Weather change costs Morocco 4.6 of GDP, official

Morocco loses 4.6% of the GDP because of the weather changes, which triggers desertification, said the High Commissioner for Water and Forests Abdeladim Lhafi.

The official said this is an "alarming rate" compared to the size of agricultural economy, which represents 17% of the GDP.

Lhafi said, on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification this loss can be avoided through adopting "healthy" behavior.

He revealed a three-year plan (2005-2007) that his department is working out and that includes 71 ecologically friendly projects to preserve woody zones. Partnership with local populations to accomplish these projects will be sought, he said.

The three-year plan, he explained, also comprises the forestation and the reconstitution of natural woods on an area of 140,000 HA, the development of 13 catchments flowing into dams and combating desertification in 900 HA in the southern provinces.