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Home , Ahfir, Ain Bni Mathar, Aklim, Al Aaroui, Arekmane, Azlaf

Kingdom of

Ministry of Energy, Mines, Ministry of Interior Water and Environment Region of Department of Environment Regional Observatory of Environment and Sustainable Development

STATE AND FUTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE ORIENTAL REGION

Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment Department of Environment

National Environmental Observatory of Morocco Adress : 9, Al Araar street, Sector 16, Hay Riyad, Phone : +212 (0) 5 37 57 66 41 Fax : +212 (0) 5 37 57 66 42 www.environnement.gov.ma

Regional Observatory of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Oriental Region Adress : Siège du Conseil Régional, Bd, le Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan , Phone : +212 (0) 5 36 52 48 70 SYNTHESIS REPORT FOR DECISION MAKERS Fax : +212 (0) 5 36 52 48 64 2013

Table of Contents

THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT, 06 01 A DECISION-MAKING TOOL

1.1 WHY THE NEED FOR A REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATED 06 ASSESSMENT? 1.2 A CONSULTATIVE AND PARTICIPATIVE APPROACH 06

A REGION WITH STRONG POTENTIAL, BUT WITH SIGNIFICANT 07 02 SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 2.1 A PREDOMINANTLY URBAN REGION 07 2.2 AN EMERGING ECONOMIC REGION 08 2.2.1 INDUSTRY 08 2.2.2 TRADING 09 2.2.3 AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK 09 2.2.4 TOURISM 09 2.2.5 CRAFTMANSHIP 10 2.2.6 MINNING AND QUARRYING ACTIVITIES 10 2.2.7 SEA FISHING 11 2.2.8 TRANSPORTATION 11

03 ENVIRONMENTAL STATE AND TRENDS OF THE REGION 12 3.1 THE WORRYING FATE OF WATER RESSOURCES 12 3.1.1 QUANTITATIVE TERMS 12 3.1.2 QUALITATIVE TERMS 13 3.2 WASTEWATER SANITATION, AN ONGOING MANAGEMENT 14 3.3 SOLID WASTE, A PERSISTANT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE 15 3.4 AIR QUALITY, A PRESSURE TO FOLLOW 15 3.5 SHORELINE, AN IMPLMENTATION SITE THREATNED AND POORLY PROTECTED 15 3.6 PRESERVING NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY 15 3.6.1 NATURAL FOREST AND PRE-FOREST ECOSYSTEMS 16 3.6.2 STEPPES, PRE STEPPES AND SAHARAN ECOSYSTEMS 16 3.6.3 WETLANDS 16 3.7 NATURAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL RISKS 16 3.7.1 NATURAL RISKS 16 3.7.2 RISING TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES 18

4 FUTUR PROSPECTS WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL 19 04 ACTION PLAN 4.1 FIRST FOCUS AREA : IMPROVING THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT 19 4.2 SECOND FOCUS AREA: REDUCING THE URBAN PRESSURE 19 4.3 THIRD FOCUS AREA: WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION 19 4.4 FOURTH FOCUS : IMPROVING FARMING PRACTICES 20 4.5 FIFTH FOCUS AREA : IMPROVING WASTE MANAGEMENT 20 4.6 SIXTH FOCUS AREA: SOIL AND BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION 20 4.7 SEVENTH FOCUS AREA : LITTORAL SUISTAINABLE MANAGMENT 20 4.8 EIGHTH FOCUS AREA : RISKS CONTROL 21 4.9 NINTH FOCUS AREA : GOVERNANCE 21 4.10 TENTH FOCUS AREA : ECDUCATION AND AWARNESS 21

CONCLUSION 22

ANNEXES 24

REGIONAL STAKEHOLDERS 24 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 25 BIBLIOGRAPHIE 26 LIST OF FIGURES 27 LIST OF FIGURES 27

5 1 - THE ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT, A DECISION-MAKING TOOL 1.1 - WHY THE NEED FOR A REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT?

Morocco determination is to implement a policy that will guarantee better environmental protection and a sustainable development as a national priority, with an upgrading strategy based specifically on the integration of the environmental approach in the development plans and programs. In this context, a legal and regulatory framework of protection as well as an enhancement focused on the importance of the environment, which combines both the imperative necessity of preserving the environment and the socioeconomic development, has been set up. This determination was solidified by his Majesty King Mohammed VI in his message to the 3rd Islamic Conference of Environmental Ministers participants, held in Rabat on the 29th of October 2008, where His Majesty emphasized the concept of local environment. Since 2009, the Crown’s position on the matter has given a new momentum to the environment preservation dynamic for the elaboration and the implementation of the National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development (NCESD). On the 14th April 2009, outline agreements were also signed in the presence of his Majesty King Mohammed VI between 1.2 - A CONSULTATIVE AND PARTICIPATIVE the Government and all of the Kingdom’s regions, for the completion of the projects related to both the water and APPROACH environmental sectors. The Oriental region Environmental Integrated Assessment The implementation of the Regional Observatories of the (EIA) was based on a process of cross-sectorial concentration Environment and Sustainable Development (ROESD) has and a participatory approach that made including the strengthened the concept of local environment as an decision-makers and local actors possible. The goal was to environmental monitoring tool to assist each region. These start a regular follow-up on the environment state by setting observatories’ main missions are the constant supervision up a regional network responsible for the identification of of the state of the environment both local and regional, the the environmental issues, the gathering of data and indicators, managing of environmental information, and the development and the providing of priority actions that can reduce the of instruments to help in the decision-making on a local environmental impacts related to the pressures created by and regional scale. the economic activities and human behavior. In this framework, an Integrated Environmental Assessment This participatory assessment takes stoke of the region’s (IEA) study was conducted on the Oriental region. The environmental condition by applying the DPSIR model goal of the study is to give the decision-makers and (D: Driving forces; P: Pressures; S: State; I: Impacts; the general public a reference tool which can pinpoint R: Responses). This modeling framework analyses each the region’s environmental situation, its evolution in time, sector of activity and each environmental component in the sources behind the generated pressures, the major a chain-like process that evaluates the driving forces, the environmental issues, and to identify priority actions that pressures, the state, and the impacts in order to gauge the can decrease the environmental impacts related to sectoral effectiveness of responses put into place. The final aim is policies and human behavior. to determine an appropriate strategic vision.

6 2 - A REGION WITH STRONG POTENTIAL, BUT WITH SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 2.1 - A PREDOMINANTLY URBAN REGION

