Rising from the Sands: The Akka-Tata Date Palm Conservation Project

The Akka-Tata region, located in southern Morocco, is renowned for its oasis landscapes where sand dunes and lush date palm groves intertwine. These ecosystems play a crucial role in preserving local biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. The date palm, in particular, is at the heart of this dynamic, providing essential resources such as fruits, wood, and construction materials.

However, these ecosystems face various threats, including deforestation, climate change, and a growing disinterest among younger generations in traditional agriculture. The degradation of date palm groves jeopardizes not only biodiversity but also the livelihoods of local farmers and artisans.

To address these challenges, the local association’s project aims to restore and enhance the date palm groves of Akka-Tata. Through awareness-raising and training initiatives, the project plans to educate 30 farmers, including 10 women, on sustainable palm management techniques. Simultaneously, 400 young date palms will be planted to revitalize agricultural practices and preserve traditional know-how.

This initiative goes beyond mere conservation of the date palms; it is also part of a broader socio-economic development approach. By offering training and raising awareness among youth about sustainable agricultural practices, the project aims to strengthen local entrepreneurship and reduce dependence on external resources.

Project Information:

  • Association: Forum Karyati Association for Social Development
  • Project Amount: €29,485.72
  • Execution Period: 24 months
  • Contact: +212 652790594
  • Address: Douar Alrrahala, Commune Kasbat Sidi Abdellah Oumbarek, Akka, Province of Tata, 84050
  • Email: fkds.karyati@gmail.com & lhassanmbarki1@gmail.com

This project is implemented as part of the third phase of the Small Initiatives Program for Northern African NGOs (PPI OSCAN), coordinated by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, and funded by the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM), the MAVA Foundation, and the Sigrid Rausing Trust. The subsidized projects aim to conserve species and ecosystems with remarkable biodiversity and to enhance the benefits of conservation and sustainable livelihoods. For more information on PPI OSCAN 3 projects, visit: 5. Projects – MUBADARAT (mubadarat-uicn.org).