Rabat — Morocco’s oasis ecosystems face an existential threat as climate change destroys the ancient balance between communities and their environment.
Morocco World News (MWN) sat with Mustapha Faouzi, territorial director of ANDZOA in Zagora, at the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm held May 22-23 in Ouarzazate.
The event brought international experts to discuss the theme of “Resilience and Adaptation of Oasis Ecosystems to Climate Change.”
“In oases, there used to be a balance between the population and the environment,” Faouzi explained to MWN, adding that these ecosystems traditionally thrived on subsistence, “based on what the local population produces and lives on.”
However, climate change has shattered this equilibrium, the official noted, explaining: “We’re seeing numerous extreme phenomena: fires, floods, and climate disruptions.”
He further argued that these changes severely impact the oases residents’ quality of life.
Urgent action required
ANDZOA has launched multiple initiatives focusing on water mobilization and regenerating aging palm groves. The agency faces three major challenges: improving socioeconomic conditions that lag behind regional averages, preserving oasis ecosystems, and increasing investment in scientific research while securing international funding.
Concrete actions include drilling wells, distributing firefighting equipment, providing laboratory-grown plants, and training young farmers for sustainability.
Read also: International Congress Tackles Oases, Date Palm Survival Amid Climate Change Challenges
Water crisis threatens oases’ survival
The most critical threat involves water scarcity, compounded by soil and water salinization. “Without water, we can only talk about the decline or even the end of oases,” Faouzi warned.
He called for a paradigm shift toward reusing non-conventional water sources and optimizing existing supplies through technological innovation.
Hope through innovation
Despite these challenges, Faouzi remains optimistic. “We are already on track with the use of new technologies, new adaptation methods, and new development approaches,” he said.
The international congress provides crucial opportunities for “exchanging experiences with other oasis countries around the world,” allowing Morocco to learn from successful strategies elsewhere.
“This reassures us and gives us hope for a better future for our oases,” Faouzi concluded.
