Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
September 26, 2009

Morocco, World Bank sign agreement on solid waste management.
Istanbul

Morocco's municipal equipment fund (FEC) and the World Bank (WB) signed, here on Sunday, a partnership agreement on solid waste management. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) annual meetings, is an opportunity for Morocco to benefit from environmental and financial advantages within the framework of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), under the Kyoto Protocol.

By signing the agreement, Morocco reiterates its commitment to protect environment, through developing its solid waste management sector. The agreement was signed by FEC Director General, Karim Mansouri, and the WB's Sustainable Development vice President, Katherine Sierra.

The IMF and WB annual meetings, held on October 3-6, bring together some 15.000 participants from 185 countries, including Finance Ministers, heads of central banks in addition to NGO's and financial institutions’ representatives.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/economy/fec_world_bank_sign2372/view
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Morocco prepares "green" charter for 2010.
By Sarah Touahri 2009-10-01

A planned environmental charter will regulate the monitoring and recycling of waste in Morocco. Morocco plans to unveil an environmental charter next year to govern water and solid waste management in all public and private sectors, while preserving natural resources and spaces.

"Environmental protection is a long-term investment, and all players, starting with industry, must adhere to it," economist Mohammed Grine told Magharebia on Thursday (September 24th), adding that polluters will have to pay "'green taxes': something they've never done before."

The project to draft the charter, which will be unveiled in March 2010, is spearheaded by King Mohammed VI. The monarch chaired a meeting with government officials on the subject on Thursday.

According to data from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the cost of environmental damage is calculated to be around 8% of Morocco's annual GDP.

The charter will aim to ensure that all projects adhere to environmentally-friendly specifications, providing "proof of Morocco's will to sign up for a progressive policy to reconcile the imperatives of socio-economic development with the preservation of the environment and sustainable development," according to a Trade Ministry communiqué issued the day of the meeting.

The charter aims to make up lost ground in water management. According to the government agency responsible for water and the environment, Morocco produces more than 750 million cubic metres of waste water annually, of which only 100 million cubic metres are treated and a paltry 10 million are re-used. Under the new charter, the target is to increase waste water recycling to more than 96%. The treated water will be used to irrigate green spaces and farms.

Abdelkébir Zahoud, who is in charge of water and environmental issues for the government, told Magharebia that the government will open a debate on the charter at the regional and national levels and organise a nationwide tour to collect opinions. Conventions signed with the 16 regions around the country will soon allow the government to establish an environmental observatory in each region, which will generate annual environmental reports, monitor the ecological situation, and tackle problems.

The charter will cover the creation of waste disposal sites, the treatment and recycling of waste water, the categorisation of open spaces such as forests, the fight against air pollution and the preservation of nature reserves.

The industrial sector will also have to abide by the environmental charter. The government will adopt a "polluter pays" principle to encourage the industrial sector to make necessary green adjustments to their business practices, according to the Trade Ministry statement. Officials will work closely with the sector to set a cap for liquid waste production, which will be introduced by 2013. "We're going to hear some people speaking out against rises in production costs," said Grine. "But we have to introduce measures so that industries will pay in accordance with the amount they contribute to environmental damage."

"The need for environmental protection is more pressing than ever in Morocco," said MP Fatima Moustaghfir. She emphasised all aspects of the environmental programme, and said efforts must start with the creation of public parks, cleanliness, and public toilets. http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2009/10/01/feature-02
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Moroccan Hefla: High Atlas Foundation's 5th Annual NYC Reception. Friday, Nov. 6th 2009
www.highatlasfoundation.org
American Institute of Architects New York
536 LaGuardia Place, NYC
Join us in planting one million trees in Morocco!
$1 plants one fruit tree sapling in a community nursery
download the project description

For more information please contact Nora: nora@highatlasfoundation.org
Tickets available to purchase online in early October
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Morocco's environment charter to be ready by March, Official.
Rabat

Morocco will put the last touches on its national environment and sustainable development charter by March 2010, Secretary of State in charge of water and environment, Abdelkebir Zahoud, said on Thursday. Recalling that HM King Mohammed VI had asked the government to draft this charter promptly, Zahoud told the Moroccan TV channel "Al Oula" that the sovereign also instructed the government on Thursday to follow the Royal directives mentioned in the 2009 throne speech.

The charter, he went on, will help safeguard natural spaces, reserves and resources, which are a shared property of the nation and which needs to be protected for the present and future generations. The government has also included in this plan the creation of regional environment observatories, that the sovereign has called for at the 3rd conference of environment ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conférence. This body will draft annual reports, follow the environment situation and resolve problems.

