Sustainability Days: Spotlight on Strengthening Resilience of Soil-Water-Plant Systems Amid Climate Change
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, which runs until December 5 under the theme “Towards Sustainable Soil and Water Management for Better Resilience of Agricultural Systems in Morocco” on the occasion of World Soil Day, FAO representative in Morocco Jean Senahoun called for the further development of sustainable soil management practices. These include direct seeding, crop rotation, the addition of organic matter, agroforestry and conservation agriculture.
“Such practices improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and improve water infiltration and storage. They also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility and contribute to carbon sequestration, making soil a valuable ally in the fight against climate change,” he explained.
Senahoun also deemed it important to have accurate soil data and information to understand soil characteristics and make informed decisions on sustainable soil management for food security.
For his part, Redouane Arrach, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, said that these Sustainability Days provide an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of several agricultural practices in Morocco.
Morocco, he maintained, observes World Soil Day to highlight its efforts in soil conservation and sustainable management, explaining that the Kingdom’s agricultural strategies aim to strengthen a “healthy, productive and resilient” water-soil-plant system through several programs, based on the sustainability of agricultural development.
INRA Director Faouzi Bekkaoui said that the “Sustainability Days” would help boost dialogue between stakeholders and strengthen local skills to ensure efficient, sustainable soil and water management, in response to the growing challenges posed by climate change and food security.
Mr. Mehdi Rifi, Vice President of the Association of Rural Engineering Engineers in Morocco, chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Ahmed Bouari, highlighted the vital role of soil as a key element in ensuring food security. He emphasized the importance of preserving soil through the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. Rifi also praised the pioneering role of the association, which includes over 2,000 rural engineers, in organizing meetings and scientific seminars aimed at addressing critical issues related to climate, water, and soil.
He further noted that the association has been proactive in discussing strategic solutions since 2005, citing a meeting held in Agadir on seawater desalination. Today, this discussion has become a tangible reality with the seawater desalination project in Chtouka, underscoring the importance of associations and experts in providing innovative visions to tackle challenges in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Rifi stressed that soil is a vital resource that must be preserved to ensure the sustainability of agricultural systems. He pointed out that alternative solutions proposed by scientific institutions and associations, such as adopting smart agricultural techniques and improving water resource management, represent the optimal approach to preserving this critical resource. He called for increased support for projects that contribute to soil conservation, ensuring a more sustainable future for agriculture in Morocco.
During his speech, Mr. Rifi underscored the importance of intensifying efforts on international platforms to effectively advocate for mobilizing the necessary funds to implement strategic projects aimed at preserving water and soil resources. He highlighted this approach as a cornerstone for ensuring the sustainability of agricultural development and addressing urgent environmental challenges threatening future food security.
Dr. Rachid Moussadek , a distinguished researcher at the National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) and ICARDA, in an exclusive statement to Al-Moheet Agricultural Magazine, emphasized the significance of the communicative meeting organized as part of the “Sustainability Days” activities. He explained that the event sheds light on a critical topic: agricultural soil. Dr. Msdak noted that the timing of this event coincides with World Soil Day, during which countries aim to implement awareness programs highlighting the importance of soil, particularly agricultural soil.
Dr. Moussadek stated that the main goal of these awareness-raising days is to share experiences and expertise among various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners, as well as agricultural school and university students. Through science and research, innovative solutions can be found to achieve agricultural sustainability and adapt to the impacts of climate change, which have significantly affected the country.
He elaborated that the event will feature workshops and scientific seminars, along with field visits to farms that employ sustainable farming techniques, such as direct seeding and ecological farming. The ultimate objective is to disseminate these studies and practices widely, including to civil society organizations, to foster collaboration and intensify efforts to protect soil.
In the context of ongoing efforts to conserve natural resources, Dr. Moussadek announced that work is underway, in coordination with the Moroccan Soil Association and the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners, to draft a special soil protection law. This legislative initiative represents a strategic step towards ensuring sustainable agricultural production while safeguarding soil and water health—two fundamental pillars for achieving sustainable food security and thriving agriculture, despite mounting climate challenges.
Dr. Moussadek concluded by emphasizing that these awareness-raising days aim to produce actionable recommendations for submission to the Ministry of Agriculture and its partners to encourage farmers to continue producing while preserving natural resources. He expressed hope that these initiatives will enhance awareness about the importance of soil and ensure a more sustainable agricultural future for generations to come.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, these days bring together a broad range of public and private actors, national institutions, and NGOs. Their goal is to raise awareness about the sustainable management of soil and water to combat climate change and ensure sustainable food security for future generations—a shared objective aligned with the “Green Generation” strategy.
The event includes various activities to enhance local capacities in soil and water conservation and biodiversity preservation, with a focus on sustainable and innovative agricultural practices such as direct seeding, optimal irrigation, and rational fertilization.
The first day is dedicated to presentations and discussions on sustainable agricultural solutions, with an emphasis on drafting a national soil charter and promoting responsible agricultural practices for sustainable soil and water management to improve agricultural yield stability.
On the second day, a workshop on direct and regenerative farming will be held at the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Sciences.
“Sustainability Days” will culminate in a celebration of World Soil Day next Thursday at the INRA-ICARDA research station in Marchouch, featuring field visits to direct seeding platforms and ecological farming experiments. These activities will underscore the essential role of soil in food security and ecosystem health while reinforcing commitments to resilient and sustainable agriculture.
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