First AVMEP training + workshop in Fez proves collaboration is a game changer
The latest stage of the AVMEP project in Fez has proven to be a significant milestone, showcasing remarkable progress in capacity building for public lighting in Moroccan cities.
Building a strategic vision for urban lighting
Whilst achieving energy efficiency through ledification, and the legal and normative framework of public lighting in Morocco are clearly some of the main discussions throughout the AVMEP project, this session encouraged participants to go one step further.
The main objective of the session was to co-create a strategic vision for public lighting of tomorrow in Morocco, and for this to discuss:
- the impact of artificial light at night on the environment including biodiversity;
- a holistic approach of public lighting operations, including innovative asset management and total cost of ownership;
- how to develop ambiances and new sustainable aesthetics of urban lighting including with solar street lighting or in heritage sites;
- how local, regional, national and international know-how can help by exchanging good practice and fostering collaboration.
A new training approach
For the first time, a combined “training + workshop” format was introduced, yielding highly positive results.
Recognising that expertise is seldom a one-way street, the sessions were structured around co-creative workshops, small group discussions, and open debates. This encouraged dynamic and in-depth collaboration between experts and city representatives. Additional “thematic capsules” were added to the workshops when needed and were particularly well received, allowing trainers to deliver concise, targeted expertise.
Expert contributions and strategic insights
Led by LUCI General Director Mark Burton-Page and consultant Camille Chaumeron-Jourdan, these sessions featured an amazing line-up of external contributors:
- Dany Joly, Head of the Public Lighting Service for the City of Nantes, expert in energy efficiency, maintenance, and operations.
- Hélène Foglar, ecologist engineer, specialist in environmental and energy issues of outdoor lighting.
- David Loose, ecologist and photographer.
- Meryeme Bourass, electrical engineering expert in smart lighting and smart cities.
- Nicolas Houel, nocturnal urban planner, lighting planning specialist, and President of L’Observatoire de la Nuit.
Their contributions enriched discussions, broadening perspectives while remaining firmly rooted in the practical realities faced by local authorities in Morocco.
The impact of previous study tours was already evident in Fez, as several participants shared how technical site visits to Montpellier and Lyon influenced their local decisions. A concrete example was the decision of one of the cities present to reduce light flux when renewing luminaires, directly inspired by insights gained during these visits.
A striking aspect of the Fez meeting was the strong commitment of national partners, including the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (MTEDD) and the General Directorate of Local Authorities (DGCT), together with the AVMEP project supporter, the International Cooperation Agency of Germany (GIZ).
A genuine community of exchange is taking shape, with collaboration strengthening at each stage of the project.
An exceptional setting for enriching exchanges
Beyond the professional achievements, the city of Fez provided an exceptional backdrop for this event.
As the modern part of the city is undergoing a massive transformation ahead of the important meetings it will host in the coming months and years (Coupe d’Afrique des Nations 2025 and Football world cup 2030), innovation in urban lighting operations and management are being implemented, from the grid to the lighting design.
The old part of the city – the magical Fez Medina – one of the eldest and best-preserved medinas in the south shore of the Mediterranean, with its rich heritage and vibrant energy contributed to an inspiring and productive atmosphere.
Looking ahead: strengthening collaboration and innovation
Looking ahead, there is strong enthusiasm for continued knowledge-sharing on urban lighting. First, this will happen in person at the second “Training + workshop” session taking place in Rabat in September.
Second, this will also take place online through a series of thematic meetings in May, and within the Moroccan Hub for urban lighting, a resource platform designed to increase knowledge exchange and sustain the collaborative momentum.
LUCI would like to thank all those involved in organising and taking part in this thought provoking, game changing, collaboration accelerator session!
Photo credits
©LUCI Association
