Israel, Morocco to collaborate on climate issues - The Jerusalem Post
Israel, Morocco to collaborate on climate issues - The Jerusalem Post
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 in Rabat this weekend.
Silman met with her counterpart, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco 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 to Israel from Morocco, said after the meeting.
Common challenges between Israel and Morocco
“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,” she added.
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 Morrocco were also present at the meeting.
Silman invited Benali to visit Israel soon.
Related Knowledge Center: Climate diplomacy
Talks are well underway in preparation for the next major international meeting on climate change, 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), scheduled to begin Nov. 30 in the United Arab Emirates.
Much like last year’s COP27, finances — specifically, aid to developing nations — will be at the center of conference deliberations.
The conference faces an even greater sense of urgency brought on by the Sept. 8, 2023, release of the first global stocktake, which calls for accelerated action to meet the goals set in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement (COP21).
Climate diplomacy: COP 27 | Climate diplomacy: COP 28 | Climate diplomacy: COP 29