TOP TEN Reasons to Think of MOROCCO on Global Earth Day

WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading up to next week's 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the following are ten good reasons to keep Morocco in mind — and visit online or in person — to mark Global Earth Day.

1) Welcome to Morocco's capital, RABAT, one of six world cities selected by Earth Day as host for major events in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Global Earth Day — along with Tokyo, Kolkata, Buenos Aires, Washington, DC, and New York City.

2) Solar energy from the Sahara desert — unlimited reserves! Morocco has launched a $9 billion project to harness the Sahara sun as renewable solar energy for a green economy, and reduce carbon emissions by 3.7 million tons a year.  Morocco expects renewable energy to supply 42% of its power by 2020.

3) His Majesty King Mohammed VI, one of Green Morocco's strongest advocates, has launched a project to plant a million palm trees by 2015.  He has also directed creation of a national agency for the development and safeguarding of oases zones and Argan trees across Morocco.  

4) On April 24, the Stars come out in RABAT for a Day of Global Celebration. Renowned musician Seal, Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and LOST'S Jeff Fahey join Moroccans and international guests at a great festive event in city center for an unforgettable Earth Day.

5) EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, top U.S. environmental official, has praised Morocco as a model for "its commitment to a clean, green economy," adding "Morocco's leadership on the environment and sustainable development offers a great example for how we can spread this idea across the globe." (3/18/10)

6) On April 17-24, leading up to the Day of Global Celebration, RABAT is the site of an unprecedented week of Earth Day events, including environmental awareness workshops, seminars, and presentations on innovative, environmentally friendly technologies.

7) On April 22 — Earth Day — Morocco unveils its groundbreaking "National Charter for the Environment and Sustainable Development," the first of its kind in Africa and the Arab and Muslim world, according to Earth Day Network President Kathleen Rogers.

8) Morocco also launches 10 major new environmental projects.  On Earth Day, ten long-range projects will be inaugurated aimed at protecting the environment, environmental education in schools, environment and rural development, fighting desertification, preserving ecosystems, and treating waste.

9) Nationwide commitment to Green Morocco.  A land of great diversity — from palm-sheltered oases, peaks of the Atlas Mountains, and sands of the Sahara — support for a Green Morocco and the National Environment Charter reflects the will of Moroccans across all regions and sectors of society.

10) RABAT is the closest major Earth Day city to the U.S. and Web-friendly. It has the quickest flights (8 hrs across the Atlantic), fastest Internet connections on the continent, and easy access to Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fez, and Tangiers.  All the more reason to join Morocco in celebrating Earth Day 2010.

Helpful Links

— For Morocco at EarthDay.org:  http://www.earthday.org/countries/morocco

— For Earth Day in Morocco:  http://www.journeedelaterre.ma/en/home

— For Morocco's National Charter: http://www.charteenvironnement.ma/

— For EarthDay.org Newsroom:  http://www.earthday.org/newsroom

The Moroccan American Cultural Center (MACC) is a not-for-profit 501 c(3) organization which works to build stronger cultural and educational ties between Morocco and the U.S. through its support of programs that enhance bilateral relations and cooperation.  Created in 2003 as an initiative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, MACC has undertaken a range of projects which include hosting events that celebrate and share the rich diversity of Moroccan culture, and supporting programs that enhance cultural and educational ties between the U.S. and Morocco as well as across the Maghreb.  For more information, go to www.moroccanamericanculture.org.  

SOURCE Moroccan American Cultural Center