Hibapress
The Blue Flag, a label awarded by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, was hoisted on Friday on Aguelmam Azegza, the first natural lake in Morocco to receive this prestigious distinction.
The ceremony of hoisting the Blue Flag label flag at Lake Aguelmam Azegza took place in the presence of the Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), Abderrahim Houmy and Mohamed Fettah, Governor of the Province of Khenifra, elected officials of the province, ANEF officials, heads of external services and several civil and military figures.
To meet the Blue Flag criteria and ensure the well-being of visitors to this lake nestled between a long cliff and a forest of centuries-old Atlas cedars, the lake has undergone major development work initiated by local authorities and local communities. This work involved strengthening roads and access points, installing service buildings and camping areas, as well as sanitary facilities.
ANEF, as a partner in this labeling project, has contributed through various ecotourism, socio-economic and environmental developments and activities within the Khénifra park and the site.
Subsequently, the Director General of AREF and the Governor of the province of Khenifra launched the rehabilitation work on two forest tracks, covering the tracks of Lake Tiguelmamine and Ani-Azerzou with the aim of protecting the Ajdir cedar forest, preventing and fighting fires, opening up the local population and contributing to the development of ecotourism in the Khenifra National Park with a budget of 3.9 million DH.
The launch of development work on the Arougou recreational forest was also carried out, an area very popular with visitors and residents of Khénifra, due to its proximity to the Arougou springs.
This project aims to integrate forest developments into the overall framework of the site, encourage ecotourism, promote the forest as an ecotourism destination, and provide a space for recreation, relaxation and environmental education.
The study for the development, validated by all partners, includes the installation of benches and tables, health circuits, children’s play rides, sports equipment, awareness signage and other development work with a total budget of more than 4 million DH.
All of these projects are in line with the plans and programs initiated by King Mohammed VI, aimed at realizing the royal vision of sustainable and integrated development. Among these initiatives is the national forest development strategy “Forests of Morocco 2020-2030”, which aims to resolve the problems of forest degradation and find a balance between the conservation and development of forest resources.
The governor and the accompanying delegation then went to the commune of Mouha Ou Hammou Zayani where they launched the construction works of the road between the Amalou bypass and Tizi Naslsal financed by the Regional Council to the tune of 21 million DH. In the commune of Khénifra, a project for the urban development of the city of Khénifra was launched for an amount of 19 million DH.
