How is climate change affecting Guelmim-Oued Noun?
Guelmim-Oued Noun, located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert, is highly exposed to the impacts of climate change. With over 245 km of coastline and a predominantly arid climate, the region is experiencing increasingly irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, and advancing desertification. This is placing significant stress on our water resources, ecosystems, and agricultural productivity. Oases are central to our region¡¯s biodiversity and economy, but they are now particularly vulnerable to drought and wildfires. These changes are making rural areas more vulnerable and placing additional pressure on infrastructure and public services.
What action are you taking to address climate change?
In Guelmim-Oued Noun, we are taking an integrated approach to strengthen water security, enhance climate resilience, and support long-term environmental sustainability. Our strategy includes investments in seawater desalination, hill dams, artificial aquifer recharge, and wastewater reuse. Two desalination plants are under development to diversify water sources and reduce pressure on groundwater. The aim is to both provide drinking water and irrigate farmland. We are also constructing ten hill dams to mobilize over 41 million cubic metres of water and replenishing aquifers at eleven sites.
At the same time, we are upgrading four wastewater treatment plants to enable the reuse of treated water, with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. This project also improves rural access to potable water and promotes more efficient use of water resources, particularly in vulnerable areas.
What are the benefits? Why is it important?
This initiative delivers measurable environmental and social benefits. It strengthens climate resilience by improving water security, promoting the circular use of resources, and reducing vulnerability in rural communities, which also helps reduce regional disparities. Through this initiative, we can enhance service delivery, protect natural ecosystems, and support local adaptation to climate risks.
From a strategic perspective, our initiative supports Morocco¡¯s climate objectives, national water planning priorities, and the Sustainable Development Goals. By advancing integrated water management and sustainable infrastructure, Guelmim-Oued Noun is becoming a model for subnational climate leadership.
