Morocco to Monitor Coastline Erosion with Drone Surveillance Project

Morocco Launches Drone Surveillance of Coastline to Combat Erosion

Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment is initiating a 500,000 dirham project to monitor its coastline using drones, focusing on areas from the Oriental region to Casablanca. The program aims to track coastal erosion and marine submersion across four strategically important regions of the Kingdom. This initiative comes as coastal communities worldwide grapple with the increasing impacts of climate change and rising sea levels and highlights Morocco’s proactive approach to understanding and mitigating these risks. The project, spearheaded by the Directorate of Ports and Public Maritime Domain, has already launched a national call for tenders, signaling a swift move towards implementation.

Detailed Coastal Mapping: The Core of the Project

The core of this project lies in the creation of highly detailed aerial imagery. Winning bidders will be required to provide images with a ground resolution of just 6 centimeters per pixel. This level of precision is crucial for generating accurate three-dimensional models and topographic maps. These maps will integrate existing infrastructure and terrain features with both planimetric and altimetric accuracy within 10 centimeters. Such detailed data will be invaluable for long-term coastal management planning.

Three Technical Missions Drive Data Collection and Analysis

The surveillance program isn’t simply about capturing images; it’s structured around three distinct technical missions. First, the creation of reference databases will establish a baseline for future comparisons. Second, analysis of coastline evolution will be conducted by comparing current data with historical administrative records. Finally, experts will calculate “cubatures” – essentially measuring the volume of sand and material movement along the coast – providing a precise quantification of erosion, and accretion. This detailed analysis will allow for a more informed response to changing coastal conditions.

Importing Drones to Morocco: A Complex Process

While the Moroccan government is investing in drone technology for coastal monitoring, importing a drone into the country as a private citizen or even a foreign company is a complex undertaking. According to regulations outlined by Owleye.ma, only companies registered in Morocco are legally permitted to import drones. Tourists attempting to bring drones into the country risk having them confiscated by customs officials. For professionals requiring drone operations, establishing a Moroccan-registered company and obtaining prior authorization from the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Trade is essential. The associated costs, including transportation, customs duties, and taxes, can increase the price of a drone by up to 50% compared to European prices.

Beyond Erosion: A Broader Context of Drone Use in Morocco

This coastal surveillance project is occurring alongside broader developments in Morocco’s drone industry. Reports indicate the impending completion of a large-scale drone manufacturing facility in Benslimane in 2026. Bladi.net reports this facility is poised to significantly impact Morocco’s military independence, suggesting a growing emphasis on domestic drone production for national security purposes. The Ministry of Equipment’s project, represents one facet of a larger national strategy involving drone technology.

What Happens Next: Authorization and Data Archiving

Following the selection of a winning bidder, the successful company will be responsible for securing all necessary legal flight authorizations before commencing operations. Crucially, the contract stipulates that all digital data collected during the project must be archived for a minimum of five years. This long-term data storage ensures the availability of valuable historical information for future analysis and coastal management efforts. The Directorate of Ports and Public Maritime Domain is prioritizing sensitive areas and active construction sites within the Oriental, Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, and Casablanca-Settat regions.

The Ministry of Equipment and Water is actively involved in overseeing these developments, as evidenced by their website equipement.gov.ma, which provides updates on various sectors, including water and meteorology. This project underscores the Moroccan government’s commitment to utilizing advanced technologies to address critical environmental challenges and safeguard its coastal resources.