The official said that Morocco needs to treat 260 million cubic meters per year, pointing out that currently the kingdom only treats 100 million cubic meters out of over 750 million cubic meters of waste water it produces and only reuses 10 million cubic meters. As for the widely-used plastic bags, Zahoud said that measures were taken by the government to limit the production of these environment-unfriendly bags and encourage the use of ecological bags.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/social/morocco_s_environmen/view
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Morocco to host tolerance music concert.
Agadir

For the third consecutive year, the southern city of Agadir will host the Concert for Tolerance on October 17th that seeks to promote the culture of tolerance and coexistence. The concert, organized by the Association of Tolerance in partnership with Moroccan TV-2M and French TV channel M6, is a cultural bridge between the two Mediterranean shores chanting peace, fraternity and unity.

This free-music event will be starring world popular artists and singers, such as Diam's, Bob Sinclar, Leona Lewis, Tokio hôtel, Hayfa Wahbi, Marc Lavoine, Florent Pagny, Natalie Imbruglia, Renan Luce, Faudel. The annual concert, to be aired live by TV channels: 2M, M6, M6 Music Hits, RTL, W9 and TV5 Monde, is expected to attract some 200,000 music lovers.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/culture/morocco_to_host_tole/view
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Khmissa Awards spotlight exceptional women.
By Mawassi Lahcen in Casablanca – 25/09/09

Moroccans are casting their ballots to decide the winners of this year's Khmissa Awards, which honour the country's women by recognising those who excel in various fields. Moroccans at home and abroad have only about three weeks left to vote for candidates for the annual Khmissa Awards, which honour the country's women by spotlighting those who shine in particular fields.

Since Monday (September 21st), Moroccan network 2M has been airing programmes introducing the candidates, who this year are competing in the categories of social work, science and scientific research, administration and public services, business and entrepreneurship, and exceptional life stories.

"The objective of organising the Khmissa Awards is to honour Moroccan women in general," said Salwa Buhudo, a member of the organising committee. "By honouring outstanding women, we are trying to say that Morocco is moving forward, and that we are urging everyone to have faith in that progress and take part in it."

Moroccans at home and abroad are asked to consider the candidates' virtues, achievements and roles in the community, and then cast their votes by mail, internet, SMS or telephone.

The results of the contest, which first took place in 1998, will be announced in a huge ceremony in Marrakesh on October 17th. More than 1,500 prominent Moroccans are expected to attend the gala event, which will be aired live on 2M.

Each year, a nine-member panel of politicians, members of the media and civil society activists selects candidates from among the various recommendations and suggestions they receive. "Every year, we name five categories for the contest and select five candidates for each award, as per a set of objective standards, at the top of which are commitment, efficiency and serving the public interest," said panel member Laila Osha. "We highlight a new category every year," said Osha. "Last year, it was sport. In the years before, we had arts and media."

The panel member said that in 2009, "we thought of creating a special award for exceptional life stories, because in previous rounds, we noticed that many of the outstanding women were disqualified because it was difficult to categorise them, since the courses they had chosen in life were special."

This year, five candidates, all between the ages of 32 and 71, are competing within the category of special life stories, including three who made their way in life overseas.

Zahra Al Basri Al Nokrashi, the oldest candidate for the exceptional life story award, is nearly 70. She overcame illiteracy and a general lack of education to become an outstanding writer. One of her books is now being taught in Moroccan schools.

Nokrashi was forced to leave school at the age of 11, get married at the age of 15, and become a mother at 17. She felt bitter about having to leave school until the day her husband decided to invest in a library for their home. Nokrashi studied the books hard, and in the end turned herself into an avid reader. She even became a writer, releasing her first book, "Childhood in Marrakech Gardens", at the age of 60. Her third book is due to be released in 2010.

2009Jewish producer and director Izza Génini was nominated for the award in recognition of her interest in Moroccan cultural heritage, to which she has dedicated many of her documentaries. She produced "Nawbat Al Dhahab Wal Nour" (Sprees of Gold and Light) on Arab Andalusian music, as well as many works other on music and Moroccan popular music.

Another nominee, this one from the overseas Moroccan community, is Fadila Lenan. Her exceptional political career has culminated in holding the post of minister of culture and youth in the Belgian government. Still another woman to be nominated is Moroccan writer Najat Al Hashimi, who lives in Spain, where her writings on problems of culture and immigration have been a big success. In addition, there is Fatima Hal, the owner of the Sultania restaurant in Paris, who is known for her books on Moroccan cuisine.

The Khmissa Awards were originally linked to International Women's Day on March 8th. However, because King Mohammed VI has declared October 10th the National Women's Day, the awards are being organised in October starting this year.

