French version

The Center for Environmental Issues and Regional Development (CEIRD) has been launched at Al Akhawayn University in July 2001.

Mission Statement

The mission of the CEIRD is to contribute to the dissemination of the environmental culture with special attention to the Middle Atlas region through various activities and specific actions.

Research and Development studies and programs based on multidisciplinary approach leading to the implementation of sustainable development projects in the Middle Atlas region in close collaboration with all stakeholders, consistent with the mission statement of Alakahawayn University, is a major part of the CEIRD activities.

Awareness and environmental education integrating all categories of the society (local and regional communities, NGO's, scholars, University students, decision makers, businesses) is also part of the center strategy in order to contribute to environmental human capacity building.

The CEIRD aims at:

1. Being a center for environmental research and development studies to be carried out in close collaboration with all stakeholders. This, with the aim of contributing to the promotion and implementation of cleaner production programs for businesses and of encouraging the rational use of natural resources ;

In cooperation with all university units and external partners, the CEIRD aims at training environmental leaders capable of implementing environmental and quality production strategies within regional enterprises;

2. Promoting environmental protection and sustainable development principles in close collaboration with key players of the civil society, NGOs, local communities, government institutions and international agencies through the implementation of environmental, cultural and educational programmes and actions ;
3. Implementing environmental and nature conservation projects (renewable energy systems, recycling pilot units, educational programs, field activities, natural reserves/areas...) on and off campus thus promoting and contributing to environmental awareness and education of AUI and  local and regional communities. This will be achieved with the collaboration of AUI students, staff and faculty, the community and the CEIRD  external partners ;
4. Providing consulting and advise in environmental issues, nature conservation projects and sustainable development Programmes to regional and national, private and public institutions and governmental decision makers as well as to international agencies.

Within the strategic plan of the Center, some development projects are being considered for implementation at a short and long term.

Partners