Signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement to Protect Moulay Yacoub Center from Floods and Soil Erosion

A strategic partnership agreement was signed today at the headquarters of the Fez Prefecture, aimed at protecting the Moulay Yacoub Center from the Bousrouaal Valley floods and addressing soil erosion issues, under the supervision of the Governor of Fez Province and in the presence of various institutional partners and stakeholders.

Agreement Parties:

• Ministry of Interior
• General Directorate of Local Authorities
• Prefecture of Fez
• Provincial Council of Fez
• General Directorate of Water and Forests
• Moulay Yacoub Municipality

Financial Structure of the Project:

Partners	Financial Contribution (MAD)
General Directorate of Local Authorities	3,000,000
Provincial Council of Fez	3,000,000
General Directorate of Water and Forests	2,000,000
Moulay Yacoub Municipality	2,000,000
Total	10,000,000

Project Components:

1. Technical Studies and Monitoring:

• Topographical studies
• Geotechnical studies
• Environmental impact assessment
• Works monitoring and control
• Detailed technical studies
• Preparation of tender files

1. Major Flood Protection Works:

• Construction of hydraulic protection structures
• Development of Bousrouaal Valley channel
• River bank protection
• Construction of rainwater drainage channels
• Reinforcement of existing structures

1. Soil Erosion Treatment Works:

• Slope stabilization
• Planting soil-stabilizing trees
• Creation of terraces to reduce erosion
• Afforestation and biological development works

1. Accompanying Measures:

• Public awareness and sensitization
• Training of local actors
• Involvement of local associations
• Environmental education programs

Governance and Monitoring Mechanisms:

1. Steering Committee:

• Chaired by Fez Prefecture
• Includes representatives of all partners
• Meets at least twice a year
• Role: Strategic guidance and report approval

1. Technical Committee:

• Chaired by Prefecture technical services
• Meets every 3 months
• Role: Technical and financial project monitoring
• Preparation of periodic reports

Timeline:

• Implementation period: 24 months
• Phase One (6 months): Studies and designs
• Phase Two (15 months): Major works
• Phase Three (3 months): Delivery and evaluation

Expected Results:

1. Protection of the center and population from flood risks
2. Reduction of soil erosion
3. Improvement of the area’s environmental landscape
4. Enhancement of the tourist and therapeutic center’s attractiveness
5. Creation of direct and indirect job opportunities
6. Improvement of local population’s living conditions

Parties’ Commitments:

1. Fez Prefecture:

• General project supervision
• Coordination of various partners’ interventions
• Chairing the steering committee

1. General Directorate of Local Authorities:

• Financial contribution
• Technical support
• Participation in monitoring committees

1. Provincial Council of Fez:

• Financial contribution
• Assistance in partner mobilization
• Participation in monitoring and evaluation

1. General Directorate of Water and Forests:

• Financial and technical contribution
• Supervision of afforestation works
• Contribution to environmental studies

1. Moulay Yacoub Municipality:

• Financial contribution
• Facilitation of administrative procedures
• Local population mobilization

This structured project represents a model of effective institutional cooperation bringing together various stakeholders to protect and develop the Moulay Yacoub Center, which is a tourist and therapeutic site of national importance. It also reflects the public authorities’ commitment to strengthening infrastructure and ensuring the safety of users and the local population.