The Oriental region covers an area of 82,820 km2, equivalent to 11.6% of Moroccan territory. It is the second largest region of Morocco in terms of area. The Region is administratively consists of a prefecture Oujda - Angad and 6 provinces , Taourirt, , and (created in 2009). The population of the Oriental region amount to 1,918,094 inhabitants according to the 2004 census, of which 61.6% live in urban areas, which represents a higher urbanization rate than the national rate of 55.1%. In 2010 the population was estimated by the HCP to 1,999,950 people, corresponding to a population concentration of 24.1 inhab./km². Moreover, the region which holds 11.60% of the Moroccan area of the Kingdo, is home to only 7.2% of the national population. This reflects the low level of human density. It is about 24 inhab./km², at the regional level, against 42 at national level. Yet, the differences are large within the region : Oujda-Angad (292.3), Berkane (142.1), Nador (122.5) Taourirt (25.5) Jerada (13.1) and Figuig (2.3). The population is concentrated in the provinces of Nador, Berkane, and Oujda Angad prefecture, which cover less According to the HCP, the poverty rate in 2004 reached than 12% of the region but concentrates almost 77% of 13.8% in urban areas, 24.8% in rural areas, wich correspond the population. to an average of 17.9%, instead of the respective national The urbanization rate at the regional level, according to rate of 7.9%, 22% and 14.2%, placing the region in the 5th the census of the Moroccan population in 2004 is approxi- row of Morocco’s poorest regions. mately about 61.7%, higher than the national level which On the cultural aspect, the region has historical monuments is 55.1%. In 1994, the regional urbanization rate was still such as Kasbas (Saidia, Laayoune, Taourirt and ), higher than that recorded at the nation level (55.2% against the Walls of Oujda, the Old Mosque, the City of Figuig with 51.4%), reflecting a higher urbanization rate than the its Ksours, archaeological sites whith the discovery of the national average. The HCP projections show that this rate “Man of Tafoughalt”, Folklore, the Gharnatie music and increases even to measure 65.5% in 2010 and 68.4% in popular songs, handicraft jobs specific to the region such 2014. This rate will be 72.8% in 2020. as Mejboud (embroidery with gold thread), Oriental carpet, the bunting, etc. The urbanization rate has however significant differences At the health level, the area is one of the pioneering regions between provinces and prefectures. It ranges from 20.2% in terms of regionalization of the health sector because it at the province of Drouich and 86.1% at the prefecture of has, since 2006, the first Moroccan Regional Health Directorate Oujda Angad in 2004 and respectively between 21.1% and (RHD). It has 152 health centers, 163 dental surgeons, 22 90.2% for 2010. medical laboratories, 13 radiology practices, 644 phar- The illiteracy rate is similar to that of Morocco, slightly macies and a hospital total capacity of about 2039 beds higher in urban areas, which represents 43%, 33% in urban for a population of almost two million, thus one bed for 977 areas and 60% in rural areas. persons. The medical rate framing remains low since the In rural areas, the women are illiterate to almost 73%, than Oriental has only 878 doctors (2009), nearly 2235 inhab./ those of urban areas which are 43%. The men are illiterate Doctor. at 46% in rural areas against 21% in urban areas. These In terms of education, the essence of education is provided rates are higher than national averages. by the public service but with a significant increase in private The urban employment rate represents 74.4% for men and sector involvement. 11.8% for women, while in rural areas it is respectively For the 2010-2011 school year, approximately 354,096 85.5% and 17.5%. According to the national level, participation students, including 166,523 girls, joined 671 public schools, rates are superior in rural areas both for women and men including 502 primary schools and 63 secondary schools. while in urban areas, the activity rate of men is higher At the level of professional training, the number of beneficiaries compared to the rate recorded at the national level and is increasing continuously because of the qualification and inferior for women. specialization requirements of the labor market, through 14 Regarding the unemployment rate, it is established in 2004 training centers and a hotel school. to 15.3% against 10.8% nationally and is estimated at 17.7% in 2007.

7 Regarding the higher education, the Oujda University of In 2010, the Expenditure of Household Final Consumption Mohammed Premier includes the Faculties of Arts and (EHFC) per capita is of 13,928 MAD in the Oriental region Humanities, Science, Legal Sciences, Economic and Social, against 13,719 MAD nationally. According to the division the Faculty of Medicine and the Oujda National School of proposed by the Consultative Commission on Regionali- Applied Sciences (ONSAS) the Oujda Superior School of zation (12 regions, the region of the Oriental- (5.6%), is Technology (OSST), the National School of Business and among the four emerging intermediate areas creating about Management (NSBM), the Institute of Water Science and 26.6% of the GDP. The following figure shows the structure Technologies (IWST) and the Laboratory of Quality Control of the GDP average of the different Moroccan regions and physicochemical and biological analysis. including the Oriental region. This one has contributed to the national GDP up to 7.1% during the period 2000-2007. 2.2 - AN EMERGING ECONOMIC REGION It thus ranks sixth after the Grand region. The results of the regional accounted for 2010 show that the region of the Oriental creates almost 5.1% of the national wealth, with a GDP value of 39 089 million MAD.

Fig.1 Average regionalized structure of GDP over the 2000-2007 period

18,8%

12,2% 9,8% 8,2% 7,4% 7,1% 6,9% 5,4% 5,2% 4,9% 4,2% 4,2% 3,0% 2,7% Sud Darâa Tafilalet Oriental Meknès Alhaouz Chaouia Béni Hsen Ouardigha Alhoucima Rabat-Salé Tadla-Azilal Souss-Massa -Taounate Fés-Boulmane Zemmour-Zaër Ghrab-Chrarda Doukkala-Abda Tanger-Tétouan Marrakech-Tensift

Source : Ministry of Economy and Finance, 2007

2.2.1 - INDUSTRY The number of companies in the region (390 establish- ments) represents only 4.84% of the national total, with a turnover which amounts to 2.85% of the national turnover. This corresponds to 2.70% of national production, 1.38% of exports and 4.58% of the national investment. Though, the modest national importance, the industrial sector is certainly one of the pillars regional economy. In the Oriental region, industrial activities are geographically concentrated in the area of Oujda (169 establishments) and Nador (176 establishments), which is almost 88% of the regional establishments. In terms of number of employees, the branches that are predominant are «Chemistry and Para-chemistry» «Food,» and «Mechanics and Metallurgy.» The ranking in terms of the global regional turnover percentage is different.

8 Fig.2 Distribution of industrial sectors

2% Other

59% Mechanics and Metallurgy

23% Chemistry and Parachemistry

16% Agribusiness

The «Food» branch, extension of the regional agricultural its workforce that it employs, but especially by the production vocation, is the most dynamic in terms of investments and potential and development of the food, one of the pillars eco- exports. The Major industrial units are Nador steel complex, nomic base of the region. candy and the Oriental cement plant. The area benefit from a favorable climate and an agricul- To compensate for the weight of the north industrial centers tural area of 730,744 ha. The irrigated area is 107,334 ha, (Oujda and Nador, as well as secondary centers such as which represents 15% of the agricultural area. Barkane, Zaio, Taourirt and Al Aïoune), small centers could The Cereal lands occupy 73% of the region surface area, grow in Genfouda, AI Aroui and , or emerge enabling to form 17% of the turnover and employs 36% (, , Bou Arfa, etc.). of the population. Crops of cereals, olive and vegetable The dynamics of regional development thus switched production generate 56% of the benefit and employs 69% promoted an unprecedented economic and social stimulus of the population. in this region open to the Mediterranean, Europe and the The area is also known for the quality of the meat due to the , as well as the establishment of competitiveness existence of a famous local breed (Bni Guil). The breeding and development poles as Oujda (competence center) of sheep and goats is practiced in the alfa steppe. Nador (industrial-maritime cluster), Berkane (agro-industrial The region has about 88,742 cattle and reached center) with the seaside resort of Saidia, Taourirt (logistics 2,402,600 sheep and 579,000 goats. With this herd, center), Figuig-Bouarfa (mining pole of oasis economy and the dairy sector and the sector of sheep red meat are ecotourism). the largest contributors to the revenues and the create The planned industrial development includes the construction an added value: 36,000 cows can produce 85,000 tons of an intra-port free zone in Nador and another extra-port in of milk per year, the rest of livestock is intended for the same area, an industrial park in , an industrial fattening for a production of 29,000 t/y of red meat. park at Boughriba and a science one in Oujda, adjoining the Oujda-Angad airport. 2.2.2 - TRADING The regional trade is dominated by individual trade, al- though rapid urbanization causes mutations in the local business fabric. The different forms of existing trade locally are the wholesale markets, municipal markets, shopping centers, weekly souks and modern trade. This last one, namely the large specialty stores, large specialized depo- sits, supermarkets, hypermarkets or shopping network or franchise, still account for a very modest contribution. Note that smuggling is a major handicap in the commercial de- velopment of the region. 2.2.3 - AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK 2.2.4 - TOURISM Despite the small area occupied in the region (9%), agriculture Within a climate where the sun shines more than 300 days is an important economic sector by the diversity of its a year, the region has, in term of tourism, a series of products (cereals, vegetables, orchards, biological, medi- advantages, such as beaches (Saidia, , Water cinal crops, viticulture, poultry, etc.) by the importance of Cap, Troukout, , Aghzane, Boukana), forests (Taforhalt,

