Activist, journalist and academic Fatima Yassin won an award for her works on the environment in her country, Morocco. Fatima Yassin thinks that all three areas she actively works in are connected and support each other. If she becomes the environment minister one day, she plans to make women more active and employed in environmental areas.

HANAN HARIT

Morocco- More than 24 thousand animal species are thought to live in Morocco, which is among the richest Mediterranean countries in having forest, sea, and desert ecosystems. In addition to its natural riches, more than 600 species are endangered in the country. Morocco's agriculture sector employs nearly 40% of the country's workforce and generates 15% of its total GDP. The country’s 24 humid zones have been classified under the RAMSAR list, and 3 natural areas have been included in UNESCO's international network of biosphere reserves.

In the country, where the ecological balance is deteriorating day by day, 6,000 deaths are due to environmental degradation. It is impossible to calculate the financial losses due to environmental degradation. Morocco began an ambitious agricultural policy called the Green Morocco Plan in 2008. The country plans to source 52% of its energy from renewables, Noor Solar Plant Supplies, by 2030. Female environmentalists work hard to protect their ecosystem in the country.  Activist, journalist, and academic Fatima Yassin, who won an award for her environment-friendly works, is one of these women. These days, she leads the Environment and Right to Health Forum. Stating that the role of women is very important in raising environmental awareness, Fatima Yassin answered our questions while underlining that women are more sensitive to this issue.

She won an award for her environmental works

We asked her what the award she received means to her. “I am happy to see my works are visible,” she answered. Fatima Yassin is also a journalist and she believes that her journalistic activities support her environmental works.

“The most important thing for me is not receiving an award but the visibility of my works. This award was given to a journalist and I hope this encourages my colleagues. We all need sustainable development and environmental protection,” Fatima Yassin said, “Environmental disasters, pollution, and floods do not only affect the Arab region. They are problems all around the world but we should raise awareness in our region. Journalists and the press is an important segment to raise awareness. I am not only a journalist but also an environmentalist. I carry out a multi-perspective profession. Both are important for me because while conducting academic studies in the fields of environment, I can announce these academic studies through the media.”

Fatima Yassin is sensitive to the environment since her childhood. “When I was a child, I loved green and nature. I saw green areas become less and less as I grew. That’s why I decided to specialize in this field,” said Fatima Yassin, who has carried out researches with many international and national environmental organizations.

Talking about women’s role in protecting the environment, Fatima Yassin said, “Women have a great role in protecting the earth because women can raise this awareness. Women are among the biggest victims of environmental problems, particularly of climate change. For this reason, they are at the frontlines of the struggle to protect nature. Women protect both humanity and the ecosystem.”

800 environmental associations exclude women from this field

There are more than 800 environmental associations in Morocco, “Most of these associations close their doors for women. Unfortunately, we see discrimination against women in this field, too. Women have been excluded from environmental associations. Protecting the environment is women’s duty but they are barred from carrying works at an active level. “I know it is just a dream, but if I become the environment minister one day, I plan to make women more active and employed in environmental areas.”