Shortage of water resources in Morocco's south-central oases (case of the Toudgha water basin)
The issue of water is central to the rehabilitation of oases, particularly those in south-east Morocco. It is at the heart of the concerns of a number of national strategies, which have made water a major issue. Over the years, the Toudgha oasis - a portion of the large Gheris basin - has experienced numerous disturbances caused by increasingly severe droughts, flooding, ecological imbalance and migration... The combined action of all these factors has gradually transformed this productive area into a vulnerable one. This disproportionate human intervention has further destabilised the ecosystem, making the oasis landscape worryingly vulnerable. Socio-demographic changes, urbanisation and the proliferation of pumping stations (downstream) have led to the over-exploitation of water resources, bringing them to critical levels. In this semi-desert region, oases activity in this sub-basin (Toudgha) is entirely dependent on water resources. A constant battle must therefore be waged to curb the imbalance in this vulnerable environment and contribute to sustainable development. Development that takes account of the sensitivity of this area and the increased need for water resources.