Moroccan Beaches Classified According to Quality of Water, Sand

Minister Leila Benali presents a report on the quality of beach waters on Friday, June 25, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Minister Leila Benali presents a report on the quality of beach waters on Friday, June 25, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Moroccan Beaches Classified According to Quality of Water, Sand

Minister Leila Benali presents a report on the quality of beach waters on Friday, June 25, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Minister Leila Benali presents a report on the quality of beach waters on Friday, June 25, 2022. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali said that 379 monitoring stations for the quality of water in the kingdom’s beaches, representing 88.14%, matched the microbiological quality standards.

She told a press conference in Rabat on Friday that 51 stations (11.86%) were declared non-compliant for swimming in 2022, attributing this rate to the wastewater discharges and/or high concentration of swimmers, combined with inadequate infrastructure for hygiene and climate change.

Benali read the results of the Ministry’s annual national report on monitoring the quality of bathing water and sand for 2022.

The report underlines the importance Morocco attaches to ensure its beaches live up to the international standards, as it awards the “Blue Flag” to the cleanest beaches every year.

The monitoring operations included 493 stations in 168 beaches, 125 of which are on the Atlantic Ocean front and 61 on the Mediterranean.

Regarding the quality of sand, the Ministry monitored 60 beaches on the Atlantic coast and 27 beaches on the Mediterranean coasts.

Benali said 70 to 80% of the pollution comes from land-based sources.

Plastic waste makes up 88% of the waste, followed by cigarette butts, plastic sheeting, and candy sticks that make up 55% of the pollutants.

However, she affirmed that this type of pollution does not pose any threat to the tourists’ health.



Riyadh’s Diplomacy Takes Center Stage at Saudi Media Forum

Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
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Riyadh’s Diplomacy Takes Center Stage at Saudi Media Forum

Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)
Participants are seen at a panel discussion at the Saudi Media Forum. (Saudi Media Forum)

The second day of the Saudi Media Forum in its fourth edition, held in Riyadh, featured discussions and workshops with the participation of local and international media professionals, academics, experts, and specialists. The sessions explored the role of media in shaping perceptions, cultural identities and narrating Saudi Arabia’s transformation toward its future.

One of the key discussions focused on Saudi diplomacy and its role in fostering strategic partnerships that promote peaceful solutions. Participants emphasized that media plays a crucial role in conveying the true image of Saudi Arabia’s global efforts.

Political analysts noted that trust in Saudi Arabia and the credibility of its political positions played a key role in preventing the possibility of a third world war. They highlighted the high-level meeting in Diriyah on Tuesday, where senior American and Russian delegations, under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, started to mend the diplomatic rift between Washington and Moscow.

Jameel Al-Theyabi, editor-in-chief of Saudi Arabia’s Okaz newspaper, pointed out that Saudi soft power was evident in the historic meeting between the US and Russian delegations in the heart of the Saudi capital.

Western media, which once portrayed Saudi Arabia negatively, has now shifted its focus, highlighting the Kingdom’s remarkable potential and capabilities, he remarked.

Saudi Arabia is pursuing an interactive, dynamic and attractive foreign policy that seeks to address global crises and challenges, he went on to say. He linked this approach to Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed, which aims to bring transformational change to the region.

Political writer and analyst Jasser Al-Jasser stated that Saudi Arabia’s political foundations are built on clarity and credibility. He asserted that the changes led by the Crown Prince have transformed the Kingdom’s approach across all sectors, boosting global trust, recognition and admiration for Saudi Arabia and its leadership.

Al-Jasser highlighted the far-reaching impact of Saudi Arabia’s political and economic transformation, noting that its effects are clearly reflected in global indicators. He described this transformation as a long-term journey, emphasizing that one of the keys to Saudi Arabia’s success is its team of ministers and officials, who have played a significant role in shaping both policies and leadership under Vision 2030.

He also acknowledged the Kingdom’s regional and international responsibilities, underlining the humanitarian dimension of its efforts. He praised the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center for advancing humanitarian work through its extensive technical and logistical capabilities.