With the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the UNFCCC right around the corner, the High Atlas Foundation is mobilizing its partnerships, networks and beneficiary community to highlight the extraordinary commitment and actions taken towards sustainable, green practices over the past 15 years.

As this is a COP of action, the global climate agenda aims to build synergy and cooperative action through the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and ambitious commitments by all stakeholders (governments, cities, businesses, investors, citizens, etc.). The action needed must be in a united and strong way for the climate; both the international and field levels hand in hand in deep synergy to accelerate positive change.  HAF aims to pledge innovative commitments and stimulate action amongst our entire network towards the united goal to limit the rise in global temperature “well below 2ºC.” Such efforts for HAF unfold in the following activities. All events held inside the UNFCCC venue (accreditation required) unless otherwise indicated.

1) Carbon Auction Side Event: “Auction of Carbon Offset and Certified Organic Walnuts and Almonds” on November 17, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm in the COP22 Green Zone. During the event, HAF will present its sustainable value chain solution, school tree growing project, and products of carbon offsetting and organic agricultural food. They will be auctioned off for participants to purchase. The event includes an address from Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, HAF’s President; Mr. Bruno Mejean Member of HAF’s Board of Directors and Mr. Larbi Didoquen, HAF’s agricultural and forestry expert.

2) Indigenous People’s Question & Answer Session: “Organic Value Chains with Moroccan Communities” on the morning of November 18th, time to be confirmed, in the COP22 Green Zone.

During this event, HAF team members will conduct a Question and Answer session with the Director of Waters and Forests of Marrakech, the President of the Idraren Cooperative, and local organic farmers. HAF intends to interview them about why they partnered with HAF for the organic walnut production project, what the project means to them, and what they gained from the experience. HAF aims to showcase the ranging benefits of organic walnut production.

3) Indigenous Women and Climate with WECAN: In partnership with the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), HAF will participate in two events: November 14th and November 16th.

The first event “Women Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change – Morocco” is held on November 14th, from 1:00-6:00 pm at the Kenzi Farah Hotel in Marrakech. This event is open to the public, so if you are in the area, please come! HAF beneficiaries from Ourika will participate including a traditional dance and speaking. HAF’s team member Amina El Hajjami will speak about rural indigenous women who are engaged in climate and environmental justice in Morocco.

The second event is on November 16th from 16:45 to 18:15 in the Bering room (former Observer Room 10), in the COP22 Blue Zone. HAF’s team member will again be speaking, supporting the efforts of indigenous women for climate justice in Morocco. More details to come!

4) Water and Mountain Pavilion: As part of the Moroccan Civil Society, HAF will present it efforts at the Water and Mountain Stand, in the COP22 Green Zone.

During this time, HAF staff, volunteers, board members, interns and beneficiaries will be available to showcase the efforts of HAF across the entire value chain, from the nursery to the table, highlighting efforts in: organic agriculture, participatory approach, and women’s empowerment.

To stay abreast on the activities and events during the COP22, please make sure you are following HAF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Flickr.