Morocco plans 300,000t aquaculture surge in decade – Undercurrent News

Report on Morocco’s Strategic Aquaculture Expansion and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

The Kingdom of Morocco has announced a strategic initiative to significantly expand its aquaculture sector. The plan targets an 80-fold increase in production over the next decade, aiming for 300,000 metric tons annually. This ambitious growth is projected to attract over $1 billion in investment opportunities within the current year. The initiative is critically aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning Morocco’s economic development within a framework of global sustainability, food security, and environmental stewardship.

2.0 Key Strategic Targets

1. Production Goal: To achieve an annual aquaculture output of 300,000 metric tons.
2. Timeframe: The production target is set to be reached within a ten-year period.
3. Growth Scale: This represents an 80-fold increase from the current production levels.
4. Projected Investment: Investment opportunities are expected to exceed $1 billion in the initial year of the plan.

3.0 Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The national aquaculture strategy directly supports and promotes progress on multiple SDGs:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: By drastically increasing the supply of aquatic foods, this initiative will enhance food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by providing a consistent and high-quality protein source for both domestic consumption and export.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The anticipated $1 billion in investment will stimulate sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. It will foster job creation in coastal communities, providing decent work opportunities and contributing to the diversification of the national economy.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The success of this expansion is contingent upon the adoption of sustainable aquaculture practices. This focus inherently supports the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources, mitigating pressure on wild fish stocks and promoting responsible marine ecosystem management.
• SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The development of a robust aquaculture industry requires significant investment in infrastructure and innovation. This will build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and create economic opportunities that can contribute to poverty eradication in developing regions.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Morocco’s aquaculture expansion plan connects to several Sustainable Development Goals by focusing on economic growth, food production, and the use of marine resources. The primary SDGs identified are:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The plan to dramatically increase aquaculture production directly relates to increasing the food supply.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The significant investment and production targets point to economic development, productivity growth, and potential job creation.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article’s core subject is aquaculture, which is the farming of aquatic organisms and a key component of managing marine resources for economic and food security benefits.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the details provided, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. The plan to produce 300,000 metric tons of seafood contributes directly to increasing the availability of a nutritious food source.
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers… The article mentions an “80-fold increase from current output,” which is a massive increase in food productivity.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation… The goal of an 80-fold production increase in the aquaculture sector represents a significant push for higher economic productivity and diversification of Morocco’s economy.

3. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits… from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. The article highlights the economic aspect of this goal, with “investment opportunities expected to top $1 billion,” directly linking the use of marine resources (via aquaculture) to economic benefits.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several specific quantitative metrics that can serve as indicators to measure progress:

• Annual Aquaculture Production Volume: The explicit goal of “300,000 metric tons of annual aquaculture production” is a direct indicator for measuring food production (Target 2.1) and economic productivity (Target 8.2).
• Rate of Production Increase: The “80-fold increase from current output” is a clear indicator of the planned growth in productivity, relevant to Target 2.3.
• Financial Investment: The mention of “investment opportunities expected to top $1 billion” serves as a financial indicator for the economic development aspect of Target 14.7 and the overall scale of the initiative.
• Timeframe for Achievement: The goal is to be achieved “within a decade,” providing a clear timeline against which to measure the progress of all the above indicators.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: undercurrentnews.com