Commencement of the 2026-2027 Hunting Season in Marrakech
On October 2, 2026, the National Agency for Water and Forests, in collaboration with the Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation, formally inaugurated the 2026-2027 hunting season at the Conference Palace in Marrakech. The event's theme, "Tourism Hunting in Morocco: A Natural Resource and Sustainable Development," encapsulates the overarching goals of promoting sustainable management of wildlife resources while preserving biodiversity. This initiative seeks to enhance the tourism hunting sector in the Kingdom, thereby contributing to the appreciation of natural resources and supporting sustainable development.
The event was presided over by Abdel Rahim Houmi, the Director General of the National Agency for Water and Forests, alongside Ahmed Moussaoui, the President of the Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation. The gathering saw the attendance of various officials, professionals, and stakeholders from the sector, including representatives from associations and companies specializing in tourism hunting.
Significant Developments in the Hunting Sector
During the meeting, it was revealed that the previous hunting season attracted over 65,000 Moroccan hunters and around 5,000 tourist hunters. Additionally, the number of leased hunting lands increased significantly, rising from 1,278 leases in the 2020-2021 season to 1,737 in the 2025-2026 season. Correspondingly, the leased area expanded from 3.35 million hectares to approximately 4.39 million hectares during the same period. These developments coincide with ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships aimed at training hunters, combating illegal hunting, preserving natural habitats, and protecting biodiversity.
The tourism hunting sector is currently experiencing a dynamic phase, bolstered by the involvement of 146 specialized companies. Efforts are also underway to diversify hunting products and services, including the promotion of archery hunting, aiming to enhance the attractiveness of these activities and capitalize on their tourism and environmental potentials.
The program featured a presentation on managing the hunting heritage in the Marrakech-Safi region, highlighting the potential for tourism hunting in the area. Additionally, a book titled "Gibiers emblématiques du Maroc," produced by the National Agency for Water and Forests, was introduced, and several experienced hunters from the region were honored. Practical workshops focusing on tourism hunting and archery hunting were conducted, culminating in a field visit to a leased hunting area for a company specializing in tourism hunting. This visit provided insight into the facilities and services offered, alongside a simulated practice session for hunting partridges as part of collective hunting activities without the use of firearms.
In conclusion, both the National Agency for Water and Forests and the Royal Moroccan Hunting Federation reaffirmed their commitment to promoting responsible, ethical, and safe hunting practices. This dedication aims to balance the conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable management of hunting resources, thereby enhancing the value of natural and rural areas and supporting local economic and social development. These efforts align with the objectives outlined in the national strategy "Forests of Morocco 2020-2030."
As reported by alalam24.press.ma.
