Ifrane – The Wali of the Fes-Meknes region and Governor of the Fes prefecture, Mouad El Jamai, confirmed on Tuesday in Ifrane that this province aspires to become a global model in environmental sustainability by obtaining the international label for a 100% clean city.
In a speech during a communication meeting that brought together key stakeholders and investors in the province, Mr. El Jamai indicated that the goal is to make Ifrane a model of ecological excellence by striving to obtain the international "Ifrane Clean City" label.
To achieve this goal, the Wali of the region emphasised the need to encourage investments in green sectors, such as green taxis, confirming that the desire is to make public transport in Ifrane 100% clean.
The official explained that "it is a comprehensive strategy based on protecting the environment and respecting nature, confirming the firm will to make Ifrane a global reference in the field of sustainable development."
On the other hand, Mr. El Jamai stated that this communication meeting aims to explore the promising opportunities that the province possesses and to discuss ways to enhance its attractiveness in order to bring in more high-value-added investments.
He pointed out that this initiative is in line with the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which place investment at the heart of economic and social development.
He continued that the Fes-Meknes region seeks to achieve an economic recovery based on a sustainable and inclusive development model, thanks to qualified human capital and an ancient heritage spanning more than 12 centuries, as well as a strategic location and distinctive resources in the field of innovation.
He also emphasised the important role of Al Akhawayn University, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, in the development of the Ifrane province.
To achieve the development vision for the province, Mr. El Jamai stressed the need to transform Ifrane into a global model in the field of technological innovation and green growth, similar to a number of developed countries.
In this context, he emphasised the important role that Al Akhawayn University can play in this transformation through its local and international partnerships, especially through the creation of business incubators and laboratories to encourage young people to establish startups that focus on sustainability in technological innovation.
Regarding infrastructure, Mr. El Jamai announced that 5.5 billion dirhams were allocated between 2015 and 2023 for infrastructure projects, social sectors, and human development.
As for private investments, the Wali explained that the Regional Unified Investment Committee has approved projects worth 1.1 billion dirhams since 2022, noting that the last quarter of 2024 saw an acceleration in the pace of investments, as 55% of the submitted projects were approved, with a value of 258 million dirhams, which represents 91% of the total amount of investment projects approved in 2024.
For his part, the Governor of Ifrane province, Idriss Mesbah, emphasised the importance of rigour and seriousness in the approach to investment, by benefiting from successful experiences and overcoming existing constraints.
In this context, he emphasised the exceptional ecological character of the province, which is rich in wetlands classified under the (Ramsar) Convention, its vast forests rich in plant and biological diversity (116,000 hectares), and its rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
In this regard, the Governor pointed out that the Ifrane province is considered a distinguished destination for ecotourism, sports activities, and medical tourism, as it has a reception capacity estimated at 3,818 beds and 5,680 camping spots.
He also highlighted the agricultural nature of the province, where the cultivated land area is estimated at 72,000 hectares, especially apple and cherry cultivation, making the province the main producer of these two fruits at the regional level.
Mr. Mesbah also touched on the Ifrane National Park, which covers 85% of the province's area and will be rehabilitated with a budget estimated at 734 million dirhams, noting that the city of Ifrane was classified as the second cleanest city in the world in 2016, and among the most beautiful African cities in 2023.
For his part, the President of the Fes-Meknes region, Abdelouahed El Ansari, emphasised the importance of this meeting, the eighth of its kind in a series of consultations launched by the region's Wilaya since last December.
He also highlighted the many projects that have been completed or launched by the Regional Council, especially in the areas of road infrastructure, drinking water supply, health, sports, and culture.
He pointed out that "significant efforts have been made, and we are aware of the challenges facing the province," reiterating the Council's commitment to continuing the development process and preparing new projects that meet the needs of the population.
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