9 Debdou, Gourougou), palm groves (Figuig), thermal springs 2.2.6 - MINNING AND QUARRYING ACTIVITIES (Benkachour and Fezouane), archaeological caves (the The Oriental region is known by the existence of multiple Dove Cave and the Camel Cave). mineral deposits. Indeed, its contribution to the national The region is home to 44 classified establishments, with output has reached proportions sometimes up to 100% for a capacity of 3,286 beds in 2007. It has registered about some mines as coal whose exploitation has stopped since 152,000 tourist nights, which correspond to a very low 2001. occupancy rate of 12.7%. The exploitation of mines in the region particularly concern Currently, the most advanced touristic project is “Medi- lead, zinc, silver, barite and smectite clay. However, this terrania Saidia” which is a residential and tourist resort, sector is currently experiencing a downturn because of the spanning more than 7,000,000 square meters and 15 km international markets disturbances on conventional raw of shoreline, with individual properties but also three luxury materials. hotels, a marina, three golf courses, a shopping center, a The mineral and metallic deposits as well as nonmetallic de- clinic and a wide range of services provided for the residency posits, are distributed throughout the region, mainly: lead, in this seaside town. zinc and calcite at Jbel Boudhar, manganese of Bouarfa, Moreover, a restructuring and servicing of interest program copper of Jbel Klakh, lead and zinc of Jbel Lahwanite, ba- of the Marchica touristic site predict significant investments rite of Zelmou, barite of , silver lead of , for the development of seven cities located on the banks of coal of Jerada, iron of Nador and Oued El Himer, bentonite the Marchica lagoon. This program includes a magnificent of Aferha and Haddou Amar in Nador, clay of Guenfouda. maritime domain extending over 25 km of coastal arc and Unfortunately, an illegal logging activity has spread since 1,030 ha closed by a lagoon cord: the Nador Corniche, the 1982 around the Jerada coal deposit. It has been intensi- Nador Golf, the Atalayoune peninsula, the city of plain, the fied after the closure of the mine in 2001 and has spread to Kariat Arkmane resort, the 2 seas harbor and the lagoon the old mines of Sidi Bou Bker and Touissit, closed in 1977 hotel. The deployment of this program should be a land and 2002 respectively. This illegal activity is accompanied management to ensure ecological and urban future of the by a degradation of the ecological and environmental set- lagoon banks. ting of these involved sites, by a static imbalance of the land and serious accidents among the operators. The Oriental Region ranks seventh compared to the rest of the Moroccan regions. Indeed, it count 119 quarries of various building materials, and represents 6% of careers at the national level. The region has several infrastructures of energy produc- tion which produced in 2009, 804 million kWh, against the 1,301 million kWh consumed in the region. We can find: ■■ The Jerada thermal power plant, 165 MW; ■■ The two hydropower plants: Dam of Mohamed V (23.2 2.2.5 - CRAFTMANSHIP MW) and Dam of Bou Areg (6.4 MW); The region count 54,000 artisans and 57 handicraft ■■ The Ain Beni Mathar combined integrated solar cycle cooperatives that represent a social capital of 2.7 million plant of 472 MW of which 20 MW is a solar production. MAD, and offer blankets, mats, bunting, djellabas, embroidered in gold thread sections (the Majboud) oujdi dresses, kaftans, saddles, rifles fantasia and basketry products, taking into account regional raw materials (wool, alfa, leather, etc.). Activities related to the building work, such as carpentry and ironwork stylized carving plaster, stone cutting, etc. also thrive.

10 2.2.7 - SEA FISHING 2.2.8 - TRANSPORTATION The Nador maritime district mobilize: Globally, the region has known in the recent years a signifi- ■■ 3,140 fishermen : coastal fishing (1,712 fishermen) and cant development of transport infrastructure including: the Fishworkers (1,428 fishermen) on 240 km in two fi- commissioning in July 2011 of the Highway Fez - Oujda on shing harbors ( and Ras ), a fishing about 320 km, completing the Mediterranean ring road that village (Sidi Hsain) and 46 fishing sites craft. In 2009, will connect to Saidi. The railway linking Nador to the active coastal fishing fleet comprises 61 trawlers, Taourirt on 177km that connects Nador to the national rai- 54 seiners and 31 longliners, and an active artisanal lway network, have to come. the Marchica project in Nador, fishing fleet consisting of 891 boats. a maritime and tourist complex as well as the megaproject of Nador West Med Harbor for storing petroleum products. ■■ Fish production can be irregular from one year to ano- ther. It has represented in 2009 a revenue of 154 mil- At the road level, the region has nearly 5,011 km of roads lion MAD for a quantity of 16,967 tons of fish of various of which approximately 51% are comprised of provincial categories: pelagic fish (10,837 t), white fish (4173 t), roads, 18% of regional roads and 31% of national roads, shellfish (555 t), and cephalopods (1402 t). and nearly two-thirds of this road network is made up of paved lane. The density of the road network is 60.5 ■■ The valorization of fishing products mainly consists km/1000 km² which is less dense than the national average on five activities namely: the semi canned (2 units), of 80.5 km/1000 km², with a wide variation among pro- peeling shrimp (2 units), freezing (11 units), packaging vinces: the lowest density is in the province of Figuig with fresh (6 units) and fish smoking (1 unit). 32.6 km/1000 km², the highest is in the prefecture of Oujda - Angad with 224.1 km/1000 km², followed by the province of Berkane with 197 km. According to a statistical study by 2006, the number of registered vehicles in circulation amounted to 153,183, representing 7.6% of the national car park. At The railroad level, four main lines represent 560 km of the track: the Oujda-Casablanca line (118 km for the regio- nal section), the Algerian Oujda border line (16 km) off since 1994, the Oujda online - Bouarfa (307 km), the line Nador - Taourirt (117 km). In 2007, passenger traffic was recorded 570,338 passenger and freight traffic at 360,119 tons. On the port level, the region has three harbors, Nador- Beni Ansar, Ras Kabdana and Saidia. Nador experiences passenger traffic to Europe, a loaded freight traffic (agri- cultural products) and unloaded in Morocco, an oil tanker traffic of 300,000 tons in 2010. Ras Kabdana and Saidia are principally designed for the landing of fishery products, Saidia being also a marina. In 2008, there was a landing on the region of 2.1 million tons of goods, or a traffic of 5% of the total Morocco’s port activities, and the boarding of 0.9 million tons. Finally, the region has two international dimension airports, Oujda-Angad and Nador Laroui, representing in 2008 a traffic of passengers at the arrival and departure of 563,894 people, which represents 4.7% of the Moroccan airports traffic.

