Speaking to MAP on the sidelines of the African regional preparatory meeting for the 15th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), held from January 8 to 10, Houmy emphasized that the Kingdom continues to play a "major" role in the sustainable management of these vital ecosystems.

Since joining the Ramsar Convention in 1980, Morocco has registered 38 sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance and plans to add 10 more by the end of 2025, according to the ANEF Director General.

This approach reflects Morocco's strong commitment and tireless efforts to preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of these ecosystems, he continued, adding that Morocco’s policy is based on an "integrated" approach that balances sustainable development, water resource management, and adaptation to climate change.

Furthermore, Houmy highlighted Morocco’s leadership role within the Ramsar Convention, particularly as a member of the Standing Committee for the 2022–2025 period, representing the North Africa sub-region.

"As an active member, we contribute to developing the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2025–2034, which aims to strengthen conservation efforts and improve environmental governance," he stated.

He also noted that this Marrakech meeting is a decisive step toward fostering regional cooperation and promoting joint actions, particularly to support ecosystem rehabilitation initiatives and implement cross-border projects, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the resilience of African wetlands to the impacts of climate change and ensuring that these spaces continue to play their crucial role in preserving biodiversity and supporting the socio-economic development of local communities.

Through the organization of this African preparatory meeting and its long-term commitments, Morocco reaffirms its central role as a leader in wetland conservation, contributing to global biodiversity preservation goals and efforts to combat the effects of climate change.