Distribution of bicycles to children residing in the Palm Grove - Marrakech

On May 12, 2012, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection (FM6E) is organizing the distribution of bicycles for children in the palm grove, within the framework of the Marrakech Palm Grove Protection and Development program.

During a working session held during the program status review on December 3, 2011 in Marrakech,

Her Royal Highness The Princess Lalla Hasnaa , at the head of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, made the decision to purchase 500 bicycles for palm grove school children, whose parents' homes are located far from their schools. In collaboration with the Palm Grove Observatory, Observatoire de la Palmeraie (OPM), the FM6E obtained a list of 500 children as beneficiaries from these villages.

This action, which is part of improving the living conditions of inhabitants of the palm grove and neighboring villages, also aims to eventually reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

On Saturday, May 12, 2012, representatives of the local government, OPM, the Ministry of Education and the FM6E will attend the distribution of bicycles at five different institutions.

The Marrakech palm grove protection and development program was launched March 19, 2007 during a ceremony at which Her Royal Highness, read a Royal message addressed to participants.

Five years after its official launch, thanks to involvement of all partners, the program has achieved significant results, notably with the replenishment of the palm grove heritage and environmental awareness and education by the:

• Planting of 480,935 seedlings as of April 30, 2012

• Maintenance of 76,090 existing young and adult palm trees

• Removal of 14,177 dead palm trees since the start of the operation

• Implementation of FM6E environmental awareness and education programs to inculcate the culture of protecting and preserving the palm grove's environmental resources per various targets.