11 3 - ENVIRONMENTAL STATE In rural areas, water demand is experiencing a large in- crease. Indeed, in 2004 it was 5.3 m3/y, and the Master AND TRENDS OF THE REGION Plan of Integrated Water Resources (MPWR) forecast that The taking into account of the Consideration for malfunc- it will be 24.7 million m3/y. tions of the current environment is essential to master the Furthermore, the overall demand for drinking water for the media transformation processes and contribute to the Oriental region will increase from 66.3 million m3/y in 2004 development of organizational models that have as main to 102 million m3/y by 2030, which corresponds to an in- function the economic leadership, optimal use of resources crease of 55%. and the development management with a continuous res- The Water demand will increase by 24% between 2010 and 2030. pect of the environment. Environmental trends in the region were developed as part 3.1.1.2 - Demand for Industrial and Touristic Water of a trend scenario. In this scenario, the development pros- Water demand in the tourism sector between 2004 and pects as they are set by national policies are taken into 2010, has known a sharp increase from 5.8 m3/y to 18.6 account, and that based on the current situation. The tar- m3/y, it is an evolution of 220%. The latter witnesses the gets set by these policies are supposed to be reached at achievements in the region, in the past decade. the planned and announced horizons. This trend will continue; indeed, between 2010 and 2030, In this case, the economic activities continue to meet a the demand for touristic water will increase by 64%, mainly boom. Tourist facilities are increasing, agricultural pro- due to developments in the sector at the Berkane region, ductivity increases and industrial activity expands. Inves- followed by the regions of Nador and Driouech. tors settle down, are attracted by the regional dynamism. Nevertheless, the demand for industrial water remains Employment opportunities allow people to improve their weak and does not exceed 2.7 m3/y by 2030. Note that it incomes and promote profound changes in the lifestyle. was 2.1 m3/y in 2010. 3.1 - THE WORRYING FATE OF WATER 3.1.1.3 - Demand for Agriculture Water Evolution RESSOURCES Water Demand for Irrigation 3.1.1 - QUANTITATIVE TERMS The agricultural sector is very consumer of water resources. For surface water resources, the Oued Moulouya remains According the Master Plan of Integrated Water Resources (MPWR) of the Moulouya, water demand of large hydraulic the main river of the region. It has a length of approximately 3 520 km. The area of its watershed is about 55,500 km². would be 584 m /y in 2012. It will begin to decline in 2017 when it will reach 552 m3/y to stabilize at around 520 million Other streams, less important, characterize the region; the m3/y from 2017 until 2030. Oued of Isly which the watershed covers an area of 1,300 km², Oueds of Kert, , Bouareg and Amekrane For the Small and Medium Hydraulics (SMH), and private which are in the Mediterranean coastal area, at west of the irrigation, water demand at the whole action area of the Moulouya totaling a watershed area of 2,625 km². Moulouya Basin Agency, will not experience a change and will be identical to the current demand, which is respecti- The Average annual inflows drained by different Oueds of vely 554 million m3/y and 155 million m3/y. For the territory the Moulouya Basin are estimated at nearly 1,300 million of the region, and after the Master Plan of Integrated Water 3 3 m /y, varying between a minimum of 326 m /y and a maxi- Resources of the Moulouya, water demand for SMH and 3 mum of about 3,130 million m /y while the global average private irrigation will be about 200 m3/y. intakes of the surface water in the Oriental region amounted to 476 million m3/y. Water Demand for Livestock Regarding water reservoir dams, the dams of Mohamed V, The demand for water for livestock will expect an increase 3 Mechra Homadi and Hassan II serve multiple uses, irriga- of 19% between 2010 and 2030, from 8 million m /y to 9.5 3 tion of agricultural areas to drinking water supply, energy million m /y. production and the protection against the floods (Moham- 3.1.1.4 - Conclusions on the use of water resources med V Dam). The overall water demand in the region will increase In regard to groundwater resources, the action area of the from 795 million m3/y in 2010 to 865 million m3/y in Hydraulic Basin Agency of Moulouya contains thirty water 2030, which is a change of 9%. Thus, the deficit with tables of which the quantitative and qualitative importance the region’s resources would be 200 million m3/y. varies according to the geological structures, lithology re- This increase in water demand have to be accompanied by servoirs and weather conditions. actions that respond and promote the rationalization and The total volume of renewable groundwater is around 520 enhancement of water resources. million m³/y, of which is about 70 million m³/y in the north, Indeed, the developments planned by the Master Plan of with a salinity of 2 g/l or more (Triffa and Gareb-Bouareg). Integrated Water Resources will be able to reduce the 3.1.1.1 - Demand for Drinking Water deficit by 2030, it will increase from 200 million m3/y to 119 3 The demand for drinking water (DDW) in urban centers of million m /y. Thus, by increasing the mobilization of surface the Oriental region was 61 m3/y in 2004. It would reach water resources and a reduction in charges on groundwater. 74 million m3/y in 2020, rising to 77.1 million m3/y in 2030, which is an increase of 26.4% compared with the water demand recorded in 2004.

12 Seawater desalination actions are also planned. They will 3.1.2.2 - Groundwater resources, a negative trend allow the regional power supply systems of Nador and relate to agricultural practices Berkane. These achievements will allow an increase in the The monitoring of water quality (nitrate and minerals) for availability of water resources for irrigation. the main aquifers of the basin located in the region, shows 3.1.2 - QUALITATIVE TERMS an exceeds of the thresholds set by the drinking water Many factors and pressures describe the quality of existing standards of 50 mg/l for nitrate content, for some of the water resources and trend of the region such as the domes- wells surveyed (30% and 40% respectively for tablecloths tic and industrial wastewater, agriculture and excessive use of Angad and Triffa), and therefore a quality tending toward of fertilizers, pesticides, urban expansion, over-concentra- a moderately unfavorable assessment of these waters. tion of pollution and socio-economic development, solid Le bilan est par ailleurs plus tranché en ce qui concerne waste deposits, marine pollution, tourism, etc. les The balance sheet is also more settled regarding the 3.1.2.1 - Surface Water Quality, an awkward situa- groundwater of the Gareb and Bouareg tables relating to nitrates pollution, indicating a poor quality. Indeed, the irri- tion but able to a marked improvement gated areas located over these two water tables contami- Thus, the overall quality of surface waters remains poor to nate the groundwater by the ingress of incoming chemical very poor, particularly immediately downstream of major solutions (fertilizer, fertilizer, pesticides, etc.). cities in the region, including Oujda and Nador. The Water Tables of Angad, Gareb and are the The quality of these resources should however improve, most affected by the vulnerability to pollution, because of mainly downstream from Oujda and Zeghanghane, and their situation (downstream the city of Oujda and irrigation). that is due to the commissioning of the wastewater treat- As with surface water, the latest domestic depollution ac- ment plants of Oujda and Grand Nador. complishments should improve the quality of groundwa- Certainly, the results of the Oued Moulouya, Isly and Za ter. This is especially for the water tables of Bouareg and analyzes carried out in recent years (1998-2005) on these Angads. surface waters present convincing and encouraging results However, the treatment of agricultural pollution remains regarding the organic and bacteriological pollution of other essential to improve the quality of the groundwater. For surface water resourses such Sebou or Oum Rbia. The fact memory, at the region level, 94% of water resources are remains that some stations recorded high levels of pollu- mobilized for irrigation. tants (BOD5, TP, FC) mainly due to a discharge of domestic sewage into the environment without prior treatment but Regarding salinity, a demineralization program of ground- also soil erosion during flood, thereby justifying high phos- water should be engaged to address this problem. The phorus values. water tables of Gareb, and Bouareg Triffa have priority be- cause of their location in an strong agricultural exploitation The Releases of Zeghanghane town, smelter of Selouane area and near sensitive areas such as Marchica Lagoon. and the city of Oujda justify poor to very poor water qua- lity at the Oued Selouane, Cabillou and the Oued Isly downstream of these communities. Several cleanup projects are completed, planned or in pro- gress, confirming the positive trend to improve the organic quality, bacteriological and preservation of surface water resources by eliminating gross releases and restitution of purified water responding to the current regulatory fra- mework, and thus reflecting of an initiative. In the same context, the treatment of industrial pollution, where actions were undertaken or in progress for the re- duction and treatment of pollution generated, including the facilities of Sonasid and Sucrafor, will participate in impro- ving the water resources quality of impacted areas. These actions should be strengthened and perpetuated by other widespread industrial units in the region, particu- larly those concentrated in Oujda, Nador, Salouane and Bni Ansar. Note also that the water reservoir dam quality of (Mechra Homadi and Mohammed V) remains average to good.

