Marrakech – The oasis of Figuig took center stage as the guest of honor at the first edition of the National Oasis Forum, held in Zagora from April 9 to 12.
The National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and Argan Trees (ANDZOA) curated a dedicated pavilion showcasing Figuig’s historical, cultural, and civilizational heritage. The pavilion was organized around five themes: the history and heritage of ksour, agriculture, hydraulic engineering, traditional craftsmanship, and local cuisine.
The history section featured manuscripts, photographs, and documents illustrating life within Figuig’s seven ksour and their distinctive traditional architecture.
The agriculture section spotlighted oasis farming systems, particularly date palm cultivation and accompanying crops, including fruit trees, vegetables, and fodder, as well as livestock rearing techniques adapted to the desert climate.
Hydraulic engineering received particular attention, with models demonstrating traditional water management techniques that reflect generations of local ingenuity in mobilizing and sustainably using limited water resources.
The craftsmanship section displayed handmade textiles, jewelry, and traditional tools passed down through generations, while the cuisine corner introduced visitors to local dishes such as couscous, trid, mihmieh, and berkuksh.
A three-dimensional scale model of the oasis drew considerable attention from visitors. The model depicted Figuig’s residential ksour, palm groves, and water infrastructure, including khettaras, cisterns, and irrigation channels, with a particular focus on the main water distributor that stands as a testament to the hydraulic engineering expertise of the oasis’s inhabitants.
A forum for the development and rehabilitation of oases
These elements collectively contributed to Figuig’s recognition by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).
Forum attendees praised the quality of the pavilion’s organization and content, noting that Figuig’s participation added significant value to the event and offered an opening onto oases that differ in form and substance from those of the host region.
The forum also served as the backdrop for the signing of a partnership agreement worth approximately MAD 624 million ($62.4 million) for the development and rehabilitation of oases across the province of Zagora.
Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari and Zagora Governor Mohamed Alami Ouaddane presided over the signing ceremony. The agreement brings together eleven partners, including ANDZOA, the Draa-Tafilalet Regional Agriculture Directorate, the Regional Council, the hydraulic basin agencies of Guir-Ziz-Rheris and Draa-Oued Noun, and the National Forestry Agency (ANEF).
The program is built around five pillars: water resource valorization, aquifer replenishment, oasis rehabilitation, reinforcement of traditional oasis systems, and promotion of local products. It also includes support programs for income-generating activities aimed at improving living conditions for local populations.
Zagora’s oases cover more than 26,000 hectares spread across 25 territorial communes. The program aligns with royal directives stressing the development of oasis and mountain zones, with particular attention to areas facing acute vulnerability.
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