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Biosphere Reserves in southern Morocco |
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| Thanks to the collaboration of governmental authorities - particularly the Moroccan Department of Water and Forests - foreign aid agencies and local non-governmental organisations, Morocco has launched a broad and innovative programme of biodiversity conservation. Following a study of sites of biological and ecological interest, the government proposed two biosphere reserves to UNESCO: the Argan Biosphere Reserve, approved in 1999, and the Oasis du Sud Biosphere Reserve, inaugurated in 2001. With the logistical assistance of local ground operators, Diversity Excursions opens the door to an in-depth exploration of the natural and cultural diversity of these vast protected areas. ~ GJM | |
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Oases and date palm groves of southern Morocco: On an overnight trip to Skoura, visit the oasis and learn about its ecology, date palm groves and khattara irrigation system. Discover some of Morocco's 230 varieties of date palms and explore their role in local culture and agriculture. Accommodation can be arranged at Dar Ahlam, a stately casbah turned into a chic luxury guesthouse. Visit the unique gardens designed by Louis Benech, one of France’s most famous landscape architects. In the evening, you will enjoy Dar Ahlam’s special cuisine, conceived by the hippest new chef in France, Pierre Hermé. Alternatively, take a longer route from Marrakech to Taroudant, a walled city in the Souss Massa plain, to visit the Tioute palm grove. Or travel along the Draa Valley, rimmed by date palm oases, to discover Zagora and M'Hamid on the desert's edge. |
| Sand dunes in the Moroccan desert | |
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Essaouira and argan woodlands of the Atlantic Coast: Walk the streets of Essaouira, discovering its mellah (Jewish quarter), port and souks. Explore the history of this ancient port, understanding how its importance has grown and ebbed over the past centuries. Visit woodcarvers, who produce artifacts of fragrant arar wood, a beautiful conifer that is listed as a 'near threatened species on the IUCN Red List of plants. After a seafood lunch, explore Argania woodlands near the Atlantic coast, and learn about the cosmetic and culinary uses of argan oil. Visit a nearby Chleuh (Berber) village to discuss the impact of French colonisation on the Argan forest, and the more recent influence of the biosphere reserve and increased tourism. Go for a stroll along the beach to see the marabout (religious burial site) of Sidi Kaouki. |
| Cracking argan nuts to make argan oil | |
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