Zagora, Morocco — The historic oasis of Figuig was the focal point at Morocco’s first National Oasis Forum, a four-day event that concluded in Zagora on April 12. Hosted by the National Agency for the Development of Oasis Zones and Argan Trees (ANDZOA), Figuig’s pavilion offered a comprehensive showcase of its cultural and historical richness, spanning themes from ksour history to local cuisine.
The pavilion, a testament to Figuig’s heritage, featured exhibits on the oasis’s traditional architecture, agriculture practices, hydraulic engineering, craftsmanship, and culinary traditions. It presented a vivid picture of life within Figuig’s ksour, showcasing documents and artifacts that highlighted the unique architecture and daily life of its inhabitants. The agriculture section highlighted the oasis’s sophisticated farming methods, focusing on date palm cultivation and other desert-adapted crops.
Hydraulic engineering, a cornerstone of Figuig’s sustainability, was a highlight, with models demonstrating the innovative water management techniques developed over generations. The pavilion also featured a three-dimensional model of the oasis, illustrating its intricate water infrastructure and showcasing the community’s hydraulic expertise.
Figuig’s participation was recognized by the FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, underscoring its significance. The pavilion received praise for its organization and content, with attendees noting the unique insights it provided into oases distinct from those in the host region.
The forum also marked the signing of a significant partnership agreement worth MAD 624 million ($62.4 million) for the development and rehabilitation of oases in the Zagora province. This initiative, led by Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari and Zagora Governor Mohamed Alami Ouaddane, involves eleven partners and aims to enhance water resource management, restore oases, and improve local living conditions.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Adil Faouzi
