(© Inanc Tekguc, for Global Diversity Foundation)
Morocco celebrated World Environment Day and the diversity spanning it’s 12 regions. One area of the kingdom that made headlines is the High Atlas Mountains, specifically the Imegdale region. The territory is home to 5,500 Amazigh and spreads over 28 villages; it also hosts one of the richest ecosystems of flora and fauna in Morocco.
United Nations Protects Biodiversity in Morocco’s Imegdale Region.
The United Nations, alongside other global and national organizations, is working to protect the High Atlas region’s wildlife. Over 159 botanical species and dozens of medicinal plants have been recorded in these Western High Atlas Mountains. Unfortunately, the Imegdale region has come under threat from natural conditions like severe droughts and overexploitation of herbs and medicinal plants due to greed and a lack of education.
The UN project aims to help the indigenous Berber communities protect the land, medicinal resources, and indigenous farming practices. Two traditional farming methods the organization supports include the Azayn and the Tagdalt. During the Azayn, fields are closed down for ripening and Tagdalt is the closure of private lands during the vegetation cycle.
Currently, the UN is working to educate the local population about the environmental significance of their territory. M’goun Geopark, for instance, is a wealth of natural resources and is covered with 80% forests.