Middle East and North Africa

DOI-ITAP works to advance U.S. and Interior priorities in the Middle East and North Africa. DOI-ITAP's work in the Middle East and North Africa improves cultural and natural protected areas, builds capacity for wildlife trafficking enforcement through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and enhances civil society engagement.   

In this region, DOI-ITAP technical assistance, at both regional and national levels, helps to strengthen:

• Protected area management;
• Visitor services;
• Countering wildlife trafficking;
• Public participation;
• Wildlife study and conservation;
• Land use sustainable tourism;
• Youth engagement;
• Civil society support; and
• Other forms of natural resources management.

DOI-ITAP works in the light green countries and has worked in the dark green countries.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS:

Supporting Ranger Training in Oman

DOI-ITAP is building the capacity of rangers and agency leaders to manage protected areas for tourism and conservation via job training exchanges, mentorship, scientific research, and government-to-government cooperation.

• Primary Partner: State Department/Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

Supporting Sustainable Tourism in Morocco

DOI-ITAP is working with partners in Morocco to mitigate the environmental impacts of the growing tourism sector; promote and develop sustainable tourism in protected areas; and strengthen the country’s scientific and management authorities’ ability to implement and enforce CITES.

• Primary Partner: State Department/Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs