23 January 2025

Morocco’s Strategic Journey: Transport, Climate Action, and Future Opportunities

In the face of climate change and urban expansion, coupled with evolving planning policies and shifting travel behaviors, the demand for mobility has surged, amplifying existing societal inequities. Promoting sustainable mobility offers a pathway to address interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Commitment to Climate Goals and Sustainable Mobility

The international community has made significant progress in recent years through the COP (Conference of the Parties), particularly with the 2015 Paris Agreement, which set ambitious goals to limit global warming to 1.5°C. During COP 29 developed countries committed to mobilizing at least USD 300 billion annually, with the aim of reaching USD 1.3 trillion per year by 2035, alongside the adoption of the ” Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T ” to address the financial gap. Final rules for carbon trading under Articles 6.2 and 6.4 were established, although concerns about their effectiveness remain. Despite challenges in mitigation negotiations, progress was achieved in adaptation through the “Baku Adaptation Roadmap” and the advancement of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), although some discussions have been deferred until 2025. Although Morocco’s contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains relatively small, the country is proactively addressing climate change. Morocco has demonstrated its commitment by signing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, ratifying it in 1995, and subsequently joining the Kyoto Protocol in 2002 and the Paris Agreement in 2016. As part of its obligations under the UNFCCC, Morocco has submitted four National Communications on climate change and has recently released its Fifth National Communication along with its Biennial Transparency Report under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Additionally, the country has issued three Biennial Update Reports (BURs), showcasing its sustained efforts and dedication to transparency in combating climate challenges.

Key Strategic Policies for a Low-Carbon Future: Transportation and Cooperation

Morocco’s proactive approach to climate change, aimed at building resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, is rooted in the Framework Law 99.12, which established the National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development (Charte Nationale de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable, CNEDD). This foundational law defines the rights and responsibilities of individuals and entities concerning the environment and sustainable development, while outlining principles for the State, local authorities, and public institutions to uphold. Building on this framework, Morocco has introduced several strategic initiatives to drive its green and inclusive economy. These include the National Climate Plan (Plan Climat National, PCN 2030), the near-finalized National Adaptation Plan (PNA), the Long-Term Low Carbon Strategy (Stratégie Bas Carbone à Long Terme, LT-LEDS 2050), and the National Sustainable Development Strategy (Stratégie Nationale de Développement Durable 2030, SNDD 2030). Together, these policies underscore Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.

The SNDD 2030, adopted in 2017, aims to accelerate Morocco’s transition to a green and inclusive economy by 2030. Evaluated in 2021, the strategy is currently being updated to align with the recommendations of the New Development Model (NMD), the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Among its strategic priorities, sustainable mobility emerges as a central pillar (highlighted under Axis 8, objectives 55, 56, and 58). Complementing the SNDD 2030, the PCN 2030, introduced in 2019, provides a framework for medium- and long-term climate policies aimed at achieving Morocco’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The PCN 2030 supports mitigation goals across various sectoral strategies, with a strong emphasis on the transportation sector. It also promotes the development of Regional Climate Plans (Plans Climat Régionaux, PCRs) and City Climate Plans (Plans Climat des Villes, PCVs) to ensure localized climate action. A key focus within the PCN 2030 is Work Package 3.5, which targets the transport and logistics sector. This initiative outlines specific measures and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing the pivotal role of transportation in achieving Morocco’s climate objectives.

Morocco’s LT-LEDS 2050, published in 2021 under Article 4.19 of the Paris Agreement, demonstrates its commitment to global climate goals and aligns with recommendations from the Special Commission on Morocco’s Development Model. The strategy responds to the climate urgency highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and contributes to the overarching aim of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The qualitative LT-LEDS 2050 emphasizes strategic directions for the transportation and logistics sectors, advocating for multimodal solutions and substantial investments in new transport infrastructure to enhance sustainability. In parallel, the quantitative Low Carbon Strategy 2050 (currently under development) defines a roadmap for achieving long-term zero emissions, including sector-specific decarbonization strategies. Complementing these efforts, the National Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030 (SNEE 2030) focuses on reducing energy consumption in the transportation sector by 24% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels. This initiative is projected to save approximately 19.2 million tons of CO2, further underscoring Morocco’s commitment to mitigating emissions and advancing a low-carbon future.

