Bab Ighli - historical site of COP22 A historical site, Bab Ighli is located along the Medina of Marrakesh’s ramparts. With a total surface of 25 hectares, it has undergone development works, which started on 10 May. The total cost of the works was estimated at 35-million Euros. The works were entrusted to both national and international companies, namely the Group GL Events as the leader, as well as Agence Publics, Hall Expo, Capital Events, Leni and Manzeh Diafa Rahal. The site comprises four green spaces, the first of which is the Blue Area, managed by the Secretariat-General of the UNFCCC (UN). The other three spaces are dedicated to exhibitions for civil society, innovations and work meetings. Some 160,000 m2 of exhibition space has been provided for the event, expected to welcome more than 25,000 participants. “Whether in the Blue Area, dedicated to the country and managed by the UN, or in the Green Area, open to companies and civil society, all spaces are now booked,” declared Commissioner and Member of the COP22 National Steering Committee, Abdelaâdim El Hafi. The Exhibition and Exchange Areas are two sites that will certainly be of interest. The ‘Moroccan Pavilion’, 200 metres long, will highlight initiatives forming part of the national strategy in terms of sustainable development, especially in the field of tourism. The ‘African Pavilion’, under the aegis of Morocco and the African Development Bank, will feature - as at COP21 in Paris - an intensive and varied programme of events such as debates, round tables, presentations, photographic exhibitions, etc, that will address the African-specific climate change issue from all angles. Of the 25,000 to 30,000 participants expected, 13,000 will be accredited by the Secretariat-General of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and this provides access to the Blue Area. In addition to official delegations, including dozens of heads of state and governments, 1 500 journalists, 8 000 civil society delegates, thousands of tourists, and other associative or institutional stakeholders are expected to attend. According to national estimates, the global cost of COP22 will reach between 80- and 100-million Euros. Countries such as
Canada and France, as well as international organisations such as the UNPD, have provided voluntary support. Private partners have also collaborated by providing ecological services to participants; such as electric vehicles for transportation. It is noted that when Morocco was entrusted with the organisation of COP22, its authorities set up a national steering committee responsible for the organiation alongside government, regional and local authorities, as well as associative stakeholders and the private sector. Some days before the start, Moroccan authorities took stock of the status of the preparations and of certain aspects relating to the progress of the works, especially regarding delegate security, hospitality and accommodation conditions. Authorities are convinced that they are ready to host the world’s largest climate meeting. •
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