13 3.2 - WASTEWATER SANITATION, AN ONGOING MANAGEMENT The evolution of the pollution load for urban and rural areas of the Region in 2015 (in Tons of BOD5 / year) is shown in the following figure.

Fig.3 The evolution of the pollution load for urban and rural areas

20000 1000 1000 Evolution of the pollution load of the urban environment on the 2015 horizon 14000 (in tons of BOD5 / year) 12000 10000 Evolution of the pollution load of the rural 000 environment on the 2015 horizon 000 (in tons of BOD5 / year) 4000 2000 0 2004 2005 200 2007 200 200 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Water treatment plants eisting Treatment plants under Treatment plants planned for centers cities waste at construction or completed Jerrada, Ras El Ma, Midar/Tafersift, Driouch, BniChiker, • Berkane and commissioning , Touissit/Sidi Boubker, , El Aioun, Ain Bni • Tafoughalt centers cities Mathar, Ahfir, Debdou, , Madagh, Ain Erragda, • Taourirt • Nador , , Tiiouli, Naima et Figuig • Bouarfa • Oujda • Aroui • Saidia • Kariat Akermane • Zaio • Ferkhana • Ben Tayeb

Moreover, the drawdown rate of the organic pollution load region in 2010 should enable the evolution of this rate to across the region is estimated at 55% in 2010. around 76% by 2013. The graph below illustrates the evo- The commissioning of the Oujda WTP, which accounts lution of this indicator. about 70% of the pollution charge generated across the

Fig.4 Evolution of the rate of elimination of the pollution load

0 70

0 50

40

30

20 10 0 200 2007 200 200 2010 2011 2012 2013

This trend should continue if we take into account the un- 1.9 million m3/y and 4.4 million m3/y in 2020 for the three dergoing and planned achievements of WTPS in the region. WTPs including 100% for agricultural use in the WTP of The operational wastewater treatment plants in the region Oujda and 70% reserved for agriculture and 30% to the relate Grand Nador, Oujda, Berkane, Tafoughalt, Taourirt, watering of green areas in the case of WTP Berkane and Bouarfa and Aroui. Nador. Other remediation programs are planned in the region for The new WTP planned for the region concern the centers the construction of new wastewater treatment plants and of Saidia, Kariat Arekmane, Zaio, Ferkhana, Ben Tayeb the extension of those that have reached saturation. (Driouch), Jerrada, Ras El Ma, Midar / , Driouch, , Bni Drar, Touissit / Sidi Boubker , Tiztoutine, El As regards to the reuse of wastewater, the potential Ayoun, Ain Bni Mathar Ahfir, Debdou Aklim, Madagh + Laa- volume of treated wastewater for Oujda, Nador and Berkane tamna + Agropole, Ain Erragada, Dar Elkabdanni, Temsa- amounted respectively to 12.2 million m3/y, 3.7 million m3/y mane (Keroune) Tsaft + , Tendrara, Guenfouda, Naima and 6.3 million m3/y for 2010. and Tiouli, Figuig and Melga El Ouidane. Commissioning 3 The usable portion is respectively about 5.2 million m /y, dates are spread out until 2020.

14 3.3 -SOLID WASTE, A PERSISTANT sured as well, such as wind, humidity, pressure and tempe- rature. Two measurement points were taken into conside- ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE ration, the first at the park in the Wilaya of Oujda, and the In the waste sector, significant efforts have been made, second at the final bus station of Bab Sidi Abdelouahab. including the creation of the landfill at the city of Nador. The results of the study showed that no measured para- Bringing the number of landfills in the region to 4: Berkane, meter exceeds the absolute limit value for the protection Oujda, Figuig and Nador of health, as stipulated in the Decree No. 2-09-286 of 8 The waste collection rate in the region was 90% in the ci- December 2009 laying down the quality standards of air ties of Nador, Oujda, Berkane and Taourirt. And it is around and air monitoring arrangements. 75% in the rest of the cities. Moreover, for other cities, no data is available. These entire Landfills receive about 74% of waste generated in the re- factors make the evaluation of the air quality cannot be gion. Note that the provinces of Nador and Berkane and done in a quantitative manner. the prefecture of Oujda produces 80% of the total volume of waste. 3.5 - SHORELINE, AN IMPLMENTATION The waste generation in the region will increase from SITE THREATNED AND POORLY PROTECTED 340,502 t/y in 2010 to 363,672 t/y in 2015. It is expected The coastal environment of the Oriental region undergoes to reach 392,382 t/y by 2020. The five-year production in- several forms of pollution due to: crease of waste will increase from 6.8% (between 2010 and ■■ the domestic and industrial waste releases mainly in 2015) to 7.3% (between 2015 and 2020). the cities of Nador and Saidia; Moreover, the National Household Waste Management ■■ the harbor and shipping activity; Program (NHWMP) in its action plan, provides to set up ■■ the solid waste arriving to the sea through the Oueds dumps at the level of Taourirt and Jerrada cities. These and the mouth of the Oued Moulouya; achievements will help increase the rate of landfill of muni- cipal waste. ■■ the farming through crop protection products that are transported to the sea through the Oueds and runoffs. It is also exposed to the phenomenon of sea erosion that specifically affects the Mediterranean coast and the small sandy cliff near Kariat Arekmane. As for the Marchica Lagoon, under the influence of many sources of pollution (chemical, organic and bacteriological), it experienced the deterioration of habitats and the lagoon ecosystem. The sources of pollution came from domestic and industrial sewage, and by the harbor and mining activi- ties. The water quality of this lagoon was very bad because of the high phosphate levels. A clean-up program and recovery of the Marchica Lagoon was initiated and directed to counter various forms of pres- 3.4 - AIR QUALITY, A PRESSURE TO FOLLOW sure on the lagoon. The degree of the air quality pollution cannot be approa- An improvement of the water quality of the lagoon and a ched without analyzing the data relating to the various pol- more integrated and sustainable management was observed. lution parameters and their monitoring. Currently, the Na- 3.6 - PRESERVING NATURAL ENVIRON- tional Directorate of Weather has no permanent monitoring of the air quality stations in the Oriental region. Moreover, MENT AND BIODIVERSITY the only measurement campaign conducted by mobile sta- The Oriental region has significant natural forest whose tions was made in 2010 at the airport of Oujda. area is estimated at 2.5 million hectares, or about 29% of The only available document is the one developed by the the total area of national forests. Direction of Monitoring and Prevention of Risks, reflecting The alfa area covers most of these natural forests, 2.2 on the situation of air pollution in Morocco in 2002. million hectares. However, the reforested area consists of For the Oriental region, only the city of Oujda was concer- coniferous species and natural deciduous trees that only ned by this study. The measurements were carried out from represent 9.4% of the total forest area in the region (MRO 18 to 24 March 2001. The measured parameters are SO2, 2010).

