Latest news with #InternationalCongressonOasesandDatePalm
Morocco World
a day ago
- Science
- Morocco World
IDC Deputy Applauds Morocco's Efforts at CIO, a Vital Platform for Climate Change Solutions
Beni Mellal — The second edition of the International Congress on Oases and Date Palm in Morocco represents a critical gathering for addressing climate change challenges in agriculture, according to a senior official from the Saudi International Dates Council. Fawaz Alghaidani, Deputy Executive Director of the International Dates Council (IDC), pointed to the significance of bringing together international experts in Morocco to tackle mounting environmental pressures on date palm cultivation. 'This subject is very important for all of us. We have challenges, we have climate change also going on,' Alghaidani said in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN) on the sidelines of the congress. 'So we are getting here with more experts and more concentration on the challenges that we have on climate change,' he noted. The Saudi Arabia-based official described how the event serves as an essential forum for knowledge exchange among the IDC's 15 member countries. He argued that such gatherings enable countries to share expertise and develop collaborative solutions for agricultural development. 'We are here together to overcome the challenges that we actually face in our globe,' Alghaidani said, expressing particular gratitude for Morocco's role in hosting the international gathering. Alghaidani spoke of the IDC's core mission of fostering international cooperation. As he put it, the Council works directly with governments and international bodies to pool knowledge and resources in addressing agricultural challenges. 'Our goals for the International Date Council are actually to work together with other organizations, with the government, with international governments, or international organizations,' he explained. Read also: New Farming Method Saves Bees While Boosting Income in Morocco's Oases The deputy executive director described how the collaborative approach benefits countries seeking agricultural development while managing climate impacts. Speaking of the congress' significance as a platform that adopts a knowledge-sharing model, allowing countries to access expertise they might otherwise lack. 'They all get together to study and to have more experts and to exchange knowledge between countries,' Alghaidani added, noting that it helps those looking to develop their lands and face climate change. He commended the event organizers and recalled the importance of holding such international conferences as essential platforms for advancing sustainable agriculture practices in the face of global environmental challenges. The International Congress on Oases and Date Palm brought together agricultural experts, researchers, and policymakers to address the future of oases and date palm cultivation amid changing climate conditions. Read also: Morocco's ANDZOA Chief Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Argan, Oases Ecosystems
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Climate
- Morocco World
Moroccan Oases Face Climate Crisis as Officials Push for Innovation, Adaptation
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. Tags: ANDZOAclimate changeMoroccan oasesMoroccoOases in Morocco
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Science
- Morocco World
ANDZOA Provincial Director Urges Need to Protect Morocco's Oases
Rabat — Morocco's oasis ecosystems face severe threats from climate change, requiring urgent scientific intervention to ensure their survival, according to a National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones (ANDZOA) official. Bounhar El Habib, ANDZOA's provincial director in the eastern Moroccan town of Figuig, spoke to Morocco World News (MWN) during the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm (CIO) held May 22-23 in Ouarzazate. The event brought together researchers from Morocco, Africa, the Arab world, and Europe to address mounting challenges facing these fragile desert environments. El Habib said the congress sought 'to preserve, develop, sustain, and ensure the longevity of our oases — which are in a vulnerable situation,' adding that 'it is very important to encourage and bring together scientists to identify and address problems emerging from the field.' Research focus on three key areas Speaking of the congress' contribution to the development and preservation of oases against climate change, El Habib said it organized its work around three critical themes. Researchers examined the physical environment of oases, plant biology, and socioeconomic factors affecting territorial development. The Ministry of Agriculture departments, ANDZOA, the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), and other partners collaborated to organize the event. ANDZOA presided over the organizing committee and handled logistics. 'This year, the event is organized by departments of the Ministry of Agriculture, ANDZOA, INRA, and other partners committed to ensuring the success of the congress,' El Habib explained. Read also: New Farming Method Saves Bees While Boosting Income in Morocco's Oases Climate pressures mount El Habib, who oversees Figuig province, one of Morocco's largest by area, which houses renowned oases including Figuig, Bouanane, Ain Chair, and Ain Chouater, shared that these areas produce unique date varieties like the endemic 'Aziza of Figuig.' The official described how climate change threatens these ecosystems through 'recurring years of drought, water shortages, disease, fires, and severe flooding that threaten and damage these oases.' ANDZOA presided over the congress organizing committee alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), and other partners. Researchers focused on three key areas: the physical environment of oases, plant biology, and socioeconomic development. Regional cooperation essential Most Moroccan oases sit near the Algerian border, creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration, El Habib noted, pointing out that the congress provided a platform for regional dialogue. 'Most of the oases are situated near the border with our Algerian neighbors. So, this is an opportunity to meet, discuss major challenges, and draw on scientific research to find pathways that will improve conditions,' he said. El Habib stressed that these oases 'act as barriers against desertification and are located along the border of the Sahara,' making their preservation crucial for Morocco's environmental security. The congress aimed to support both traditional oases and expansion efforts while finding practical solutions to ensure the sustainability of these vital ecosystems. Tags: ADZOAclimate changeMoroccan oasesOases in Morocco
