During the second edition of the International Forum on Territorial Perspectives for Strengthening the Interconnection Between Water, Energy, and Food Security, Nexus WEFE, held in Tangier on February 5-6, 2025, the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE) advocated for a profound shift in the governance of natural resources in Morocco.
Faced with intensifying climate and economic crises, Younes Benaki, Secretary-General of CESE, emphasized the urgent need to adopt an integrated resource management approach, leveraging the Nexus Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) framework. This strategy aims to move beyond isolated sectoral policies and promote a more rational and sustainable use of natural resources.
Overlooked Interconnections
For several years, Morocco has been experiencing increasing pressure on its natural resources. Water availability is declining due to worsening water stress caused by climate change. At the same time, energy transition and food security remain major challenges, especially considering that agriculture accounts for 80% of the country’s total water consumption.
Until now, these sectors have been managed separately, with public policies developed independently. While this approach has enabled sectoral progress, the CESE warns that it has reached its limits. Water is crucial for agriculture and energy production (especially hydroelectricity), while energy production influences water access (desalination, reservoirs) and affects agricultural costs. However, these interactions are not sufficiently considered in national planning, leading to inefficiencies and conflicts in resource usage.
During his address, Younes Benaki highlighted the CESE’s recommendations, urging a shift away from traditional approaches toward the Nexus Water-Energy-Food framework.
«Can we continue to treat water, energy, and food as separate and independent resources?» he asked.
«Is our fragmented approach still viable in an era of escalating environmental, economic, and social challenges?».
A Call for Integrated Policy Implementation
The Nexus WEFE approach seeks to integrate public policies related to natural resource management to enhance their efficiency and resilience in the face of crises. The CESE argues that coordinated governance is essential to addressing Morocco’s water security, energy transition, and food sustainability challenges.
Amine BOUSHABA