CO, O3, NOx, NO and NO2. Climate parameters were mea-

15 Fig.5 Regional Importance of forests by type of vegetation

3 Thuja

Juniper 3 Alfa grass 2 Aleppo pine 14 Natural forests

11 Other 3 Artificial plantations

42 Holm oak

3.6.1 - NATURAL FOREST AND PRE-FOREST In the latter area, Ain Zegzel (wetland) integrates with the ECOSYSTEMS SBEI of Beni Snassen. In addition to these areas and clas- Natural forest ecosystems, pre forests, steppe, meadow sified sites as wetlands, the Oued Moulouya and several of steppe and Saharan are diversified, despite conditions of its tributaries, the Khettaras and Figuig Oasis wetlands are climatic and edaphic aridity of utmost importance for the region (ecological and biolo- gical environment, biodiversity, ecosystems systems, etc.). The increasing weather aridity climate gradient from North to South allows a gradual succession of natural ecosys- The wetlands in the Oriental region are very diverse in flora, tems, namely those sylvatic and preforest at the northern- fauna and biodiversity, with an ecosystem and landscape most location, pre steppe and steppe in the Highlands and very remarkable. Sahara-desert and Trays, encompassing in southern areas There is 11 SBEI as coastal and continental protected including Figuig. areas, classified as priority 1, 2 and 3 in terms of protection Forests and pre forests resources are important on biolo- and conservation of their biodiversity, their habitats and gical-ecological, biogeographic and historical, phytodyna- their ecological functions and values. mic and phytosociological, economic and socio-economic The Oriental region is home to a diverse natural ecosys- and in terms of areas. tem, however, that biodiversity and natural habitats are 3.6.2 - STEPPES, PRE STEPPES AND SAHARAN under increasing pressure from human actions, through ECOSYSTEMS an inappropriate and excessive exploitation of the natural resources. The Oriental region is also characterized by the vastness areas occupied by ecosystems subservient to arid and Sa- 3.7 - NATURAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL hara-desert, respectively at the continental Highlands and RISKS Saharan zone or Sahara-desert (southern areas of Bou Arfa 3.7.1 - NATURAL RISKS -Figuig). The most original specie is Stipa tenacissima (Alfa) which 3.7.1.1 - Climate Changes individualizes colonize the steppe stands valued at Climate changes on the Oriental region follow the same 2,281,300 ha, or 70% of the area of the Alfa in Morocco overall trend that is across Morocco, meaning a downward whose overall area is 3,272,659 ha. trend in rainfall, higher temperatures and evapotranspira- The Saharan domain of the Oriental region (southern areas tion. include Oasis of Figuig), is characterized by a Saharan ve- Based on projection models studied, Driouech (2010), the getation which is composed by diverse flora species and trends of changes in the hydraulic basin of the Moulouya whose most original is Fredolia aretioides. give: At the Sahara Oasis, the most original species is Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) which individualizes the date palm ■■ An increase in average monthly temperatures of the groves or in stands where various agricultural enterprises Moulouya basin + 1.5 ° C to 1.7 ° C within 2021-2050 including diverse fruit trees are grown in the understory of compared to the average recorded between 1971 and date palms. 2000. 3.6.3 - WETLANDS ■■ An average increases, of the potential evapotranspi- The Oriental region is characterized by its diversity of wet- ration (PET), 2% (in winter) to 11% (in summer). The lands. Many of these are classified as Sites of Biological months of December and January are not expected to and Ecological Interest (SBEI) and as a Ramsar Site, both in undergo significant changes based on the projections. coastal area (Mouth of the Moulouya Sebkha Bou Areg and ■■ A monthly change over the Moulouya Bassin for each Cape Three Forks) and continental (Dam Mohammed V). of the four seasons indicates that the largest decline

16 will be at wintertime (-13%) meanwhile the autumn and the spring will record increases between +5% to +12%. ■■ A decrease of 5 m3/s to 8 m3/s in in surface runoff of the Oued Moulouya for the 2021-2050 period. 3.7.1.2 - Flood Risks By the geographic location of flood prone areas in the re- gion, we will distinguish two media: ■■ The urban environment at which the main causes are due firstly to the artificial soil over initial flood zones, which increases runoff, and to the discharge capacity of storm waters. ■■ The rural areas where flood zones are presents be- cause of the nature of soils and topography. Studies of floods both at national level (National Plan of Protection against Floods) and at regional level (Atlas of flood zones) allowed an inventory of 25 vulnerable sites in five provinces of the Oriental region.

Tab.1 List of flood sites in the area

Prefecture or Province Areas at risk of flooding Oujda Ouest Oujda - Angad - Oujda Sud - Sidi Yahya - Beni Drar

Saidia Berkane - Ahfir - - Quartier Bouhdila - Oued Zegzel

Al Aaroui Nador - Selouane - Touima - Taourirt Boussetta - Tiztoutine

Driouch Driouch - Midar - - Aïn Zohra -

Figuig Figuig - Bouarfa

Source : ABHM

17 3.7.1.3 Seismic Risks Evolution ■■ the chemical industries that use, store and / or process According to the Seismic Building Regulation (SBR), the chemicals in large quantities; Oriental region shown three seismic zones: ■■ the petroleum industries; ■■ A moderate seismicity zone encompassing the ■■ the Gas storages (gas filling centers); provinces of Nador and Driouch with ground accelerations ■■ the Pyrotechnic explosives storage sites; in the range of 0.16 g and earthquakes reaching a ■■ the large industrial units such as, Sonasid; magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale (Boudinar regions Selouanne and off ). ■■ the grain silos storage, food or other organic product emitting flammable dust; ■■ A low seismicity zone encompassing the provinces of Berkane, Taourit, Oujda and Jerada with ground ■■ the sweets plants; accelerations in the range of 0.08 g and earthquakes ■■ Other facilities using hazardous substances such as reaching a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale (of food processing sites using ammonia in significant Ahfir regions Tafoughat and Mechraa Hommadi). quantities in the context of cooling systems, or treatment ■■ A significant seismicity area comprising the province of hazardous waste sites. of Figuig with floor accelerations of the order of These types of industries can generate hazards. But they 0.01g and earthquakes up to magnitude 4.4 on the do not necessarily imply the presence of a risk. In fact, we Richter scale ( region). talk about industrial risk effect when a hazard is likely threaten 3.7.1.4 Evolution of the Locust Risk Invasion people, property and / or the environment. The locust risk invasion is represented by the proliferation 3.7.2.2 Technological Risks of insect species belonging to the «acrididae» family. They The only technological risk which may occur in the region is can cause significant damage to crops and vegetation. limited to the breaking barrage whose frequency of occur- Among the 200 locust species recorded in Morocco, only rence with the exception of unusual facts of 10-4 to 10-3 two seriously threaten crops and pastures: the Moroccan years which suggests a serene future at the 2030 horizon Locust Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg) and the Desert since all dams were built less than a century ago. Locust Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal). 3.7.2.3 Hazardous Materials Transportation Risks Invasions occur especially after a long period of drought. The Hazardous Materials Transportation Risk (HMTR) in- African Sahel countries receive large winter rains during the volves more than highly toxic products, explosives or pol- summer creating favorable ecological conditions for breeding lutants. It also deals with all the products used on a regular and multiplication of the desert locust. basis such as gas, fertilizers (solid and liquid), fuel, etc. that The oldest available information on locust invasion in can potentially represent a threat for the population and the Morocco date back to 1780. However, there is no information environment. on its duration. In the twentieth century, Morocco has The HMTR in the Oriental region is localized around the experienced four great invasions: following communication ways: ■■ In 1914, Morocco has experienced a locust invasion ■■ The motorway section linking Taza to Taourirt (trans- that lasted 5 years from 1914 to 1919. port of oil, explosives, hazardous chemicals); ■■ In 1927, Morocco will experience four periods of ■■ The railways linking Figuig to Taza and Oujda (trans- invasion (1927-1934, 1941-1948, 1954 to 1961, 1987- port of hazardous chemicals, flammable and / or ex- 1989). These invasions were interspersed with periods plosive); of remission, the longest is 26 years (1961-1987). ■■ The Pipeline passing through the region form the West ■■ The last invasion period of 1987-1989 was one of the to the East (risk of fire, explosion and pollution of the most important. It required the mobilization of human, receiving environment). material and substantial financial (1 billion MAD) to treat nearly 5 million hectares. The Hazardous Materials Transportation Risk will rise in the region with the rise of road traffic, the spread of urban ■■ The last invasion took place in 2003-2004 and during zones near the hazardous materials transport routes, and which the locusts came up to the plains of Chaouia. the growth of the population. Morocco has known locust invasion periods each forty years and given that the last one took place in 2003-2004, it is likely that the next episode takes place during the early 2040s. 3.7.2 RISING TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES 3.7.2.1 Industrial Risks The Industrial risk can manifest itself by an accident occurring on an industrial site and may lead to serious consequences for the workers, population, property, the environment or the natural areas. It is related to the use, storage or production of hazardous substances. The main risk industries in the Oriental region are:

