The Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection will take part in the 29th annual SIEL International Book and Publishing Fair (Salon International de l’Edition et du Livre), to be held in Rabat from May 09 to 19, 2024.  

This year’s guest of honor, UNESCO has been a close partner of the Foundation on sustainable development education initiatives since 2016.

In attending SIEL, the Foundation spotlights its’ practical commitment to the environment by way of interactive educational activities. 

The Foundation’s exhibit at SIEL features environmental awareness and action workshops specially designed to engage visitors, young and old.  Activities include recycling workshops, live demos of how artificial intelligence can be used to protect the environment, and exciting competitions.

An event highlight will be the presentation of an eco-school pupil-designed model of the Marrakech oasis, showcasing the innovative spirit of young people active in Foundation programs. Though not a book, the scale model is a real-life illustration of educational methods used to raise environmental awareness.

The Foundation supports active environmental education and broad curricula, to raise awareness and strengthen commitment to a sustainable future.

• May 09:  Palmeraie model presentation by the eco-schoolers who built it.
• May 10:  Competition revolving around the Foundation and its educational arm, the Hassan II International Center for Environmental Training, as well as a visit to the Marvel space.
• May 12:  Sustainable Development Best Practices Competition 
• May 14:  Eco actions Competition
• May 15:  Full day in the children’s area with a range of discovery workshops
• May 16:  “How to protect our Ocean” Competition 
• May 18:  “How to live in harmony with nature” Competition.

About Eco-Schools:

Over 78 countries worldwide have implemented the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) Eco-Schools program since it was first launched.  

The Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection first implemented the program in Morocco in 2006, in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports. 

Some 4443 schools have signed up so far, engaging 2,958,850 pupils and training 74,467 teachers.

Eco-Schools seeks to make students a driving force for sustainable development, providing a fun, practical, action-oriented way of learning about the environment that is open to society at large.

Each Eco-School follows a seven-step change path enabling students to take action for the environment. Seven themes are available: water management, energy management, waste management, preserving biodiversity, healthy nutrition, solidarity, and climate change. 

Eco-School progress is recognized with a Green Flag award for full course completion, and bronze or silver certificates for partial course completion.

Starting in 2018, Eco-Schools has also been educating preschool children. The Foundation holds annual national and regional program methodology training workshops for schoolchildren, school supervisors and principals, and regional and provincial sustainable development education coordinators, while alumni get to share their experiences.