Since it was established in 1998, there have been eight rounds of the Khmissa Awards. The organisers overcame various obstacles to make the awards an annual event starting in 2003, within the context of Moroccan reforms in the field of women's rights. http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2009/09/25/feature-02
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Women in cinema honoured at Salé festival.
By Siham Ali for Magharebia in Salé – 02/10/09

A Moroccan film festival is giving prominence to women while re-invigorating the city's cinemas. The Salé International Women's Film Festival opened on Monday (September 28th) with a vibrant homage to female actors and filmmakers. The festival, which runs through Saturday, will present films either made by women or focusing on women's issues.

The event, now in its third year, has taken the extra step of inviting all Salé residents to watch the films for free. The move seems to have paid off, as many in the town have taken advantage of the opportunity. Noureddine Chmaou, who chairs both the festival and the Bouregreg Association that organises the event, said that this year's screenings aim to provide a stage that reflects women's hopes and concerns.

"The event highlights those women who have helped to promote the audiovisual sector, and particularly film," he said. Egyptian actress Ilham Chachine told Magharebia that the idea of putting women at the centre of a film festival is an original one in the Arab world. "I've been involved in a number of festivals all over the world," she said. "It's the first time I've been to a film event that revolves around women. As an actress who stands up in defence of women in every role I play, I can only welcome this initiative."

Moroccan artists were proud that the organisation chose this theme for this year's festival. Director Laila Kilani said it will promote artistic works among women. "It will help to encourage women to put themselves forward and give the best of themselves," she said."This is a serious recognition of the journey made by a group of female directors who have worked and fought for the promotion of the film industry in Morocco," said young Moroccan filmmaker Imane Mesbahi.

The Bouregreg Association "hopes to link Salé's image with its ambition to become once more the city that promotes human and cultural values of quality, innovation, openness, dialogue and tolerance", the group said in a press statement.

Related Articles
The people of Salé have welcomed the festival, as it has led to a local cinematic renaissance. Several cinemas have closed in recent years, which may account for the festival's disappointing attendance last year. For this year's event, the Bouregreg Association put together the money to renovate the Hollywood Cinema, where the majority of the festival's films will be shown. Salé residents also hope that the Dawliz multi-screen cinema will re-open its doors.

Salé's mayor, Noureddine Iazrek, has promised to increase the number of film venues and to guarantee the festival's future in the city, in addition to endowing Salé with a rich variety of cultural and artistic venues.

City dwellers would like to see the new mayor's promises become a reality.
"Since being elected a few months ago, the new Salé [mayor] has been promising to restore the city's culture," said student Hatim Minbari. "We hope these promises will be kept, so that Salé can rediscover the soul it lost long ago."
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2009/10/02/feature-03
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Morocco museum highlights Jewish cultural history.
by Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca – 02/10/09

Casablanca boasts the Arab world's only museum dedicated to Jewish history. To its many visitors, the Moroccan Jewish Cultural Museum illuminates a little-known part of national history and shows how common bonds can overcome religious differences.

Casablanca's Moroccan Jewish Cultural Museum is a one-of-its-kind institute on the national, Arab and global levels. It is the only museum to showcase Judaism as a fundamental cultural component of Moroccan civilisation.

Zhor Rhihil is a Moroccan Muslim who has served as curator of the unique museum since its 1997 inception. Along with director Simon Levi and a dedicated staff of Moroccans and Jews, this Paris and Morocco-educated cultural anthropologist and historian is working to document the historical contribution of Moroccan Jewry.

As the small but vibrant Jewish community in Morocco celebrates the Jewish New Year this week, Magharebia asked Rhihil about the museum and its role in preserving Morocco's Jewish cultural legacy.

Magharebia: What makes the Moroccan-Jewish Cultural Museum in Casablanca so special?
Zhor Rhihil: It is the only museum concerned with Jewish culture and heritage in an Arab Muslim country. Other Jewish institutes specialising in Jewish heritage and art are, for the most part, located in Europe and the US.

Magharebia: How can this museum preserve Jewish Moroccan culture, when there are so few Jews left in the country?
Rhihil: This is what we call the challenge. We are aware that the number of Jews living in Morocco dropped dramatically more than six decades ago. This historic situation witnessed by Morocco is, by no means, unique. It exists in all Arab countries. Since the onset of the Jewish state in 1948, the Arab world was drained of all Jews.

This has been the case in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Yemen. All those countries were emptied of their Jewish elements, who had an imprint on culture and civilisation.

For instance, when we talk about Moroccan heritage, culture and civilisation, we ought to explain all the rich and diverse elements involved - Amazigh, African, Mediterranean, Jewish, Arab and Andalusian. All of them truly enriched Moroccan culture and character.

As museum curators, we regret the heritage we lost. I believe that any Jewish Moroccan component is essentially Moroccan before being Jewish. Today, we feel that we have lost something of that Moroccan characteristic. It was that feeling that drove a number of Moroccans, regardless of their faiths, to join hands.

