Morocco Introduces National Strategy for Protecting Birds of Prey as of September 5, 2025
Morocco has taken a significant step towards the conservation of birds of prey with the launch of the National Strategy for the Conservation of Birds of Prey 2024-2034. This strategic framework coincides with International Vulture Awareness Day 2025.
The strategy, a joint initiative by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Agence Nationale des Eaux et Forêts (ANEF) in Morocco, was developed through collaboration from numerous experts and institutions. Notable supporters include the MAVA Foundation and the French Development Agency through Expertise France.
Maher MAHJOUB, Director of IUCN's Med division, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that it demonstrates their commitment to supporting Mediterranean countries in their efforts to halt biodiversity loss and meet the global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
The strategy aims to reverse the decline in populations of the targeted species by mitigating and preventing risks of mortality linked to energy infrastructure, strengthening the protection of their natural habitats, improving food availability, increasing research and monitoring activities, and establishing a network of raptor care centres.
Twelve species of migratory and resident birds of prey, including the bearded vulture, the Egyptian vulture, Bonelli's eagle, the golden eagle, and the griffon vulture, are the primary focus of this strategy.
Zouhair AMHAOUCH, Head of the Department of National Parks and Protected Areas at ANEF, expressed his pride in Morocco's pioneering role in the conservation of endangered species and the protection of raptors. The strategy aspires that by 2034, the conservation status of breeding birds of prey in Morocco will have improved, and the country will have become a favourable migration corridor between Europe and Africa.
For further information, photos, or interviews, contact Lourdes Lázaro Marín or Sonsoles San Román from Med Communications. Their emails are provided. The full publication of the strategy can be accessed by clicking the provided link.
It is worth noting that Morocco, located on the main migratory route between Europe and Africa, plays a vital role for more than 300,000 birds of prey each year. As the first country in the region to adopt a ten-year strategic framework dedicated to birds of prey, Morocco is setting a precedent for other Mediterranean countries to follow.
However, it is important to acknowledge that these species face multiple threats such as electrocution on power lines, collision with wind turbines, habitat degradation, risk of poisoning, and poaching. The successful implementation of this strategy will require ongoing efforts and collaboration from various stakeholders.
For more updates and information on this and other conservation initiatives, stay tuned.
