Morocco has reported a significant improvement in the quality of bathing waters along its coastline, just months ahead of the summer season, with official data showing a 95% compliance rate with health and environmental standards in 2025, up from 88% in 2021.
According to the results of the national program for monitoring bathing water and beach sand quality, fewer than 5% of monitored sites were classified as non-compliant. The findings also indicate a reduction of more than 25% in the volume of waste collected from beach sand, reflecting broader progress in coastal cleanliness and environmental management.
The data were presented during the annual national conference dedicated to reviewing the program’s outcomes, chaired by Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali. The monitoring campaign covered 498 stations across 204 beaches, in addition to assessing sand quality and marine litter across 64 coastal sites.
In her address, Benali highlighted Morocco’s extensive coastal assets, with over 3,500 kilometers of shoreline and a strategic location linking Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic basin. She noted that these advantages position the country to further develop its blue economy and enhance its attractiveness as a coastal destination.
The minister stressed that these efforts align with the strategic vision of King Mohammed VI, particularly as outlined in his address at the opening of Parliament in October 2025, which emphasized the importance of sustainable coastal development and the role of territorial regions.
She also outlined key national initiatives supporting this trajectory, including the National Sustainable Development Strategy to 2035, the National Climate Plan, and Morocco’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0). These frameworks, she said, place the protection of natural capital—especially oceans—at the core of public policy.
Benali further pointed to strengthened legal and institutional frameworks, notably Law 81.12 on the coastline and the National Coastal Plan adopted in 2022, which is currently being implemented through regional coastal planning schemes aimed at balancing economic development with environmental preservation.
Emphasizing the need for collective action, the minister called for stronger coordination among public institutions, local authorities, and civil society to address emerging environmental challenges and ensure the sustainability of Morocco’s coastal ecosystems.
The improved water quality comes as Morocco seeks to boost its tourism appeal ahead of the summer season, reinforcing confidence among beachgoers and positioning the country as an increasingly attractive and environmentally responsible seaside destination.
