Rabat is at the forefront of the battle against climate change in Morocco, actively supporting the international movement.  On the 7th of December, 2009, FMAS, the Alternative Forum of Morocco, the Portal of Civil Society Maghreb Mashreq E-Joussour, the Maghreb Social Forum, the Moroccan Organisation of Human Rights (OMDH) and the Right to Water Forum in the Arab Region (RWFAR) hosted a conference to introduce the ‘People’s Protocol on Climate Change’. This is in apprehension of its presentation at the 15th session of the UNFCC conference in Copenhagen, to be held from the 7th to the 18th of December 2009. 

The People’s Protocol is intended to influence discussions towards the development of a new protocol, to succeed the renowned Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

The objective of the Peoples' Protocol on Climate Change (PPCC) is to involve the grassroots sectors in the climate change discourse by developing their capacities for engagement and action. It also aims to put pressure on governments and international bodies to bring the people's perspectives and aspirations to the negotiating table in drawing up a post-2012 climate change framework.The popular concern is that the Kyoto Protocol failed to successfully address the issue of climate change, and that action by the government has been insufficient.  In light of this, the PPCC will make an urgent attempt to unite the people to create spaces to raise their own concerns regarding climate change, and through this vehicle, put pressure on their governments.
Through this forum of discussion amongst local NGOs, the prominent issues of desertification and water scarcity were brought to light. Morocco has recently experienced devastating floods and draughts, previously unknown to the consistent Mediterranean environment, which can be attributed directly to the increased temperatures and fragility brought on by international climate change.  Experts anticipate the spreading of the desert environment, directing attention to not only the impact upon marginalised communities who do not have the ability to assess long term solutions, but also the impact upon society as a whole. 

The impact of a forecasted increase in sea level may reshape Morocco’s coastal landscape, affecting the many communities and environments which subsist upon the coast.
The desired outcome of adopting the protocol is to put pressure on politicians to re-evaluate the seriousness of the situation and take requisite action against climate change, which acutely threatens the livelihood of isolated communities, the impoverished and the general population of Morocco.

The intention of the meeting was for Moroccan NGOs to join together in one movement to promote action against climate change.  The conference successfully encouraged avid discussion between committed parties, with the intent for Morocco, Maghreb and Mashreq to simultaneously participate in the process of developing alternative protocols, and their effective implication against climate change.  Morocco is setting an example for other developing countries of claiming responsibility and taking action against climate change.

To sign the People’s Protocol on Climate Change

Elizabeth Kordic, Matthew