Constitution of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to facilitate preservation of natural resources and land use planning in the Moroccan High Atlas
- Sectors: Preservation of natural resources, Land use planning,
Scientific cooperation - Duration: 07/1998 – 12/2002
- Volume: 0.5 Mill. Euro
- Persons/ Months: 10
- Client: Austrian Development Cooperation, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Vienna
- Partners: Department of Water, Atmosphere & Environment of the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna; Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat;
NGO Targa-Aide, Rabat
The execution of the development project in the Ouneine valley showed the need for a better understanding of the interaction of different environmental, agricultural and social variables. In order to constitute a comprehensive data source, scientists of the Institut Agronomique et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat, and of the Department of Water, Atmosphere & Environment of the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, execute this research project gathering basic data on:
- hydrology,
- topographical features,
- vegetation,
- renewable energy resources,
- socio-economic resources.
Data collection is based on a Geographic Information System. The results provide valuable information about the development potential in the valley. They should serve as a basis for future action and constitute a model for similar interventions in marginal mountain areas.
The main concern is the elaboration of a strategy for environmental protection in order to counteract erosion. Future project activities should therefore focus on sustainable agriculture, appropriate irrigation systems as well as the development of renewable energies (wind, water and solar energy).
Austroprojekt established the contacts between the universities and supports project monitoring. Austroprojekt-s staff also participates in scientific seminars and ensures the procurement of materials and measuring devices.