Project

Adapting Figuig Oasis to Climate Change through combined management of surface and groundwater

Code
13V02320
Duration
01 January 2020 → 31 August 2022
Funding
Federal funding: VLIR-UOS
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Hydrogeology
    • Surfacewater hydrology
Keywords
groundwater climate change sustainable development surface water Marocco
 
Project description

Rural areas in Morocco are facing strong negative effects from climate change. The Figuig Oasis is one of the most affected areas. Figuig is a very ancient city composed of seven Ksour (historic castles) and date palm tree plantations, characterized by on original cultural heritage based on solidarity and social cohesion, allowing for a rational use of natural resources so far. The area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Figuig Oasis is situated on a transboundary aquifer, shared with Algeria. Desertification, drought and flooding have reduced agricultural production and have caused the closure of numerous commercial activities, leading to unemployment. The population is compelled to emigrate, abandoning the agricultural land and palm tree plantations. This project will provide a risk management assessment of the flooding, as well as an evaluation of the impact of global change on the groundwater resources, and assessment of potential mitigation strategies (such as artificial recharge), based on which recommendations will be formulated, aiming to better harness the affected community against the threat of these changes.