Ifrane – The province of Ifrane aims to become a global model for environmental sustainability by obtaining the international label of a 100% clean city, stated on Tuesday in Ifrane, the Wali of the Fès-Meknès region, Governor of the Prefecture of Fès, Mouaad Jamai.
Speaking at a communication meeting bringing together the main stakeholders and investors in the province, Mr. Jamai noted that the objective is to make Ifrane a model of ecological excellence, particularly by aiming to obtain an international label "Ifrane, Clean City".
To realise this ambitious vision, he stressed the need to stimulate investments in green sectors, such as ecological vehicles and taxis, announcing the intention to make Ifrane's public transport 100% clean.
"This is a global strategy focused on environmental protection and respect for nature," the official detailed, highlighting the firm determination to position Ifrane as a global benchmark for sustainable development.
He also indicated that this communication meeting aimed to explore the promising opportunities offered by the region and to discuss ways to enhance its attractiveness to attract more high-value-added investments.
Mr. Jamai recalled that this initiative is in line with the directives of HM the King Mohammed VI, who places investment at the heart of economic and social development.
The Fès-Meknès region, he continued, aspires to an economic recovery based on a sustainable and inclusive development model, drawing its strength from a qualified human capital, a rich heritage of over 12 centuries, a strategic position, and unique resources in innovation.
He also highlighted the crucial role of Al Akhawayn University, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, in the development of the province.
To realise the province's development vision, Mr. Jamai stressed the need to transform Ifrane into a global model of technological innovation and green growth, similar to some developed countries.
In this context, he highlighted the key role that Al Akhawayn, through its local and international partnerships, can play in this transformation, particularly by creating business incubators and laboratories to encourage young people to create startups focused on sustainability in technological innovation.
Regarding infrastructure, Mr. 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 specified that the Regional Unified Investment Committee (CRUI) 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, with 55% of projects approved, for a value of 258 million dirhams, representing 91% of the total amount of investment projects approved in 2024.
For his part, the Governor of Ifrane Province, Driss Misbah, stressed the importance of rigor and seriousness in the approach to investment, learning from successful experiences and overcoming encountered obstacles.
He thus highlighted the exceptional ecological character of the province, with its RAMSAR-listed wetlands, its vast forests rich in biodiversity (116,000 hectares), and its rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
The Governor pointed out, in this regard, that the province of Ifrane is a popular destination for ecotourism, sports activities, and medical tourism, with a capacity of 3,818 beds and 5,680 camping places.
He also highlighted the agricultural character of the region, with 72,000 hectares of cultivated land, mainly apple and cherry trees, making Ifrane the main regional producer of these fruits.
Mr. Misbah mentioned the Ifrane National Park, which covers 85% of the province's area and will be rehabilitated for an amount of 734 million dirhams, recalling that Ifrane was ranked the second cleanest city in the world in 2016 and among the most beautiful cities in Africa in 2023.
For his part, the President of the Fès-Meknès region, Abdelouahed Al Ansari, stressed the importance of this meeting, the eighth in a series of consultations initiated by the Wilaya since last December.
He detailed the numerous projects carried out or initiated by the Regional Council in the province, particularly in terms of road infrastructure, access to drinking water, health, sports, and culture.
"While significant efforts have been made, we remain aware of the persistent challenges for the province," he admitted, reaffirming the Council's commitment to continue development and design new projects that meet the needs of the population.
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