Tropentag, September 11 - 13, 2024, Vienna "Explore opportunities... for managing natural resources and a better life for all"

Disaster risk management policies and implementing tools in Morocco

¹Cadi Ayyad University Marrakech, Biology, Morocco
²Cadi Ayyad University Marrakech, Physics, Morocco

Abstract

Disaster risk reduction and management (DRM) have emerged as primordial features of policy implementation, given the current trends spanning strategic developments globally, primordial to sustainability, building, and resilience reinforcement of hazard-prone regions. Disaster-related socioeconomic losses are witnessed globally and regionally. For instance, Morocco is vulnerable to the climate crisis, making it prone to disasters that cost a yearly average of $800 million, according to the World Bank. Cases in point are the Covid-19 pandemic, recurrent drought episodes (resulting economic collapse of 3% in 2016), and the latest earthquake that struck the Marrakech region (a devastating magnitude nearing 7 leading to significant damage, with around 2,946 deaths and $10 billion losses). These substantial events provided valuable lessons to the local government practitioners, policymakers, and (sub-)communities, leading to rethinking and reassessing the pros and cons of their current management capacities in dealing with disasters. Hence, the present study provides a comprehensive overview of DRM, spanning both regional and local (national) levels. The analysis deals with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as global schemes relevant to Africa and Morocco specifically. It reviews DRM-related standards, quality systems, and regulatory aspects governing the country, especially at the level of the Marrakech region in Morocco. It also mentions the historical background and current situation assessment, monitoring and evaluation of the DRM systems, impact on women and other vulnerable groups in Morocco, and associated knowledge gaps. The risk management in research laboratory environments is also underscored, stressing the significance of maintaining thorough safety. Risks attributed to pollution, water scarcity, and agricultural challenges, together with the climate crisis , were addressed. It also discusses scientific research and interesting development projects.

Keywords: Current situation, global and specific constraints, mitigation and adaptation, monitoring and evaluation, Morocco, pollution and nuisance, programmes and indicators, risk management, strategies adopted

Contact Address: Abdelilah Meddich, Cadi Ayyad University Marrakech, Biology, Semlalia bd. Moulay Abdellah, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco, e-mail: a.meddichuca.ma