Two weeks before the leaders of the world gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) where Green Economy in the context of sustainable development was a central theme, the Horizon H2020 Capacity Building/Mediterranean Environment Programme organized a two-day workshop in Rabat (6-7 June 2012) in support of mainstreaming the concept of Green Economy in Morocco.  

Two weeks before the leaders of the world gathered in Rio de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) where Green Economy in the context of sustainable development was a central theme, the Horizon H2020 Capacity Building/Mediterranean Environment Programme organized a two-day workshop in Rabat (6-7 June 2012) in support of mainstreaming the concept of Green Economy in Morocco.    

The thematic focus of the workshop proved particularly popular, attracting 41 participants of high calibre. The good combination of professionals from local and central government (Ministries of Environment, Tourism, Transport, Economy & Finance, Agriculture and Urban Development), NGOs and relevant national projects and initiatives, provided for a fruitful exchange of perspectives and visions for the next steps to be taken. In addition, the participation of members from the National Committee that later attended the Rio+20 Summit brought in the Moroccan know-how on Green Economy.

After two days of lectures, presentations, discussions and team exercises the participants acquired a sound understanding of the different issues at national, regional and international level and of the pivotal role of Green Economy in achieving Sustainable Development. Specific issues such as green investments, green jobs and decent monitoring indicators were explored. To provide a more hands on approach to the matter, the case study of Jordan was selected as a country addressing similar challenges.

The required institutional framework and the conditions for a faster transition towards a Green Economy were the subject of much debate among the participants, which nevertheless helped in defining the first basic steps towards the creation and implementation of a national action plan for a Green Economy.

The workshop was organized by the Regional Activity Centre for Cleaner Production (CP/RAC) of UNEP/MAP in cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry for Energy, Mines, Water and the Environment (General Directorate on Sustainable Development) and with the support of the Mediterranean Information Office for the Environment Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE).