Morocco has hit alarming lows across several critical environmental indicators, according to the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report, including unprecedented declines in surface water extent, vegetation cover, and total water storage.
The report identifies Morocco as one of 15 countries globally to report historic declines in surface water, exacerbated by the combined effects of erratic rainfall and rising temperatures.
The decline in annual surface water extent points to a severe reduction in river and lake volumes across Morocco, leaving its water resources stretched thin.
Alongside this, the NDVI—an indicator of vegetation health—has also hit record lows, suggesting that Morocco’s landscapes are suffering from prolonged drought conditions.
The damage to vegetation is directly linked to the ongoing water shortage, which undermines the country’s agricultural base and threatens food security.
Morocco’s water storage crisis extends to total water storage (TWS), with the report noting that Morocco, along with countries like Israel and Jordan, has experienced record-low TWS values.
This indicates a critical depletion of groundwater reserves, which are increasingly relied upon for agriculture and drinking water in the face of unreliable surface water supplies.
The declining TWS levels suggest that Morocco’s water resources are being exhausted faster than they can be replenished, compounding the challenges of managing water for a growing population.
The report said that extreme weather patterns—characterized by both severe droughts and intense flooding—are becoming more frequent, making water management increasingly complex.
The rapid fluctuation between drought and flood cycles creates further instability for agriculture, which is particularly vulnerable to water scarcity.
With more than 4 billion people globally experiencing the hottest year on record, the 2024 report warns that climate change is accelerating water challenges worldwide. Morocco is no exception.
Experts are urging the country to implement adaptive water management strategies, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, improved irrigation techniques, and enhanced flood defenses.
The post Morocco faces record-low water and vegetation levels, 2024 global water report reveals appeared first on HESPRESS English – Morocco News.
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