Some 93% of bathing waters on Moroccan beaches complied with microbiological quality standards in 2024, up five percentage points from 2021, according to a national report presented Tuesday in Rabat.
The findings are part of the National Program for Monitoring the Quality of Bathing Water and Beach Sand, which covered 199 beaches and 488 sampling stations—up from 79 beaches in 2004.
The report also included beach sand assessments conducted on 64 beaches to evaluate cleanliness and identify sources of marine litter. It found a 21% drop in waste volumes between 2021 and 2024. However, plastics still accounted for 86% of all waste collected, with cigarette butts, plastic caps, and candy wrappers making up more than half of the debris.
Speaking at the event, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali said the annual conference serves to prepare for the summer season and mobilize local authorities and beach managers.
While welcoming the progress made, she warned that plastic pollution remains a serious threat, with 80% of marine waste traced to land-based sources.
Benali called for stronger adoption of ecological solutions through the circular economy and praised initiatives such as the “Clean Beaches” program and “Blue Flag” certification, both run in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection. She urged greater engagement from all stakeholders to reach full compliance.
She also encouraged public use of the “Iplages” mobile app, which provides beach quality updates and promotes citizen involvement in conservation.
MAP: 29 avril 2025
