ANEF is leading the inaugural meeting of the GREEN JOBS II Project for the sustainable development of rural and mountainous areas.
HIBAPRESS-RABAT
Mr. Abderrahim HOUMY, Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests, chaired, Tuesday April 30, 2024 in Rabat, the 1st meeting of the steering committee of the GREEN JOBS II Project “Promotion of green jobs through sustainable value chains in rural and mountain areas.
This project aims to support forest users grouped into collective economic structures in improving their income and their employment situation, while paying close attention to the preservation of forest ecosystems.
The first meeting of the steering committee of the Green Jobs II project “Promotion of green jobs through sustainable value chains in rural and mountain areas”, brought together the Central and Regional Directors of ANEF, and Doctor Nicolai DELLMAN, Head of the Green Jobs II project at the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in charge of implementing the program.
The agenda for this session focused on examining the results for the year 2023, and validating the planning for the year 2024. The session was also an opportunity to discuss the progress of the actions initiated as part of the second edition of the Green Startup competition, intended for young leaders of ecological projects, and for which the deadline for submitting applications is May 17, 2024.
In his opening speech, Mr. Abderrahim HOUMY highlighted the importance of the involvement of forest users in the economic development process of their territories while highlighting respect for the environment and the promotion of social cohesion. This vision aligns with the objectives of the Green JobsII project which aims to improve the income and employment opportunities of forest user populations, with particular emphasis on young people and women in rural areas. This is translated by support which is part of a complementary support approach including: Training, provision of equipment, marketing and marketing for cooperatives, aimed at promoting forest resources and areas.
The Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) also highlighted the essential role of Development and Partnership Agents (ADP) in supporting local cooperatives and businesses, by promoting their networking with public and private providers.
Remember that the GREEN JOBS II Project (2023-2025) is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to the tune of 5.5 million euros, and it supports the Forests strategy of Morocco 2020-2030, particularly in its efforts to economically develop forest resources and promote socio-economic development. Its implementation is ensured by GIZ and it operates in four forest regions which are full of exceptional natural and cultural riches: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima, Fès-Meknès, Béni-Mellal-Khénifra and Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Regarding quantitative objectives, the project aims to create 2,000 jobs with a representation of 30% women and 40% young people. It also aims to increase the income of 2000 users by 20%, and to increase the turnover of 30 cooperatives by 20%. The project also provides that the 2,250 members of the cooperatives will adopt environmentally friendly practices in their economic activities, which are linked to the development of forest resources and natural spaces.
