Enhancing the effectiveness of national and regional institutions in addressing climate change in the MENA region

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the role of national and regional institutions in the fight and adaptation to climate change in MENA Region, especially in Morocco and Maghreb countries. It does so under the belief that climate impacts will affect disadvantaged social groups more disproportionately and hinder economic and social development. If emergency actions are not adopted by national and regional institutions, the situation is likely to worsen in the years to come. Hence, the paper sheds the light on the key role played by local and regional institutions in their fight against climate change. In focusing on local institutions, it highlights two major dysfunctions in their working method: the multiplicity of government institutions involved in environmental protection and their overlapping competencies. Furthermore, the lack of coordination and communication between the stakeholders undermines efforts to mitigate climate change impacts over Maghreb countries. Although many programmes are frequently set out to deal efficiently with climate change impacts, they will be condemned to failure for lack of synergies between the different protagonists. To contribute to better efficiency in the action of institutions, the article proposes a comprehensive review of the current state of play in Morocco and some Maghreb countries and explores some paths to enhance their effectiveness. In examining the role of institutions in channeling financial, information and technological, leadership, and policy interventions, the chapter highlights that institutions are critical leverage points in which Maghreb countries should massively invest to mitigate climate change impacts, and ensure the economic and social development.