Strengthening the Networking of Associations in the Ifrane Cedar Biosphere Reserve: A Project for Conservation and Sustainable Development

The Friends of the Biosphere Reserve and the Atlas Cedar Association (AREBICA) is dedicated to protecting nature and promoting environmentally friendly tourism in Ifrane National Park, Morocco. The goal is to bring together local stakeholders to enhance natural resources while supporting the economic development of communities.

To achieve this, AREBICA is establishing a network that supports local initiatives and helps organize ecotourism activities. This includes hiking and horseback riding, mountain biking tours, and respectful wildlife observation, such as monitoring monkeys, rare birds, and vultures. Feeding stations for vultures will be created, equipped with cameras for observation, and fences will be installed to protect these areas from stray dogs.

The association also supports the reintroduction of local species, such as the Atlas trout, while improving natural resource management, including waste management. A program will assist local artisans in promoting their products in shops.

AREBICA also plans to create a digital platform to facilitate exchanges among local organizations. Workshops will be organized to strengthen the skills of local stakeholders, enabling them to better protect nature. Specific action plans will be developed for each activity, such as hiking or fishing, with appropriate signage and equipment, including mountain bikes tailored for tourism routes.

Project Information:

  • Association: Friends of the Atlas Cedar Biosphere Reserve
  • Project Amount: €29,992.05
  • Execution Period: 28 months
  • Contact: +212 661 55 38 20
  • Address: Headquarters of Ifrane National Park in Azrou
  • Email: arebica2021@gmail.com
  • Project Photos: the Flickr link to the project https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB47BC

Ultimately, this project will create jobs for youth, women, and local workers, while establishing Ifrane National Park as a sustainable and environmentally friendly tourist destination.

 

This project is implemented under the third phase of the PPI OSCAN program, funded by the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM), the MAVA Foundation, and the Sigrid Rausing Trust. The funded projects aim to conserve species and ecosystems with remarkable biodiversity and to promote the benefits of conservation and sustainable livelihoods. For more information about the PPI OSCAN 3 projects, visit: 5. Projets – MUBADARAT (mubadarat-uicn.org).