18 4 - FUTUR PROSPECTS WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN

The elaboration of the Environmental Actions Plan (EAP) is 4.2 - SECOND FOCUS AREA: REDUCING based on the widest consultation possible. This approach THE URBAN PRESSURE has effectively contributed to the leaders of the various In the past decades, the Oriental region has known an ur- regional, provincial and municipal authorities. ban development and a very strong rural exodus. However, This participatory approach allows the integration of the the urban infrastructure development does not match the options identification and priority setting. pace of the growing urban population and the extension of The actions plan «Future of the regional environment» built-up areas, resulting in the following issues: was developed in the framework of a trend scenario that ■■ The rapid, non-organic and unorganized growth of the corrects the documented failings and deficiencies in order built-up areas; to achieve a symbiosis between environment protection ■■ The unbalanced urban framework; policies and the socio-economic development. This coo- peration will in turn ensure the sustainable integrity of the ■■ A mismatch between supply and demand for social natural environment from 2030 onwards. housing; The role of this environmental policy and its action plans is ■■ A proliferation of the phenomenon of illegal housing; to progressively provide the Oriental region with the right ■■ A degradation of the old fabric (Medina, Kasbah and tools to set in place environmental protection, restoration Ksours); mechanisms and implement an effective environmental ■■ An urban extension, at the cost of forests and farmlands. management, in order to maintain high standards of quality To better apprehend these issues and improve urban plan- of living for the area’s current and future population. ning in the Oriental region, the actions plan relies on four The essential directives that are considered an essential major aims: part in the environmental policy as well as the resulting ■■ First Aim: Upgrade and complete town planning. actions will be progressively implemented in the tools of development and planning of the region specifically within ■■ Second Aim: Enforce urban regulations. the framework of the Regional Territory Master Plan (RTMP) ■■ Third Aim: Use modern technologies and computerized as well as any other strategic document. management to create databases for the Ten focus areas were chosen due to the results of selection various urban operations. of priority issues in the Oriental region. All of these focus ■■ Fourth Aim: Reflect on a new urban layout. areas will help address environmental issues, to improve 4.3 - THIRD FOCUS AREA: WATER the living conditions of the populations and initiate the pro- cess of integrating proactive environmental initiatives in RESOURCES PROTECTION territorial and sectoral planning. The great unbalance noted in matching resources to needs The focus areas were declared in a number of objectives requires a heightened vigilance in the preservation of these and actions. These actions reflect the deficiencies noted scarce resources. This water scarcity has grave, negative during the choice of key issues in the region. They will help impacts on the production systems, the healthcare, the catch up with the environmental programs and/or fill the environment and the sustainable development. identified gaps. The hydrological context is plagued by an ever-increasing scarcity, due mainly to climate changes, irrational usage, 4.1 - FIRST FOCUS AREA : IMPROVING and demographic growth. THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT The needs of the different usage sectors of water are in This lack of water sanitation and wastewater treatment constant development. In fact, the overconsumption of wa- is one of the major causes of surface and groundwater ter comes from the loss of distribution networks and inlets. dwindling quality. The Industrial and handicraft releases, It is also caused by, excessive usage in agriculture, indus- accentuate water pollution. tries and households, and its drastic impact the ground The water resources protection, and the decrease of acti- and surface resources. vities impacts on them, relies heavily on the actions taken To reduce the ecological footprint on water resources re- to improve sanitation. The goals’ achievement in this area quires a better management of these resources, their qua- lies in the cooperative actions and the awareness of all the lity, and the sanitation infrastructure. key players. The planned actions in regards to the water demand in- The action plan to tackle these issues and improve clude an upgrade of the urban distribution and conveyance wastewater treatment for the Oriental region has three network as well as a massive conversion to localized irriga- aims: tion. In the long run, the water demand management and ■■ First Aim: Research operative alternatives for the the valuation of water will generate significant water-sa- sanitation method. vings. This focus area relies on six aims: ■■ Second Aim: Setup wastewater treatment plants with ■■ First Aim: Raise water preservation and water saving wastewater recycling. awareness ■■ Third Aim: Raise hygiene and public health ■■ Second Aim: Guarantee better water resources quality. awareness. ■■ Third Aim: Raise awareness regarding the state of water resources.

19 ■■ Fourth Aim: Upgrade network efficiency. ■■ Fifth Aim: Use recycled wastewaters to increase water 4.6 - SIXTH FOCUS AREA: SOIL AND resources. BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION ■■ Sixth Aim: Better water framework (laws, regulations, The preservation of biodiversity refers to a wide number of penalties, etc.). issues affecting specifically through the following environ- 4.4 - FOURTH FOCUS : IMPROVING ments: forests, soils, sustainable land management, wet- FARMING PRACTICES lands, etc. The agricultural activity taints the quality of water resources Soils are natural resources that support the overall eco- due to unsuitable irrigation practices and the bad portio- nomic activities. They play a critical role in the agricultural ning of fertilizers and phytosanitary products. sector and ensure significant ecological functions such as maintaining the natural vegetation, water absorption, and Irrigation can affect the environment in a negative way, par- drainage, etc. ticularly the quality of ground and surface waters, either with poor quality water or by serving as conduits for ni- Soils suffer from numerous corrosions and aggressions trogen-based fertilizers and often-overused pesticides. that directly affect the biodiversity of the regional environ- ment. The combined impacts of climate conditions and When used in mass quantity, fertilizers cause significant man-exerted pressures on natural resources play a cru- drinking water pollution (linked to nitrates toxicity), eutro- cial role in soil degradation. These pressures highlight the phication of freshwater due to soluble elements leaching importance of soil conservation and the need of corrective onto streams or aquifers through runoff. actions. The use of phytosanitary products can represent a risk for The identified pressures are caused by institutional and water resources point source contamination when handling legal deficiencies due to a lack of awareness regarding this the products, as well as during their storage, or also non- resource. point source contamination through runoff and groundwa- ter infiltration. Several efforts still need to be made in the Thus, the sustainable land and biodiversity preservation quantitative and qualitative protection of water resources system in the region is based on the following main objec- in order to perpetuate the agricultural production system tives: based on the intensified irrigated farming and the protec- ■■ First Aim: Strengthen the anti-erosion actions. tion of the population health. ■■ Second Aim: Take an inventory and restore polluted soils. To better understand these issues and improve the farming ■■ Third Aim: Increase actions for green spaces; practices in the Oriental Region, three main objectives have ■■ Fourth Aim: Increase forests preservation against been identified in this action plan: desertification; ■■ First Aim: Better water resources management. ■■ Fifth Aim: Develop a strategy to raise biodiversity ■■ Second Aim: Improve best agricultural practices. awareness ■■ Third Aim: Train farmers and do follow-ups. ■■ Sixth Aim: Improve quarries management. 4.5 - FIFTH FOCUS AREA : IMPROVING ■■ Seventh Aim: Establish a framework for soil management WASTE MANAGEMENT 4.7 - SEVENTH FOCUS AREA : COASTAL In the waste sector, significant efforts have been made, SUISTAINABLE MANAGMENT including the establishment of landfills. The Oriental Region is a maritime area whose coastline is The quantities of solid waste produced continues to grow a major strategic asset in its socio-economic and human in terms of urban extension, the increase in population, in- development. This development cannot be achieved wit- dustrialization, implementation of administrative services, hout the adoption of a governance system based on envi- commercial establishments and service facilities. ronmental integrated management. The industrial and medical activities also produce specific The coastal area is vulnerable and highly coveted. It pres- waste (both hazardous and non-hazardous) and their elimi- ents an original flora and fauna. It is a conflict area, conver- nation requires specific equipment. gence of interests dragging a heavy littoralization of the Thus, this focus area is based on the following main objec- coasts due to the population pressure and urbanization. tives in the region: The coastline is also subject to a major urban pressure. ■■ First Aim: Improve waste collection, transport, and Great intensification projects of urbanization are comple- treatment. ted, under construction, planned or proposed: Harbor ■■ Second Aim: Handle and treat hazardous and hospital extension and development, tourism programs and leisure wastes. (Saidia, Marchica, etc.). ■■ Third Aim: Waste recycling. The coastal environment of the Oriental region is also ex- posed to the phenomenon of sea erosion that specifically ■ Restore and shut down wild landfills. ■ Fourth Aim: affects the Mediterranean coast and the small sandy cliff ■■ Fifth Aim: Develop human resources and strengthen near Kariat Arekmane. the institutional capacity The region have to implement local actions that will allow ■■ Sixth Aim: Strengthen education and raise awareness. coastal protection and preservation of natural resources. Three main objectives were identified:

