Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, participated on Thursday in the World Nature Congress organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a guest of honor. The event, held at the National Exhibition Center in Abu Dhabi, brought together heads of state, ministers, and experts from around the world to define priorities for biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
Upon her arrival, HRH the Princess was welcomed by Mrs. Sara Awad Issa Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education in the United Arab Emirates. During the opening ceremony, she emphasized that the Mohammed VI Foundation translates the environmental vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI into concrete actions, placing the preservation of natural ecosystems at the heart of national priorities.
“Our mission is to sustainably integrate education on environmental protection and sustainable development into public policies, business practices, and civic action,” insisted the Princess. She reminded attendees that the participation of citizens and local communities, including vulnerable populations, is essential to ensure a just and inclusive ecological transition.
In her address, HRH the Princess highlighted several emblematic programs of the Foundation, such as Eco-Schools and Young Reporters, which teach young people that biodiversity protection is vital for their future. She also discussed flagship initiatives like the campaign B7ar Bla Plastic, which mobilizes citizens, NGOs, and businesses to reduce plastic pollution, as well as projects for the preservation of the Palm Groves of Marrakech and the rehabilitation of RAMSAR sites in Marchica, Oued Eddahab, and Dakhla.
The Princess also underscored the role of sports and technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in raising awareness and mobilizing youth around ecosystem preservation, stressing the need for ethical and inclusive use of these tools.
After the ceremony, HRH Princess Lalla Hasnaa held discussions with Dr. Sylvia Earle, American oceanographer and president of the NGO Mission Blue, and visited the pavilions of the UAE, IUCN, and Africa.
The World Nature Congress represents a major event for coordinating international efforts in favor of biodiversity, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable development, confirming Morocco’s active role in these global issues.