in collaboration with Wamu-Net and the Museum for the Civilization of Water in Morocco 'Mohammed VI'
The 1st International Scientific Meeting on Oases, ISMO 2023, took place in Errachidia, Morocco, from 20 to 22 November. Under the theme 'What contribution does scientific research make to the preservation and development of oases?', the meeting provided a unique opportunity to delve into the multifaceted nature of oasis ecosystems, fostering transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, activists, and policymakers. It served as a platform for democratic and proactive policy development and solution-finding to address oasis challenges and plan for their future development in a participatory manner. The conference programme and poster are available for download.
The 3 days meeting concluded with a final Declaration, available for download here.
This inspiring event aiming to explore the role of scientific research to the preservation and development of oases was organised by the Association Oasis Ferkla for Environment and Heritage (AOFEP), Géoressources-Géoenvironnement Patrimoine Géologique et Oasien (GGPGO), the Faculty of Sciences of the University Moulay Ismail in Errachidia, and the Drâa-Tafilalet Region, in cooperation with the Global Network of Water Museums (WAMU-NET), and the Water Museum of Marrakech Mohammed VI.
The proposal to create an Eco-museum of the Errachidia oasis, based on the participatory approach of the communities that manage the oasis and are willing to pass on its wealth of traditional knowledge and social management of water - the first Oasis Eco-museum of its kind - was discussed at the meeting as a possible original contribution of the WAMU-NET network to the Sustainable Oasis Initiative, which is leaded by Morocco and was launched at COP22.
An oasis is a strategic human settlement located in arid regions, where local resources are harnessed through traditional technologies refined over generations of experiential learning. Beyond being fertile pockets in harsh deserts, oases are vibrant hubs where communities establish vital connections. Through a delicate balance of traditional practices, these communities create self-sustaining niches that defy the inhospitable desert surroundings. The significance of oases lies not only in their ecological importance but also in the human relationships developed in these unique environments, showcasing the profound adaptability, resilience, and collaborative spirit of local communities in the face of challenging environmental conditions.
In this context, the conference of Errachidia strategically promoted the development of sustainable solutions that harmonize with the full realization of human and social potential, especially in a world increasingly affected by aridification, desertification, and water scarcity.
The conference organisers received by the Wali (governor) of Errachidia to discuss the proposal of the first Oasis Eco-museum in the world