Morocco and Netherlands Expand Waterbird Monitoring Project
The partnership is adding three new wetland sites to a program training participants in avian research and ecological monitoring.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Bird Watching
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Morocco and the Netherlands have extended a collaborative biodiversity project focused on monitoring waterbird populations across Moroccan wetlands. This expansion introduces training initiatives at three additional sites to support ongoing conservation efforts.
Why it matters
The program provides essential data for managing wetlands that currently face significant challenges from drought, shifting water availability, and regional development pressures. By training local experts, the project strengthens the long-term capacity to protect these critical habitats.
The extension targets three additional wetland areas, including the Souss and Massa estuaries, the Moulouya Estuary, and Merzouga Lake. The initiative aims to train at least 60 new participants in three-day courses.
The players
ANEF
The National Agency for Water and Forests is a Moroccan government entity responsible for the management and conservation of the country's natural resources.
GREPOM/BirdLife Maroc
This is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the study and conservation of birds and their habitats across Morocco.
WWF North Africa
The regional office of the World Wide Fund for Nature works to promote environmental sustainability and biodiversity preservation in Northern Africa.
The details
The curriculum includes species identification, bird counting techniques, wetland ecology, and standardized data recording. Participants, including university students and staff from ANEF, learn to contribute their findings to major initiatives like the International Waterbird Census.
Timeline
The initial phase of the bird monitoring project began in 2025.
Training sessions for the project's first phase took place in January 2026.
The extension of the bird monitoring cooperation was announced in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This project integrates local conservation efforts into the broader collaborative framework of the East Atlantic Flyway. By syncing national data collection with international standards, the program signals a transition toward more cohesive, cross-border ecological management.
The training provides participants with professional skills in ecological monitoring that can be applied to local environmental management and research careers. Residents near the targeted estuaries may notice increased fieldwork and monitoring activities as new data collection efforts commence.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in building local expertise for environmental preservation. Establishing consistent monitoring protocols helps communities make informed decisions regarding water usage and habitat protection.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest conservation trends and avian research in the Bird Watching section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agroberichtenbuitenland.
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