Climate Change Bootcamp Strengthens Local Capacity in Azilal

From February 13 to 16, 2025, the city of Azilal hosted the first climate change bootcamp as part of the ASTA project. This significant training initiative brought together elected officials, administrative staff, and members of consultative committees from targeted local communities to enhance their capabilities in addressing climate change challenges.

Empowering Local Actors with Climate Knowledge

The four-day intensive bootcamp served as a crucial platform for strengthening participants’ competencies in combating climate challenges. The training deepened their understanding of climate change and familiarized them with mechanisms and practices used in climate policies.

The event highlighted the strategic role that local communities and civil society play in promoting sustainable development, particularly through the integration of climate issues in the process of developing territorial policies.

Building Foundations for Future Climate Action

The knowledge and experiences gained during this bootcamp will serve as the foundation for upcoming phases of the project. AIDECA will continue to support the implementation of climate actions at the territorial level, providing the necessary tools to strengthen the capacities of local actors and ensure a real and sustainable impact on the ground.

Key Topics Covered During the Bootcamp

  • Climate change fundamentals and local impacts in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region
  • Legal and regulatory frameworks for climate adaptation
  • Integration of climate considerations into territorial planning processes
  • Participatory approaches to climate governance
  • Practical tools for climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning
  • Best practices in climate change adaptation from similar regions

Participant Engagement

The bootcamp featured interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative planning sessions that allowed participants to apply new knowledge to real challenges in their communities. This hands-on approach ensured that theoretical concepts were translated into practical action plans that participants could implement upon returning to their localities.

About the ASTA Project

“ASTA: Towards Inclusive Territorial Public Policies for Climate Change Adaptation in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra Region” is a two-year project implemented by AIDECA, with co-financing under the AMUSSU program. This initiative is part of the partnership between Morocco and the European Union for the period 2023-2027 and the Strategic Support Program for Civil Society (PASSC).

The project aims to enhance the region’s resilience to climate change through strengthening governance mechanisms and ensuring inclusive participation in climate policy development at the local level.

Next Steps

Following this successful bootcamp, AIDECA will continue working closely with the participating communities to support them in developing and implementing climate-sensitive local development plans. Additional capacity-building activities and technical assistance will be provided to ensure that climate considerations are effectively mainstreamed into territorial policies and actions.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants and partners for their valuable contributions and active engagement in this initiative.