Washington, DC - On May 11, the United States-Morocco Working Group on Environmental Cooperation convened in Rabat, Morocco, to review achievements from the 2014-2017 Plan of Action and put forward a new 2018-2021 Plan of Action outlining areas for future environmental cooperation to focus on water, air, and waste technology solutions, and efforts to combat environmental crimes.

The 2018-2021 Plan of Action aims to create opportunities for innovation and technology solutions in areas such as solid waste management, recycling, and pollution monitoring and mitigation. Planned technical trainings will aim at reducing coastal pollution, marine debris, and mercury contamination. The Plan of Action also prioritizes cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, and fisheries issues through training and consultations.

The United States-Morocco Working Group on Environmental Cooperation has a 14-year history of accomplishment in improving environmental laws, enforcement, transparency, and public participation in environmental decision-making. Such cooperation creates a more level playing field for U.S. business and U.S. environmental technologies providers enabling solutions ensure healthier lives abroad while supporting good jobs in the United States.

The United States’ longstanding trade-related environmental cooperation in Morocco, along with our programs with Middle East Free Trade Agreement partners Jordan, Oman, and Bahrain, are evidence of continued U.S. support to important allies in the region. Our environmental cooperation is a fundamental pillar of our engagement with the region, which helps support sustainable economic growth and build regional stability.