The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has just completed the first phase of its Local Volunteer Rescuers (SVP) project, covering the provinces of Sefrou and Moulay Yaâcoub. A closing ceremony was held on Wednesday at the respective headquarters of the provinces of Sefrou and Moulay Yaâcoub, in the presence of SDC Director Fabrizio Poritti, who highlighted the interest and importance of this type of project from a humanitarian perspective. "Our intervention in Morocco focuses in particular on risk and disaster management as well as transitional migration, concerning both Moroccans and sub-Saharan Africans," he explained in a speech delivered during the two ceremonies.

In fact, the project, initiated three years ago, consists of training volunteer rescuers capable of intervening at the "zero hour" of a risk—that is, the time between the onset of a disaster or risk and the arrival of professionals officially tasked with risk management. The project managers also considered setting up containers of equipment dedicated to rescuing victims during potential disasters.

During this first phase, the project was able to train around sixty volunteer rescuers in Sefrou and fifty in Moulay Yaâcoub. While in Sefrou the training benefited young people from the old Medina, given their proximity and activity on-site, in Moulay Yaâcoub, employees of the thermal station were chosen. The choice of target volunteers meets the need for proximity to the suspected location and the possibility of emergency intervention. "The initial diagnosis is made by these witnesses who are omnipresent on the scene, namely these young volunteers trained to manage all stages of intervention, particularly before the arrival of professionals, as the urgency of interventions requires," specified Ahmed Dahmani, the project director.

As for the choice of target cities, the project initially focused on four intervention zones: Fez, Meknes, Sefrou, and Moulay Yaâcoub. The choice of Sefrou, Fez, and Meknes is due to the existence of old Medinas, often crossed by wadis and threatened by both flooding and the collapse of houses. The narrowness of the alleys often does not allow for easy access by emergency vehicles and equipment.

The existence of well-trained volunteer rescuers who are familiar with the locations contributes to overcoming the handicaps of the terrain and to the efficient control of risks. "We benefited from training sessions initiated by Civil Protection experts, to be able to manage the risk situation and undertake initial rescue operations," indicates a young girl from the old Medina of Sefrou.

As for Moulay Yaâcoub, the choice is mainly due to the fact that this ancient city is built on land in constant motion, with risks of landslides. The large flow of visitors to the thermal station for therapeutic and convalescence needs prompted the project managers to dedicate training to the employees of this thermal station. The SDC's action does not intend to stop there; the SVP project will also concern cities in the North of the Kingdom. "We plan to extend the project's activity to the cities in the North of the country, notably Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Tetouan, which also house ancient cities threatened by various risks, including the collapse of houses," explains Mr. Dahmani. The Swiss experience remains important and its application remains essential.