Building Resilience: Advancing Climate Adaptation in Morocco

As part of the "Advancing Climate Adaptation in the Southern Mediterranean", or ACA-Med programme, funded by the EU and implemented by UN Capital Development Fund, Morocco is taking significant steps to enhance climate resilience. A recent field mission conducted from 23-27 September marked a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards establishing a mechanism for channeling climate finance to local governments, with the Local Climate Adaptive Living (LoCAL) Facility. 

The global climate crisis demands local action because the impacts of climate change are most acutely experienced at the community level, where we live, work and go to school. Local governments can be a powerful ally in promoting climate change adaptation and building resilient communities. This is where LoCAL comes in, integrating climate change adaptation into local development planning by combining performance-based climate resilience grants (PBCRGs) with technical and capacity-building support.

A key takeaway from the mission is the importance of Morocco’s decentralised governance structure, which presents a unique opportunity for piloting the LoCAL mechanism at the regional level. This decentralised approach not only aligns with the country’s political framework but also allows for a tailored response to local climate challenges. Additionally, the field mission identified potential synergies with existing initiatives, such as another EU-funded project, known as Clima-Med.

Looking ahead, the next steps involve launching the design phase for the local adaptation financing mechanism, ensuring it aligns with Morocco’s specific context and needs. With a positive assessment from stakeholders and numerous initiatives ready to synergise, Morocco is well-positioned to lead the way in climate adaptation efforts within the region. As the ACA-Med project unfolds, the commitment to building resilient communities in the Southern Mediterranean will not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also enhance the overall quality of life for the people in these regions. Through collaboration, innovation, and dedicated support, the ACA-Med project is poised to make a lasting impact on climate adaptation efforts.