Due to the rise of industrial activity and transportation emissions, Moroccan cities are becoming increasingly polluted and overcrowded, making urban green spaces more essential than ever. As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, planting micro-forests in its host cities could provide a vital solution to combat air pollution and construction dust, enhance biodiversity, and create greener, healthier environments for both residents and visitors.
In this blog, IMAL's Hajar Chams Eddine and Rachid Ennassiri delve into the following points:
Morocco’s 2030 World Cup infrastructure and renovations strategy should consider micro-forests in its urban planning for the tournament's host cities;
Micro-forests serve as an efficient carbon sink in urban areas with an absorption of 1-2 Kg CO₂/m²/year;
Micro-forests apply a natural cooling effect on Urban Heat Islands (UHI) and enhance air quality;
The World Cup can become a lasting green legacy and transform Morocco’s cities into more resilient, livable, and biodiverse spaces beyond 2030.
What are micro-forests and why does Morocco need them?
Micro-forests, inspired by the Miyawaki Forest Technique, are small, densely planted woodland areas that grow up to ten times faster than traditional forests. These forests can thrive in urban spaces as small as a few square meters, making them ideal for Morocco’s rapidly expanding cities. These smart ecosystems provide habitats for diverse plants, birds and other animal species. In addition, micro-forests serve as an efficient carbon sink in urban areas as they absorb 1-2 kilograms of CO2 per square meter per year.
With climate change intensifying extreme weather patterns, Morocco's urban areas face increasing heatwaves, droughts, and air pollution. Micro-forests offer a natural cooling effect, reduce air pollution, and restore soil quality, key factors for cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Marrakech, which will be at the heart of the 2030 World Cup.
How can micro-forests transform Morocco’s World Cup cities?
As Morocco undertakes large infrastructure projects for the World Cup 2030, integrating micro-forests into urban planning will be aligned with its climate action goals and sustainable strategies:
Cooling urban heat islands: With temperatures rising, dense greenery in stadium surroundings, public plazas, and residential neighbourhoods can reduce heat stress in cities.
Boosting biodiversity and urban wildlife: Native birds and pollinators will thrive in micro-forests, making cities more ecologically vibrant.
Managing extreme weather: Micro-forests absorb heavy rainfall and prevent flooding, which is becoming a growing challenge for Moroccan cities.
Enhancing air quality: Trees act as natural air filters, improving respiratory health, especially in cities with high pollution levels.
Creating social and cultural hubs: These green spaces can serve as meeting points, relaxation zones, and community-driven spaces for locals and visitors during and beyond the World Cup.
Challenges and considerations for Morocco
Despite the benefits, urban micro-forests face challenges such as drought, soil degradation, and community engagement. Given Morocco’s water scarcity, selecting drought-resistant native species -such as carob trees- is crucial in addition to implementing soil regeneration and sustainable irrigation techniques. Additionally, involving local communities, city planners, and policymakers will be essential to ensuring the long-term success of these green spaces.
Recommendations
To successfully integrate the micro-forests strategy into the World Cup 2030 preparations while addressing these discussed environmental and climate concerns, it is important to consider the following:
Assessing suitable species for micro forests in Morocco’s 2030 World Cup host cities conducting a comprehensive assessment of drought-resistant tree species is necessary based on environmental, health, and socio-economic benefits, urban integration, costs, etc.
Adjusting Morocco’s Forests Strategy (2020-2030) interventions by allocating financial resources for micro-forests in strategic locations within host cities for the 2030 World Cup. These areas should include stadium surroundings, public parks, transportation hubs, and densely populated urban zones to minimise urban heat islands and maximise environmental and social benefits.
A Green Legacy Beyond 2030
By integrating micro-forests into World Cup city development, Morocco can expand to other cities and set an example for sustainable urban planning in Africa and the Arab world. These forests will not only enhance the tournament’s environmental footprint but will also leave a lasting green legacy for future generations, transforming Morocco’s cities into more resilient, livable, and biodiverse spaces well beyond 2030.