Barcelona, 21 Julio 2016 – The belief that the Mediterranean will be the region the most affected by climate change in the coming years has been largely agreed by the participants of MedCOP Climat that concluded yesterday in Tangier, Morocco. The 2nd edition of this key mobilization of state and non-state stakeholders in the Mediterranean – following MedCOP21 held in Marseille, France last year – has been the platform to discuss the next steps to be undertaken in order to widespread best practices and present the smartest solutions to face climate change’ s challenges for the region. In this sense, the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME), presented a package of initiatives to encourage the private sector of the region in its transition and consolidation to a greener economy.
On the occasion of this event, ASCAME has organized a workshop entitled “Massive development of the Green Economy in the Mediterranean”, which has been attended by a wide range of decision-makers, governmental bodies, private and public representatives and civil society’s organizations. The workshop coordinated by the ASCAME Commissions of Renewable Energies, Business Cooperation and Environment and Climate Change, has proposed a kit of solutions based on the creation of a network composed by public and private actors to provide SMEs with financial and technical support in their transition and/or consolidation to a greener economy, as well as to further provision them with competences in the field.
Highlights of the event
A green economy must be inclusive and give duly responses to regional employment defies, in particular for young people. Indeed, during one of the debates conducted at the event, on climate, economic development and employment, the President of the ASCAME Renewable Energies Commission, Mr Omar Moro, exposed how the Association has largely contributed during last years to the training of youth in the green economy sector through Euro-Mediterranean projects such as Foster in Med.
In order to keep working on regional economic cooperation, ASCAME signed a cooperation agreement with the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma Mediterranean Region of Morocco. As its President, Mr Ilyas el Omari has underlined: “We, the Mediterranean people, face similar economic, geopolitical and environmental challenges within the same territory and we need a crucial and global impetus to ensure the sustainability of our region”. Also, Mrs Hakima el Haité, Minister for Environment of Morocco, has insisted on the idea that we need to adopt sound economic and social practices in order to position the Mediterranean, as a referring sustainable region worldwide.
MedCOP 22 has confirmed that today the direct correlation between economic and environmental aspects is more evident than ever in the region. Indeed, this international gathering has highlighted the crucial role and contribution of the private sector in the peace, prosperity and development of the Mediterranean. Conclusions drawn during these days will be taken up at the 22nd World Climate Conference (COP22) to be held in Marrakech next November.