful African cities in 2023.

For his part, the President of the Fès-Meknès region, Abdelaouhed Ansari, stressed the importance of this meeting, the eighth of its kind within a series of consultations launched by the region's governorship since last December.

He also highlighted the many projects that have been completed or launched by the regional council, particularly in the areas of road infrastructure, drinking water supply, health, sports, and culture.

He noted that "significant efforts have been made, and we are aware of the challenges facing the province," reiterating the council's commitment to continuing the development process and preparing new projects that meet the needs of the population.

Provider / Source : Kawtar KRIFI, Map Ecology