Morocco launches national debate on environment charter
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Morocco on Monday launched a national debate on the National Charter for the Environment and Sustainable Development, the Moroccan TV 2M reported.
The debate will be carried out through workshops which will address all the environment-related problems facing the region, the channel quoted Moroccan Energy minister Amina Benkhadra.
The viewpoints of all the citizens and public and private sectors will be taken into account to reflect all Moroccans' interests, the report said, adding that the charter includes "the polluter pays principle" which will be implemented through appropriate rules and regulations.
The document provides for the creation of solid and liquid waste treatment facilities, and wastewater recycling with the aim of treating an annual 260 million cubic meters of wastewater for irrigation.
Under the charter, the Moroccan government will take into consideration the environment preservation in all tender specifications for the implementation of development projects.
The charter will aim to ensure that all projects adhere to environmentally-friendly specifications, providing proof of Morocco's will to sign up for a progressive policy to reconcile the socio-economic development with the preservation of the environment and sustainable development.
The report said Morocco produces more than 750 million cubic meters of wastewater annually, of which only 100 million cubic meters are treated and 10 million re-used.
Under the charter, the target is to increase waste water recycling to more than 96 percent. The treated water will be used to irrigate green spaces and farms, it said.
A website on the charter was launched, serving as an interactive tool to support national consultations and raise the population's awareness of the need to participate in the elaboration of the charter, according to the report.
