ENVIRONMENT

* ENVIRONMENT

The village of Tanaghmelt lies within the region known as the Forest of Entifa, which occupies an area of 11175 hectares. The operation and delineation of this forest began in 1946 and is managed by the district of Azilal in cooperation with the Azilal Regional Eaux et Foret, the Center of Forestry Development of Azilal and Bzou, and the Triages of Ouzoud, Bzou and Foum Jmaa.

Geology and Climate

The forest is situated in a mountainous zone with altitudes ranging from 900 to 1300 meters. The geology of the area is diverse with valleys, ravines, waterfalls, plateaus, hills, rocky plains, and caves. The land and climate are two major factors that allow for this area to be as biologically diverse as it is. The region is characterized as having a semi-arid to temperate climate. The hottest months are generally July and August while the coldest are generally January and February. The rainy season tends to be between the months of December and March. The average volume of precipitation during the year is 426.7mm, with the heaviest rains falling in January.

Flora* and Fauna

The principle species of forestry trees that exist within the forest of Entifa include:

• Tetraclinis articulate – a citrus wood, also called arar,alerce and thuya.
• Quercus rotundifolia – commonly treated as a variety of Q. ilex, or holm oak. The acorns can be roasted and eaten like chestnuts.
• Juniperus oxycedrus – known as a Mediterranean juniper.
• Juniperus Phoenicia – known as a Phoenician juniper.
• Eucalyptus (common name) – all are imports from Australia. They have escaped from cultivation all over the world in tropical and subtropical climates and are abundant as weeds (invasive species)  and as large cultivated trees, because of their ability to regenerate quickly. The crushed leaves have a medicinal property and aid in breathing. The bark is rather smooth and flakes away easily. Many people use it to construct ceilings and fences. The leaves are long and narrow in mature trees.
• Euphorbia and Acacia gumifera – known in general as cacti.  They are stem succulents and desert plants that can grow to be enormous in some parts of Africa. Some species flower while others produce a fruit. Others contain a milky sap that is extremely caustic.

Additional flora and fauna include:

• Genista tricuspidata -known as broom. This is  a shrub, sometimes used for dyes. The flowers are showy and explosive, showering pollen on pollinating insects. Most are Mediterranean in orgin.
• Pistacia lentiscus – known as mastic. The resin is used in making chewing gum and helps cure bad breath. The resin can also be used for varnishes especially for oil paintings.
• Globuria alypum – known as a globe daisy and is ornimantal.
• Lavandula stoechus – known as Spanish lavender, of themint family. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and for perfumery. Many species are used for scent and medicinally.
• Thymus saleroides – known as thyme. This is not the species that is used as a spicy herb, but is often grown ornamentally.
• Olea europea – the Mediterranean olive tree.
• Ceratonia siliqua – known as St. John’s bread or carob. The seeds are used as a coffee or chocolate substitute, they also yield a diabetic flour suitable for baby food. The seeds are dispersed by bats.

* The information above was provided by: Eric Sundell; Professor of Biology; Director and Curator, UAM Herbarium School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Arkansas-Monticello, Monticello, Arkansas 71656

The area surrounding Tanaghmelt  has a variety of animal species, the most notable being the Macaque monkey (also known as the Barbary Ape). Several factors are threatening the existence of this species including tourism, deforestation and climate change. Due to the unique existence of this and other plant and animal species in the area, there have been several studies and research projects conducted by students, scientists, NGO’s and the government.

Water and Irrigation

Water is abundant in the region and allows for adequate irrigation of the fields. In Tanaghmelt alone, there are a total of five springs used as drinking water sources. There is one main spring that runs from the region of Assaka, behind the primary school, to the village by way of a concrete, open ditch, called the “targa”. The targa runs about a length of 2 KM before it reaches the village. Some of the water from the targa is diverted for irrigation, but most of the water flows directly to the village for collection. This water is used for drinking and general household purposes. In total, there are about 50 Hectares of irrigated surfaces in and around Tanaghmelt. About 20 Hectares are irrigated by rivers and 30 Hectares are irrigated by rain-water run off.

The SIBE of Ouzoud

The entire region of the Forest of Entifa has ecologic, geographic and socio-economic importance. In particular, the Cascades of Ouzoud remain one of Morocco’s most impressive natural waterfalls and most popular tourist destinations.  The principle source of the falls is a spring 2 KM upstream of the Ouzoud River. The largest cascade runs a length of 150 meters into a series of pools below, while several additional falls run the length of the river downstream until the convergence with the Oued Laabid River. It is at this point, named Imi n-Ifeif, that there are natural caves, enormous gorges and pristine pools surrounded by tropical plants and lush forests. The entire region around the cascades brings on the ambiance of a tropical paradise; from the rainbows that glisten off the waterfalls to the monkeys that swing around the trees. There are numerous areas along the Ouzoud River that have been designated for the use of camping, while café’s, hotels and handi-craft shops encircle the falls.  Although the buzz of tourists can be heard for the length of the steps leading to the base of the falls at the peak of the tourist season, once the river is crossed, there is a complete sense of calmness that overcomes the landscape. In the summer, drum beats can be heard from the river below the falls as you stand atop of the hill leading into the valley where Tanaghmelt is nestled, just about 5 KM away.

The areas surrounding the Cascades of Ouzoud have been designated a site of biological and ecological importance (SIBE). For this reason, steps are being taken by the government and local NGO’s to protect and preserve the area. It has been categorized as a Priority 3 SIBE, which is the lowest, but it still maintains a high level of biological diversity that is being affected by tourism, the natural state of the environment and the local population.

It is worth noting that within the region of Azilal, there are a total of seven SIBES. These include:

1. Jbel Tazrkount
2. Tamga
3. Aqqa Wabzaza
4. Iminifri
5. Sidi Meskour
6. Cascades d’Ouzoud
7. Oued Lakhder

Environmental Concerns

Tourism has taken its toll in the region by increasing the amount of people in the area, especially during the summer months, to a level that exceeds holding capacity. The negative impacts of tourism include polluted rivers, increased solid waste and poor treatment of indigenous plant and animal species. The local population has dealt with the influx of tourists by building hotels, restaurants, cafes, camp sites and shops. The increased amount of infrastructure has altered the natural environment and has been constructed without prior planning or environmental impact studies. Although there is an obvious environmental strain due to tourism, it is extremely important on a socio-economic level to the local population.

The local population has a genuine respect for the surrounding environment, but demands for natural resources, such as wood, are greater than the supply. People still rely on wood as the major source of fuel for cooking and heating. Although butane gas is also used, it is expensive and not as preferable. Overgrazing along with deforestation have degraded the soils and created areas of dry, unusable land. People need to feed their goats and sheep and their only option is to let them graze about the land. These animals threaten the local flora and fauna but also provide a source of income and food. The balance between the people’s need to survive and the survival of the environment is not easily accomplished. It is only through time and education that people can understand how to live in within the means of their environment without over exploiting it. Until now, the people have understood their limits, but the introduction of new technologies and new forms of waste have altered the natural balance and order between the people and their environment.

  * written in collaboration with Danielle Assellin

Zaouit Tanaghmelt 

Community Resource Guide 
Danielle Asselin