The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is pleased to announce its official accreditation as a Civil Society Organization with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), strengthening HAF’s engagement with the international community on land restoration, sustainable agriculture, drought resilience, and community-led development.

This new status is an important step for HAF. With UNCCD accreditation, HAF can participate more formally in UNCCD processes and bring the perspectives of Moroccan rural communities into international discussions regarding the issues they are facing and see as a priority.

HAF’s accreditation comes at an especially meaningful time. At UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, HAF participated with provisional accreditation as a civil society organization, contributing to important discussions on land restoration, sustainable agriculture, climate finance, and community-led development. HAF Vice President Souad Agnaou was already able to highlight the experiences of Moroccan farmers, women, and rural communities through her participation in a number of events and discussions.

The accreditation also reinforces HAF’s broader commitment to connecting local actions with global governance. HAF has held Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2011. With its new UNCCD status, HAF now has formal standing with two UN bodies, creating even more opportunities to share community-based and participatory experiences and contribute to international efforts towards sustainable development as a whole.

For HAF, this is not simply a new designation, but it is an opportunity to ensure that the knowledge and priorities of Moroccan communities actually help inform global conversations. It is also equally impactful because it is another step towards bringing international knowledge, partnerships, and opportunities back to the communities that HAF works alongside.