Impacts of Anthropogenic Activities on Morocco’s Ecological Footprint: A Long-Run STIRPAT Analysis Using VAR/VECM Modeling

Abstract

This study assesses the long-term impacts of anthropogenic activities on Morocco's Ecological Footprint (EF), employing a dataset from 1980 to 2022 within the framework of the STIRPAT model and utilizing a model (VAR/VECM) approach. Results indicate that Demographic Growth (DG) and Economic Growth (EG) have contributed to an increase of EF by 13.76% and 119.13% per unit output, respectively. Conversely, Higher Educational (HE) attainment scores is shown to alleviate EF, reducing its output by 50.59%. This analysis underscores the urgent need for policy pathways in Morocco that prioritize ecosystem preservation, foster green growth, and promote Human Capital (HC). Recommendations include enhancing the valorization and expansion of the natural ecosystem, aligning economic and demographic trajectories with the region's Bio-Capacity (BC) regeneration limits, and optimizing EF management through sustainable consumption and production practices.