In line with the Paris Agreement, Morocco submitted its first NDC to the UNFCCC Secretariat in 2016, committing to a 42% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. On June 22, 2021, Morocco enhanced its ambition by submitting a revised NDC, targeting a 45.5% reduction by 2030. Of this updated target, 18.3% is unconditional, while 27.2% depends on international financial support. The revised NDC outlines 61 mitigation actions, including 34 unconditional and 27 conditional measures. In the transportation sector, two unconditional actions stand out: the expansion of tram systems in Rabat and Casablanca. Additionally, five conditional actions focus on comprehensive measures to enhance environmental standards and efficiency:

  1. Improving environmental standards for vehicles, ensuring stricter emissions compliance.
  2. Implementing a Bonus-Malus system, developed under the Moroccan component of the project Introducing Measures, Pathways and Roadmaps for Optimizing Vehicle Efficiency and Electrification (IMPROVE), commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics (Ministère du Transport et de la Logistique, MTL).
  3. Introducing vehicle renewal and scrappage programs, replacing older, inefficient vehicles with cleaner alternatives.
  4. Promoting eco-driving practices, encouraging fuel-efficient driving behaviors.
  5. Applying CO2 performance standards for new passenger and light commercial vehicles to drive down emissions.

These initiatives highlight Morocco’s proactive role in integrating sustainable practices into its transportation sector, leveraging both national resources and international partnerships to meet ist climate goals. Currently, Morocco is updating its NDC with the support of the “Just Transition” project, Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, BMZ), as well as the European Union, and implemented by GIZ.

To support the implementation of the Enhanced Transparency Framework under the Paris Agreement and to track progress in achieving its NDC, Morocco has developed an online Measuring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) platform. This platform is designed to provide the necessary information to monitor and evaluate Morocco’s climate actions. It encompasses various components, including:

  1. GHG Emissions: Tracking emissions across all sectors to assess the country’s contribution to
    global climate goals.
  2. Mitigation Actions: Monitoring and reporting on the progress of mitigation initiatives, including
    those in the transportation sector.
  3. Support Measures: Evaluating financial, technical, and capacity-building support received to
    implement climate actions.

The MRV platform enables Morocco to enhance its climate transparency, ensuring that both national and international stakeholders can access accurate, up-to-date data on the country’s climate efforts, particularly in sectors like transportation that play a crucial role in achieving its emissions reduction targets.

Addressing the challenges faced by Morocco’s transportation sector requires a comprehensive and sustainable approach to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The Sustainable Mobility with Renewable Energies in Morocco (DKTI VI) project, commissioned by the BMZ and implemented by the GIZ, in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (Ministère de la Transition Énergétique et du Développement Durable, MTEDD) and Agadir region, plays a key role in promoting sustainable and inclusive mobility in the country.

The project focuses on multimodality, integrating various transport modes to enhance efficiency, reduce congestion, and support sustainable mobility. Cycling is promoted as an eco-friendly alternative to reduce reliance on cars. Inclusive mobility ensures that transportation systems are accessible to all, addressing the needs of vulnerable groups and promoting social equity. The project also strengthens regulatory and legal frameworks and explores the potentials of digitalisation to support sustainable mobility policies and tackle issues such as air pollution and other environmental aspects associated with transportation. By addressing these concerns, the project aims to reduce the environmental and climate impact of the sector. Additionally, pilot projects in Agadir are being implemented to test innovative solutions in real-world settings, setting the stage for broader adoption across Morocco. These initiatives are particularly relevant in preparation for the 2030 World Cup in Morocco, where sustainable transportation will play a critical role in ensuring an efficient, inclusive, and eco-friendly experience for residence and attendees.

Summary

Morocco is making significant strides in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable mobility through its robust climate policies. Key initiatives such as the National Climate Plan (PCN 2030), the Long-Term Low-Carbon Strategy (LT-LEDS 2050), and the National Sustainable Development Strategy (SNDD 2030) emphasize the critical role of the transportation sector in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving a low-carbon economy. These strategies reflect Morocco’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and socio-economic growth. Transportation is central to Morocco’s climate goals, as it accounts for a substantial share of emissions and is vital for economic development. Sustainable mobility is essential not only to reduce emissions but also to enhance social equity, improve public health, and create economic opportunities through green jobs and infrastructure development. By investing in clean transport technologies and efficient systems, Morocco is fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future, where mobility supports both climate objectives and overall socio-economic development. International cooperation plays a crucial role in amplifying success.

Through partnerships, Morocco gains access to shared expertise, advanced technologies, and financial support, enabling more effective and timely implementation of its climate strategies. Collaboration creates a win-win situation, where Morocco’s experiences contribute to global efforts to combat climate change, while Morocco also benefits from international best practices and mutual learning, advancing both its climate and development goals.


The Sustainable Mobility with Renewable Energies in Morocco project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is implemented in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (MTEDD), the city of Agadir, and a variety of Moroccan and international stakeholders.


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Author(s)
Chifae Mrikim