Fifteen civil society organizations (CSOs) in Morocco shortlisted for the second phase of the Small-Scale Initiatives Programme for Civil Society Organizations in North Africa (PPI-OSCAN) participated in a workshop organized by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation with the aim of strengthening NGO project development capabilities.

During the workshop, held in Ifrane (Morocco) in February, participants were able to share information and acquire the knowledge needed to develop the logical frameworks and details of far-reaching projects, including their financial aspects. They were also eager to promote and strengthen the network of Moroccan NGOs.

The results of these discussions are expected to help improve the quality of the full proposals for the second phase of the project, the deadline for which is 15 April 2015. This type of assistance will be provided in the other participating countries (Algeria, Libya and Tunisia) by the PPI-OSCAN national coordinators.

The workshop was rounded off with a presentation by Ahmed Ezerari, representing the High Commission for Water, Forests and the Fight against Desertification (HCEFLCD), entitled ‘Conservation of Biodiversity and Nature in Morocco in the HCEFLCD Strategy'. Among the prospects for 2015-2024, he stressed the enlargement of the National Protected Areas System and how HCEFLCD is working towards the inclusion of the areas' inhabitants in the management plans.

PPI-OSCAN is co-funded by the French Global Environment Facility and the MAVA Foundation, and aims at strengthening young CSOs in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia in the field of environment through the implementation of projects on the ground and participation in several thematic training sessions. The programme is coordinated by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation.

For further information: Maher Mahjoub

Photo: Group photo during the PPI-OSCAN workshop in Ifrane. © IUCN