The National Sustainable Development Strategy (NSDS) 2035 is a fundamental pillar for the establishment of a fair and integrated ecological transition, affirmed the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, on Tuesday in Rabat.
In her presentation before the Commission for Infrastructure, Energy, Mines, Environment, and Sustainable Development in the House of Representatives, Ms. Benali indicated that the Kingdom is committing, through this strategy, to a new dynamic that ensures a balance between the requirements of economic development and the preservation of natural resources.
This updated strategy, she added, comes after a comprehensive evaluation of the first version adopted in 2017, which led to significant achievements such as strengthening institutional coordination, developing clear sectoral plans, and launching a digital platform for monitoring implementation.
However, she noted that several challenges were identified, particularly regarding the absence of territorial monitoring mechanisms and measurement indicators, in addition to the exceeding of certain measures due to the evolution of public policies.
The new version of this strategy adopts a flexible and integrated approach, based on six key areas of transformation encompassing the valorization of ecological resources, equitable access to services, the transition to a low-carbon green economy, energy, water, and food security, spatial justice, and the preservation of cultural heritage, she continued.
She emphasized that the implementation of these axes will be carried out through five strategic levers, namely the development of human capital, digital acceleration and innovation, the development of the legal and fiscal framework, as well as strengthening sustainable financing tools.
In this regard, the minister recalled that this strategy has been the subject of extensive consultation through regional meetings held in various regions of the Kingdom, in addition to organizing sectoral and social consultations and establishing a digital platform to mobilize national public opinion and Moroccans abroad.
The NSDS is inspired by the High Royal Guidelines, the New Development Model, the government program, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, she explained.
In the same vein, Ms. Benali noted that the National Household Waste Management Program (NHWMP) for the period 2008-2022 has achieved notable progress, including an increase in the collection rate to 96%, the rehabilitation of 67 unauthorized landfills, and the realization of 53 master plans for a total investment of 21 billion dirhams, including a contribution from the sustainable development sector amounting to 3.1 billion dirhams.
Moreover, the minister informed that the new waste management vision for the period 2023-2034 is based on reducing landfill, enhancing recycling, and energy recovery, particularly through an agreement signed with the cement sector regarding waste valorization and the production of an alternative fuel (RDF), which promotes the transition to an effective and integrated circular economy, within the framework of a colossal investment program exceeding 21 billion dirhams and with technical support from the World Bank.
Regarding the importation of recyclable and recoverable materials, Ms. Benali assured that this operation is governed by Law No. 28.00 related to waste management and disposal and is subject to strict controls including prior notification, contracting, financial guarantees, technical analyses, and regulatory authorizations.
The number of authorizations granted between 2021 and 2025 reached 136, including 111 related to rubber tires and 25 concerning other plastic and textile components, she added.