Casablanca to replace palm trees with trees after environmental advocacy

The Morocco Environment Movement 2050 held a long-awaited meeting with Casablanca Governor Mohamed Mehidia on Thursday, following two years of persistent advocacy and awareness efforts regarding the city's palm tree planting policies.

According to Salima Belemkaddem, the association's president, the governor responded positively to the latest appeal aimed at protecting Zerktouni Street, a major artery in Casablanca.

Governor Mehidia agreed to prevent the planting of Washingtonia palms in Casablanca's streets, especially where they hinder pedestrian traffic, and pledged to uproot them where necessary.

In streets undergoing rehabilitation, only trees will be planted, selected through collaboration. On Zerktouni Street, the association succeeded in retaining the interstitial axis and prioritizing tree planting.

Similarly, Washingtonia palms recently planted on Sidi Abdelrahman Street will be replaced with trees proposed by the association. Their suggestions will also be taken into account in future urban planning decisions.