Morocco and its commitment to sustainable development and the enhancement of the Bay of Dakhla

Atalayar had the opportunity to talk to Mohamed Cherif, president of the Association Bay of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab 
Mohamed Cherif
Mohammed Cherif

The city of Dakhla will host the 18th Congress of the Association of the World's Most Beautiful Bays, which will be held between 27 November and 1 December 2024. 

A special edition this time as for the first time it will be held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

The event, organised by the Regional Council of Dakhla Oued-Eddahab, with the support of the local authorities, will serve as a platform for dialogue, debate and exchange of experiences on various topics related to the preservation and enhancement of the bays, as well as sustainable development.

Atalayar was able to speak with Mohammed Cherif, president of the Bay of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Association, to discuss this important event and the natural environment of the Bay of Dakhla.

Congreso de las Bahías más Bellas del Mundo
The 18th Congress of the Association of the World's Most Beautiful Bays

What does the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI mean for the 18th World Congress of the World's Most Beautiful Bays in Dakhla? 

The patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an exceptional honour and a recognition of the importance of this event for Morocco. It underlines the royal commitment to the protection of the coastline, sustainable development and the enhancement of Moroccan bays, in particular that of Dakhla.

This support from King Mohammed VI is an incentive and a further commitment to work to protect the coastline and improve the bays.

Absolutely. The royal support embodies a national vision in which the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems is a priority, reinforcing Morocco's role as a model of environmental management and sustainable tourism development.

Dakhla is becoming the world capital of the valorisation and preservation of bays in a framework of sustainable development.

Thanks to this congress, Dakhla is being highlighted as a world example of ecological and economic valorisation of the bays, demonstrating how an exceptional natural environment can be preserved while supporting sustainable development projects.

It is equally important for Dakhla and its inhabitants to ensure the preservation of their natural sites and to fight against all forms of pollution.

The participation of 44 bays from 25 countries around the world represents further support for diplomatic action on the Moroccan identity of the Sahara.

Yes, this event strengthens Morocco's international position by highlighting Dakhla as a place of dialogue and cooperation, while affirming its Moroccan identity in a cultural and diplomatic dimension. 

Mohamed Cherif
Mohammed Cherif

This World Congress is a great opportunity to publicise and showcase the magnificent tourism offer of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region.

It goes without saying. The Congress offers an exceptional showcase to promote the beaches, the unique natural landscapes and the tourist activities of Dakhla, attracting quality and sustainable tourism.

A showcase for the province's economic and investment opportunities.

The Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, rich in natural resources and strategically located, is becoming a magnet for investors interested in innovative projects in the tourism, renewable energy, fisheries and infrastructure sectors.

The new port of Dakhla as a key reference in the Atlantic.

This port will reinforce the strategic positioning of Dakhla as a key commercial crossroads for maritime trade between Africa, Europe and America, following the example of the port of Tangier Med in the Mediterranean.

A step towards the empowerment of the African countries on the Atlantic coast.

Morocco asserts itself as a central player in African cooperation, offering its port and logistical infrastructures to support trade exchanges, while promoting the economic development of African countries in a secure and sustainable framework.

What would you highlight from the programme prepared for this Congress?

The programme includes high-level conferences, debates on the preservation of the bays and visits to the emblematic sites of Dakhla, such as the lagoon and the national park, to combine reflection, discovery and enhancement of the local heritage.

In addition to the debates and conferences, there will be a special focus on the sites of Dakhla.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to discover the natural and cultural riches of Dakhla, which make it an exceptional destination. This reinforces the attractiveness of this congress beyond its professional dimensions.

Objectives and activities of the Association: The most beautiful bays in the world.

The Association aims to preserve the world's bays by promoting their sustainable development, facilitating the exchange of best practices among its members and raising awareness among local populations and decision-makers of the importance of their maritime and coastal heritage.