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Science
- Morocco World
New Farming Method Saves Bees While Boosting Income in Morocco's Oases
Rabat — A French researcher has developed an innovative approach to protect bees in Morocco's threatened oases ecosystems while helping farmers increase their revenue. Patrick Lhomme, who specializes in bee ecology, also known as pollination ecology, delivered a presentation of his findings during the second day of the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm, held May 22-23 in Ouarzazate. In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Lhomme explained his research findings. 'Bees contribute around 80 to 90% of the pollination service,' he told MWN, explaining that traditional conservation efforts require farmers to plant wildflowers, but most of them 'don't like wildflowers because they are afraid that it will invade their crops.' His team took a different approach, working with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), and the National Office for Agriculture Counseling (ONCA). Dual benefits Working with ICARDA, INRA, and ONCA, Lhomme developed a system where farmers plant crops that attract pollinators while generating income. The team tested this method with 300 farmers across different Moroccan agricultural systems, including oases in Errachidia and the Rif mountains. The results showed dual benefits. 'This approach protects pollinator[s] but also reduces pests,' Lhomme said. Not only do many pollinators like wasps and flies pollinate plants, but they also hunt harmful insects to feed their larvae, creating natural pest control. This approach is designed to help oases eliminate harmful insects, thus contributing to their productivity. Critical for survival Oases face unique threats from climate change. These isolated desert environments contain species found nowhere else, but insects 'cannot really go out of these oases' when conditions worsen, Lhomme explained. 'They have no way to escape from these places.' The solution centers on providing what bees need most: food and nesting sites. 'Flowers are what bees eat,' Lhomme said. 'If you want to protect bees, you have to recreate the habitat.' Farmer-centered success The approach succeeds because it aligns economic incentives with environmental protection. Rather than asking farmers to sacrifice productive land, it helps them earn money while preserving unique biodiversity. This model offers hope for Morocco's oases, demonstrating that conservation and economic development can work together to preserve these irreplaceable desert ecosystems. The two-day event brought together international researchers to deliver their findings to decision-makers in a way to contribute to reducing the effects of climate change challenges on oases. Read also: Morocco-UAE Partnership Strengthens Date Palm Industry Development Tags: beesMoroccan oasesMoroccoOases and climate change
Morocco World
4 days ago
- General
- Morocco World
Ancient Wisdom Holds Key to Saving Communities in Desert Oases
Rabat — Portuguese archaeologist Maria da Conceição Lopes believes ancient knowledge can save modern desert communities facing climate challenges. Speaking at Morocco's International Congress on Oases and Date Palm, Lopes shared how archaeological work transformed a dying Portuguese village into a cultural destination attracting one million visitors annually. On the sidelines of the event, Morocco World News (MWN) sat with Lopes to understand how her approach could contribute to preserving oases heritage. 'Archaeological heritage can provide opportunities to develop regions facing economic difficulties and desertification processes,' the archaeologist said. Villages revived In the 80s, a Portuguese village faced abandonment after its mines closed. Archaeologists developed a project highlighting the area's Islamic heritage, discovering the local church had evolved from an ancient mosque. 'We worked on all this Islamic heritage and valued it, and we invited the community to participate,' Lopes noted. The village now hosts an Islamic festival drawing one million visitors yearly — despite having fewer than 1,000 residents. Using heritage wisdom to solve modern problems Lopes argues that ancient communities developed successful strategies for climate adaptation that remain relevant today. 'We can learn from what our ancestors did to overcome all the problems of climate change,' she said, noting that 'archaeological knowledge can help us understand and decide on our future.' Read also: Morocco's ANDZOA Chief Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Argan, Oases Ecosystems The archaeologist stressed that modern people can learn from traditional craftsmanship and local knowledge systems, which she believes remain vital for oasis survival. Ancient communities that lived in oases have developed sophisticated techniques for managing scarce water resources and maintaining agricultural productivity in harsh conditions. 'When we go to the oases, we see how important know-how is,' Lopes observed, adding that 'it's important to maintain the know-how, to develop it, to give conditions to artisans to stay.' Having worked in southern Portugal's increasingly arid regions, Lopes sees direct parallels with Morocco's challenges. 'We have the same problems concerning climate change and socio-economic issues,' she explained. The researcher believes archaeological knowledge and heritage preservation can guide policy decisions as Mediterranean communities confront rapid environmental and social changes. 'Archaeological knowledge, knowledge of heritage, of memory, of ancient legacies can help us understand and decide on our future,' Lopes concluded. Her message resonates strongly in Morocco's oasis regions, where traditional practices face pressure from modern development and climate change. Read also: Morocco-UAE Partnership Strengthens Date Palm Industry Development
