{"id":8025,"date":"2025-06-27T04:11:23","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T02:11:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/?p=8025"},"modified":"2025-07-03T12:05:36","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T10:05:36","slug":"alp-atlas-ecotourism-khenifra-biodiversity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mubadarat-uicn.org\/en\/alp-atlas-ecotourism-khenifra-biodiversity\/","title":{"rendered":"PPI OSCAN 3 – ALP ATLAS Local mobilization and ecotourism to preserve biodiversity in Kh\u00e9nifra National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/h1>\n

An ambitious project in the heart of Kh\u00e9nifra National Park<\/h1>\n
\n

Since 2023, the ALP ATLAS<\/strong> association has been implementing the project \u201cContributing to the preservation of the Magot monkey and Fario trout by mobilizing local stakeholders and promoting ecotourism in the Kh\u00e9nifra National Park\u201d, with the support of IUCN Med<\/strong> through the PPI OSCAN 3<\/strong> program.<\/p>\n

The project was designed to enhance the protection of two of the park’s emblematic species – the Magot monkey<\/strong> and the Fario trout<\/strong> – while creating sustainable opportunities for local communities. Through a combination of awareness-raising, training, development of ecotourism activities and local capacity-building, the project has laid the foundations for an integrated conservation model in a park with high ecological and tourism potential.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Awareness-raising, education and community mobilization<\/h2>\n

The project focused on raising awareness of the ecological wealth<\/strong> of the Kh\u00e9nifra National Park (PNKh) among local communities and target audiences:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • An educational guide to the Magot monkey and Fario trout was produced, 600 copies printed and distributed to over 500 beneficiaries, including schoolchildren, local stakeholders and visitors.<\/li>\n
  • 59 participants (elected representatives, civil society, young people, civil servants) took part in an awareness-raising day on the ecology of the target species and the threats they face.<\/li>\n
  • 63 people from various localities took part in three training workshops on biodiversity preservation, organized in October 2023 in Arougou, Aguelmam Azegza and Oum Er-Rbia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Raising awareness among the younger generation<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    Environmental education targeted the very young through a week of fun and educational activities:<\/p>\n

    \"\"147 schoolchildren<\/strong> from several establishments (Ajdir, El Kadi Iyad, Moulay Abdellah…) were sensitized between May and September 2023.<\/p>\n

    Sessions included educational games, drawing workshops, interactive presentations and field trips on the theme of the park’s biodiversity.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \n

    Promoting sustainable, sporty ecotourism<\/h2>\n

    The project has structured a coherent and innovative ecotourism offer, notably around the \u201cblue circuit\u201d (the park’s wetlands), and nature sports:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • A prospecting campaign has identified 22 young local talents motivated to practice and supervise kayaking and rafting.<\/li>\n
    • Specialized training in November 2024 at the \u00c9cole Sup\u00e9rieure de Technologie de Kh\u00e9nifra, in partnership with the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Royale Marocaine de Rafting, trained 29 young people in navigation techniques, safety and environmental awareness.<\/li>\n
    • A Blue Circuit guidebook was produced to promote the wetlands to visitors.<\/li>\n
    • 56 tourist guides and local players have been trained to supervise ecotourism activities in the park.<\/li>\n
    • A promotional campaign for the blue circuit has been launched, reaching several hundred people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n

      Skills development and empowerment<\/h2>\n

      The project has also supported local players in their professionalization:<\/p>\n

      In November 2024, 29 sports tourism leaders<\/strong> (from local cooperatives and associations) received comprehensive training in ecotourism, safety in the natural environment, heritage interpretation techniques, and first aid.
      \nThe equipment required for kayaking and rafting was acquired thanks to the logistical support of our partners.<\/p>\n

      \"\"<\/p>\n

      \n

      An ambitious post-project strategy<\/h2>\n

      To ensure the sustainability of the results, ALP ATLAS has defined a three-pronged follow-up strategy:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Consolidation of achievements: support for young people trained, development of ecotourism micro-enterprises, promotion of local products.<\/li>\n
      • Participatory ecological monitoring: involvement of trained fishermen and guides in the observation of trout and monkey populations.<\/li>\n
      • Strengthening inclusiveness: creation of a 100% women’s water sports center<\/strong> at the sources of the Oum Er-Rbia to promote the empowerment of rural women through sport and ecotourism.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        A digital platform<\/strong> to promote the Blue Circuit and local tourism offers is also <\/span><\/p>\n