We - Jews and Muslims - work in a Jewish Moroccan museum. The initiative to set it up was taken by what we, in Morocco, call the Council of Moroccan Jewish Communities, in collaboration with Western states, in recognition of the efforts exerted by Moroccans in maintaining and preserving the legacy that makes up the Moroccan heritage. At the same time, it is our job to acquaint the younger generations of Moroccans with that heritage.

Muslims co-existed with Moroccan Jews 50 or 60 years ago, as neighbours and classmates. They had the same occupations. However, Moroccans who were born in the seventies know very little about those times, the hallmark of which was co-existence, tolerance and inclusion. They are unaware that there were once Moroccan Jews, and so feel surprised when we talk about the Jewish component and the Jewish Moroccan traditions.

We are here today to bridge that historic and cultural hiatus, and to inform present-day youth of the rich Jewish Moroccan heritage. It is the joint responsibility of Muslims and Jews to preserve that heritage, so we could enjoy an outstanding cultural status.

Magharebia: Is a single museum on the Arab and Islamic level, as you say, enough to act as a beacon of light to realise those ends?

Rhihil: Personally speaking, as a Muslim curator of a Jewish museum, I find that unique and special, because only Jews work in Jewish museums across the world. So for me, this is a huge responsibility, as well as a source of pride that prods me on to work even more, since I am acting as a mediator between Muslims and Jews.

Thank God, on the national level, I believe we are doing substantial efforts, though resources are quite limited, because funds allocated to the domain of culture are always minimal. We do not have gigantic financial resources, as is the case with several American and European Jewish museums. I am hoping that other Arab states would erect similar museums and contact us so we could provide them with the expertise they need and assist them in preserving the Jewish Arab component that is globally recognised.

Magharebia: As part of your job, you meet many Moroccan Jews. Do they feel safe here?
Rhihil: Definitely. They are a minority. History had a say in their numbers. Nonetheless, Morocco still has a substantial Jewish element compared to other Arab states, where Jews are virtually extinct. Morocco is the only country that witnesses inward and outward flow of Jews. Moroccan Jews are known to be attached to Morocco. That is why many Jews chose not to leave, or they come back repeatedly for visits.

Magharebia: In 2003, suicide bombers killed dozens of people in Casablanca locations that included a Jewish community centre. Do Jews feel insecure in this city?

Rhihil: I don't think so. Even Muslims can suffer security threats whether in Islamic states, Europe or America. Unfortunately, terrorism is perpetrated by terrorists against Muslims, Jews or Christians. Yet, we need to point out that that the impact of that in Morocco is limited.

Moroccan Muslims see no difference between themselves and Moroccan Jews. The considerable number of visitors of the museum incarnates that visible, incontestable co-existence.

Magharebia: How big is the turnout?
Rhihil: Quite substantial. We have many visitors, especially university students who are conducting research in the field of Moroccan heritage, and preparing theses or dissertations on the Jewish component of Moroccan culture.

We were visited by schools, and others have not yet come to visit. I am hoping that those in charge of educational institutions will realise the necessity of acquainting students with that culture in our society. Luckily, we have this museum in Casablanca, which we hope teachers would grow an interest in. I seize this opportunity to invite educational institutions and their principals to accompany students to the museum. It holds an abundance of information and history that is sure to boost their knowledge and culture.

Magharebia: What does the museum have to offer its visitors?
Rhihil: This is an ethnographic museum that showcases many groups related to Jewish Moroccan heritage and culture, and Moroccan Jewish religious rites, in specific and not global Judaism in general. For instance, we have on display groups of Moroccan kaftan, as a common attire, rabbi and Moroccan jallaba, a number of traditional tools that were formerly used in household chores, as well as traditional Moroccan occupations that Jews used to practice, side by side with Muslims. We also have on display a number of Moroccan temples, which we call Bay’a, which come in numerous styles in Morocco; Amazighi, European, not to mention styles that were found in ancient cities such as Rabat, Meknes, Fez, etc.

What is important is that it is a spacious place that welcomes visitors, whether Muslims or Jews, portraying the Islamo-Jewish component of Moroccan culture.

Magharebia: Is the difference in religion or culture any obstacle in dealing with the Jews?
Rhihil: Not at all. Personally speaking, I do not find any difficulty. Specialising in any field such as heritage or humanities assists us in putting aside differences in faith.

What Moroccans are not aware of is that what brings Jews and Muslims together is our country, Morocco. We speak the same dialect, eat the same food and share the same taste and mentality. What we share in common is much more important than religion. It is Arab culture, art and music. http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/reportage/2009/10/02/reportage-01
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