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Zagora secures nearly 624 million dirhams for oasis development and rehabilitation
via Le Matin2 min read
A convention was signed in Zagora to implement a program for the development and rehabilitation of its oases, with a budget of nearly 624 million dirhams. The signing ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests, Ahmed El Bouari, and the Governor of Zagora province, Mohamed Alami Ouaddane. This event took place during the first National Oasis Forum in Zagora, held from April 9 to 12. The program aligns with Royal Directives emphasizing the development of oases and mountainous regions, improving residents' living conditions, and focusing on highly vulnerable areas. It also aims to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders to preserve Zagora's oases against climate change and environmental pressures. The initiative adopts a participatory approach, focusing on five key pillars: water resource valorization, groundwater replenishment, oasis rehabilitation, strengthening traditional oasis systems, and promoting local products. It also includes support, supervision, and awareness programs to enhance oasis infrastructure, boost income-generating activities, and improve the socio-economic well-being of local populations. Eleven partners, including the Directorate of Rural Affairs of the Ministry of Interior, the regional Directorate of Agriculture of Drâa-Tafilalet, and the National Agency for the Development of Oasis and Argan Zones ANDZOA, initialed the convention. The oases in Zagora province span over 2
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