Considering critical infrastructure assets, ports serve as catalysts for economic growth and development. In Morocco, the ports sector is strategically important in linking the Moroccan economy to wider markets. Adapting and building the resilience of ports to the impacts of climate change is therefore imperative. In recognition of this need, the EBRD financed an investment programme to integrate climate change adaptation measures in the ports sector.

A priority investment programme of climate change adaptation measures was compiled with indicative costing and timing. Complementarily, a detailed list of associated technical cooperation activities was included. Possible areas where civil society cooperation was appropriate were also identified. The project comprised of a comprehensive overview of the contextual situation, including a review of relevant policy frameworks and approved investments for the sector.

Preliminary data gathering was undertaken to assess the projected physical, social and economic impacts of climate change on ports and coastal infrastructures. A strategic framework was developed, which aided in the implementation of capacity building measures and skills transfer to relevant stakeholders in the ports sector. This included a review of the impact of various climate conditions on different infrastructures, as well as the suggested adaptation measures.

Technical guidance for port investments was provided to select appropriate adaptation options for specific port investments. Resource constraints and conflicts between options were analysed as well as prioritised against a list of stakeholder-relevant criteria (for example, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, priority, co-benefits).  Guidelines for monitoring activities were also provided, so that the work on the ports sector could be strengthened and developed further.