WestMED at the heart of Morocco’s 7th National Ocean Week
M’diq: The WestMED Initiative at the heart of the 7th National Ocean Week, organised by the association of life and earth sciences teachers AESVT Morocco
Within the framework of the 2026 7th Ocean Week, a session dedicated to the WestMED Initiative was held at the Lalla Aicha Theatre in M’diq. This meeting was moderated by Mr. Hassan Agouzoul,and highlighted the strategic importance of the blue economy for the future of Morocco’s coastal territories.
The blue economy: a driver of sustainable growth for territories
Before an attentive audience of 78 participants gathered at the Lalla Aicha Theatre in M’diq – representing local NGOs, young entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and public agencies -Mr. Hassan Agouzoul, expert and national hub of the WestMED Initiative in Morocco, highlighted the crucial role of the blue economy as a driver for sustainable development and territorial resilience.
During his speech, he detailed the main priorities championed by the WestMED Initiative for the Mediterranean region:
- Environmental preservation: The rigorous protection of marine ecosystems.
- Innovation and skills: The promotion of innovative technologies and the strengthening of local capacities.
- Infrastructure and networks: The development of green ports and the structuring of regional maritime clusters.
- Project funding: The active mobilization of funding for marine-related initiatives.
Synergy and cooperation: the keys to a resilient maritime economy
The debates that followed the presentation converged on one certainty: the success of a sustainable blue economy relies on a participatory and inclusive approach. Participants thus emphasized the imperative to strengthen channels of cooperation between:
- Public institutions,
- Universities and research centers,
- Civil society,
- Youth, as a major driver of change.
This collective dynamic is deemed essential to accelerate the implementation of resilient maritime projects that generate significant local employment and align perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Mediterranean hub for exchange and innovation
This day established itself as a prime space for dialogue and the sharing of experiences across the Mediterranean scale. By fostering a positive exchange of ideas, the event not only mapped out current challenges but, above all, stimulated the emergence of innovative projects dedicated to both ocean conservation and the sustainable prosperity of the regions.
