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Rabat – The enduring role of the douar, Morocco’s traditional rural community, in preserving cultural heritage and fostering resilience has become a focal point of discussion among researchers and policymakers.
As the country grapples with the challenges of modernization and climate change, the question of how to protect and revitalize these ancient communities has taken on renewed urgency.
To address these critical issues, the citizen initiative OTED is organizing on October 10 a webinar titled “Douars: Between Socio-Cultural Heritage and Institutional Dilution.”
The significance of douars
The event will bring together experts from various fields to explore the unique role of the douar in Moroccan society and discuss potential strategies for its preservation and development, the organizers said in a statement.
As a fundamental unit of social organization in rural and peri-urban areas, the douar has long served as a cornerstone of Moroccan culture. It brings together its inhabitants through shared values and experiences, fostering a strong sense of community and resilience.
However, despite its vital role, the douar lacks formal institutional recognition as a territorial collectivity, leaving it vulnerable to the pressures of modernization and development.
The recent Al Haouz earthquake highlighted the importance of the douar in times of crisis. Its traditional organizational model proved to be invaluable in providing support and assistance to affected communities.
According to the organizers, the event emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to the preservation and development of the douar, one that recognizes its unique contributions and addresses its specific challenges.
The discussions will delve into the douar’s status and explore its potential as a cohesive network capable of responding to modern challenges, including migration and climate change.
Read also: ‘Le Douar’ Initiative Aims to Help Villages Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
One focal point of the conversation will be the integration of local knowledge and cultural practices into educational curricula.
This integration could facilitate the transmission of cultural heritage to future generations, ensuring that the rich traditions of the douar are preserved and celebrated.
Moreover, the discussion will consider whether inter-douar cooperation should precede broader inter-communal collaboration.
Strengthening the connections between douars could lay the groundwork for enhanced regional cooperation, fostering a more unified approach to development and resource management.
The importance of establishing an institutional model that supports these connections cannot be overstated, as it may provide the framework necessary for the douar to thrive in the face of adversity.
The panel of speakers at the “Parlons Territoires” webinar includes leading experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Mohamed Tozy, a professor with four decades of teaching and research experience, serves as the Deputy Director of Research at Sciences Po Aix.
His extensive work in sociology and political science has made significant contributions to understanding the dynamics of Moroccan society.
Tozy has authored several influential books, including “Monarchy and Political Islam” and “Weaving the Political Time in Morocco.”
His involvement in various national commissions, such as the 2011 constitutional revision, highlights his commitment to the socio-political landscape of Morocco.
Another esteemed speaker, Samira Mizbar, holds a doctorate in comparative dynamics of developing societies and currently manages Gender and Social Inclusion at the Millennium Challenge Account Corporation-Morocco.
Her background in policy analysis and program evaluation positions her as a key figure in shaping initiatives aimed at promoting social inclusion and equity within Morocco.
Completing the panel is Mohamed Mahdi, a professor of rural sociology. Mahdi has played an instrumental role in numerous rural development projects throughout Morocco.
With a focus on anthropology and Islamic rituals, he brings a rich perspective on the cultural dimensions of rural life, essential for understanding the unique challenges faced by douars today.
As the webinar approaches, the importance of engaging in a comprehensive dialogue about the future of douars in Morocco cannot be understated.
