Israel, Morocco to collaborate on climate issues

Israel and Morocco are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in the areas of environmental protection and climate change following a visit by Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman this weekend in Rabat.

Silman met with her Moroccan counterpart, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali, to discuss shared environmental challenges.

The agreement will include a framework for cooperation between research institutes, entrepreneurs, and public and private bodies in the field of the environment on both sides, the Environmental Protection Ministry said.

“The strengthening of working relations between the governments in the area of environmental protection will add another layer of the deep connection between the Moroccan and Israeli people,” Silman, whose parents immigrated from Morocco, said after the meeting.

“Morocco and Israel have similar challenges in the field of waste management, renewable energies, preservation of the marine and coastal environment, and more, and I believe that creating a common professional language regarding the issues of climate and sustainability is an important aim.”

Common challenges between Israel and Morocco

Silman’s visit is the first official visit by an environmental protection minister since the signing of the Abraham Accords. 

Among the topics discussed were climate change, preserving biodiversity and marine ecosystems, water management and desalination issues, air quality and environmental technology and innovation.

The director-generals of the respective ministries, and the Israeli ambassador to Morocco, were also present at the meeting. Silman invited Benali to visit Israel soon.

The Environment and Climate Change portal is produced in cooperation with the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The Jerusalem Post maintains all editorial decisions related to the content.

Pioneering climate solutions >