What we are doing
Morocco is a water-scarce country. Amidst a changing climate, this is likely to become increasingly acute, with predictions showing that by 2050 only 510 m3 per person will be available annually. Therefore, it is imperative to support existing efforts to improve urban water resilience in the country. Future water resilience is particularly precarious in cities, which have seen not only rapid expansion and population growth, but also a historic disjuncture between urban planning and water management systems. Key challenges include scarce supply, non-revenue losses, insufficient infrastructure investment, flooding and ecosystem degradation. In this context, as part of the broader Circular Economy in Urban Water Management Systems project, funded by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Morocco UCWRI is working with four cities in the application of circular economy principles and greater alignment of urban planning and water management systems. These activities aim to improve the efficiency of water use and re-use as well as enable a more water-sensitive urban form that supports and enhances circular water management practices.
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How we are tracking
1. Increased knowledge and capacity:
1.1 Number of multi-stakeholder workshops conducted.
1.2 Development of communication campaigns to catalyse behavioural change amongst citizens.
1.3 Number of Moroccan and international case studies and best practices compiled.
2. Peer learning and engagement:
2.1 Participation from cities in study visits.
2.2 City official participation in international water and circularity-related conferences.
3. Collective action platforms:
3.1 Establishment of multi-stakeholder dialogue forums per city.
3.2 Preparation of collaborative initiatives and pilot projects.
3.3 Prioritisation of pilot projects and funding commitments by project partners.
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What we are achieving
Through the Morocco UCWRI, ICLEI Africa has partnered with four cities to improve awareness, knowledge and capacity surrounding the implementation of circular economy principles in local water management systems as well as the ways in which urban planning and design can further enhance and support such initiatives. By fostering a collaborative environment, the Morocco UCWRI envisions the creation of a feedback loop in which learning, dialogue and action reinforce one another to improve aquatic ecosystem regeneration and enhance urban water resilience. This overarching goal is supported by three interrelated areas of work: (1) capacity-building and awareness-raising, spanning training and communications campaigns across the public, private and civil society sectors; (2) peer learning and engagement, facilitating knowledge exchange between different cities; and (3) collective action platforms, putting in place multi-stakeholder groups to take the stronger knowledge base forward in the design of local, fundable pilot projects that implement circular economy principles to improve water security and resilience at the local level.
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