The first annual meeting of OurMED was successfully held in Ifrane, Morocco, from May 21-23, 2024. This significant event brought together all project partners for a series of productive sessions and field visits. OurMED Advisory Board member Dr. Andrew Barry also participated in the meeting, sharing his thoughts and feedback about the different project activities with the team.
Updates on Project Activities:
The meeting started on the first day with updates on various work packages, providing a comprehensive overview of the project's progress. A specific session focused on the eight demo sites (Bode - Germany, Mujib - Jordan, Medjerda - Tunisia, Albufera - Spain, Sebou - Morocco, Arborea - Italy, Crete - Greece, Konya - Turkey).
Field Visit to the Sebou River Basin:
The second day was dedicated to a field visit, starting with an exploration of the Sebou River Basin to understand its integrated management practices. The journey continued with visits to Ifrane National Park and initiatives to revive Lake Dayet Aoua, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water management in the Dayet Aoua Municipality.
Participants also visited a micro-project created by local farmer women, producing 100% organic and natural cosmetic products. Witnessing wetland conservation at Lake Zerrouka and learning about the Atlas Cedar Biosphere Reserve at "La Maison de la Cédraie" underscored the commitment to preserving natural habitats.
Discussions and Working Groups:
The last day was dedicated to working sessions and discussions among partners. Participants engaged in insightful discussions and collaborative planning at the Al Akhawayn Conference Center, ensuring a unified approach toward future challenges.
During the three-day meeting, the project communication team took the opportunity to record interviews with project partners.
This meeting laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and the success of OurMED, reinforcing the commitment of all partners to achieve the project’s objectives. The event also provided ample networking opportunities, fostering stronger ties among consortium members.
