The Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment announced Aguelmam Azegza Lake, near Khenifra City in the Middle Atlas, as Morocco’s first natural lake to receive the renowned Blue Flag on Friday.
The “Blue Flag” label is an international benchmark for the quality of seaside resorts, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to distinguish seaside resorts that meet quality and safety criteria.
Lake Aguelmam Azegza has undergone significant rehabilitation work to meet the Blue Brigade criteria and ensure the comfort of visitors to this lake, which is located between a long slope and a forest of hundreds of years old cedar trees.
The work included strengthening roads and access points, service and health facilities, and camping areas.
General Manager of National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), Abderrahim Houmy, and Governor of Khenifra Province, Mohammed Fettah, kicked off the works on the rehabilitation of two forest tracks, covering the Tiguelmamine Lake and Ani-Azerzou tracks, with the aim of protecting the Ajdir cedar forest, preventing and fighting fires, opening up the local population and contributing to the development of ecotourism in the Khenifra National Park, with a budget of 3.9 Mln MAD.
Works were also launched on the development of the Arougou recreational forest, an area much frequented by visitors and Khenifra residents alike, due to its proximity to the Arougou springs.
The project aims to integrate forest development into the overall framework of the site, encourage ecotourism, promote the forest as an ecotourism destination, and provide a space for recreation, relaxation and environmental education.
The development study, which has been approved by all stakeholders, involves the construction of benches and tables, health circuits, children’s rides, sports equipment, awareness-raising signage, and other development activities, with a total expenditure of more than 4 Mln MAD.
All of these initiatives are in keeping with King Mohammed VI’s plans and programs, which strive to realize the Royal Vision of sustainable and integrated development. Among these projects is the “Moroccan Forests 2020-2030” national forestry development policy, which attempts to alleviate forest degradation concerns and strike a balance between forest resource conservation and development.
The delegation headed to the commune of Mouha Ou Hammou Zayani, where they began building on the road between the Amalou bypass and Tizi Naslsal, which was funded by the Regional Council at a cost of 21 Mln MAD. An urban development project for the town of Khenifra has been initiated in the commune at a cost of 19 Mln MAD.
Aguelmam Azegza Lake hosts every Winter the “Ice Swim in Morocco” event where participants come from all world’s corners to swim in the icy water of the Middle Atlas Lake, and enjoy the green landscapes that surround it.