20 ■■ First Aim: Control and support the littoral urbanization. police. ■■ Second Aim : Improve the coastal zones integrated management It is necessary to implement mechanisms to ensure coor- ■■ Third Aim : Ensure the protection and sustainability of the dination between sectors and coherence between policies. beaches Governments and others actors can also improve institu- tional practices in supporting the procedures by appro- 4.8 - EIGHTH FOCUS AREA : RISKS priate management systems and effective mechanisms for CONTROL managing and resolving conflicts. The parallel development of industry and urbanization has ■■ First Aim: Improve involvement among Institutions. led to increased risks. The awareness taken into account ■■ Second Aim: Improve coordination between institutions. was a result of disasters that occurs. Preventive measures have been put in place. ■■ Third Aim: Improve the legal framework. At the Oriental region level, the prevention and emergen- ■■ Fourth Aim: Raise awareness regarding environmental cy management are provided by the Wali and the Gover- issues and data gathering and sharing. nors, assisted by Preventing Cells and Risk Management 4.10 - TENTH FOCUS AREA : EDUCATION (CPGR), Provincial and Regional Civil Protection Com- AND AWARNESS mandments and the Gendarmerie (circular of the Ministry In order to upgrade its environmental strategy, the Kingdom of Interior of 19 January 2001 for the Walis and Governors). of Morocco exerted significant efforts in matters of environ- The establishments that may cause a major technological mental awareness and education with the aim to actively risk must be identified and their control must be operated involve the various players in the implementation of envi- from a general policy relating to technological risk preven- ronmental programs, and promote ecological ethics and tion. values. To prevent natural hazards, whether or not related to cli- Citizen engagement for environmental protection in the mate change, the development of various Natural Risks Oriental region is and always will be one of the pillars of Prevention Plans (NRPP) such as floods (FRPP), landslides the environmental protection regional strategy. Education, (LRPP) and earthquakes (ERPP) should be developed. communication and awareness-raising are fundamentals Thus, this focus area is based on the following main objec- of any environmental protection policy. tives in the region: Efforts should be taken to promote environmental ■■ First Aim: Control technological hazards. consciousness and foster a sustainable development ■■ Second Aim: Control natural hazards. mindset in the population as a whole, specifically among the younger generation. ■■ Third Aim: Strengthen risk management and raise awareness The actual challenge is to continue to change attitudes by preventive work, not to mention if any police missions. New 4.9 - NINTH FOCUS AREA : GOVERNANCE representations and practices must emerge with a posi- The Oriental region suffers from environmental issues tive combination of cultural traditions both at national and often caused by anthropic activities. Population growth, regional level, the needs of modern society and those of urbanization, coastline sprawl, industrialization, overex- ecosystem restoration. ploitation of natural resources, and other types of abuse ■■ First Aim : Launch the upgrade program for rural of the ecosystems are enhanced by environmental gover- schools and mosques. nance issues. The lack of informations and communica- ■■ Second Aim : Strengthen the environmental awareness tions between the various actors involved in environmental and education program. management are also part of the problems that affect the management’s efficiency. ■■ Third Aim : Strengthen continuing education for instructors, communities and non-governmental Furthermore, environmental issues worsen due to frag- environmental organizations. mented and unenforced regulatory mechanisms, and the lack of means exercising public authority. ■■ Fourth Aim: Engage civil society and local communities in the environmental protection process. The environmental protection involves multiple consulting and management entities. This sort of governance leads ■■ Fifth Aim: Strengthen he human, technical and institutional to a lack of cohesion and absence of administrative police. capacities in the environmental awareness This sort of governance leads to a proliferation of stake- and communication sectors. holders, lack of cohesion and absence of administrative

21 CONCLUSION

Environmental Integrated Assessment was created as an Industrial development is responsible for significant soil exploratory process to improve the environmental quality and air deterioration due to atmospheric releases. in the Oriental region. It will offer the local decision-makers The Oriental region’s shoreline represents a complex, sen- an overview of the state of the region’s environment and its sitive and highly coveted zone with a unique flora and fau- multiple impacts on the ecosystems and the population. na. It suffers from significant coastal development hazards Furthermore, it will provide an action plan for a sustainable due to demographic and urbanization pressures. development that is compatible with the existing projects Ten focus areas have been identified after the results of and programs while taking into account the financial and priority issues in the Oriental region. All of these focus areas institutional dispositions and the support measures in will remedy the environmental issues, improve the popula- place. tion’s living conditions, and start the territorial and sectoral The Action Plan called “Future of the environment” was and territorial planning. Each focus area includes a number created based on the development, analysis, and assess- of priorities to answer the stakeholders’ expectations. ment of scenarios regarding the management and plan- The chosen pro-active scenario allows the launch of an ning of natural resources. This analysis made it possible environmental protection process in a manner that is fully to choose the right scenario, compatible with the deve- consistent with sustainable development, achievable only lopment’s achievements and prospects for the preserva- if the socio-economic development standards, the produc- tion and protection of natural resources and environmental tion and consumption modes are reviewed and integrated spheres. It will launch an overall awareness campaign for in the tactical and political choices of the Oriental region. the inclusion of the environment in each decision-making in every sector. The environmental problems that belong to the Oriental re- gion are particularly complex and interdependent. Beyond This action plan will serve as a basis for work that will lead corrective actions to stem the direct pressure on the va- to the achievement of sustainable development in the rious components in the pro-active scenario, it also proves Oriental region. that taking into account these environmental issues needs The ranking results obtained, highlight that the most de- an integrated and participatory management of the terri- graded natural areas are successively water resources, tory, based on a sustainable development approach for any soils, littoral, biodiversity and air. development project or spatial planning. The demographic development faced with the lack of basic The environment state analysis of the Oriental region confir- infrastructure, housing deficit, difficulties to reduce illite- med that the natural resources is a reflection of production, racy and poverty, coupled with a lack of efficiency, gover- consumption and political and strategic choices. Thus, an nance and coordination between stakeholders accentuate integrated view of the region’s development is essential to the problems identified. the protection of the environment. The shortage of liquid and solid waste treatment infrastruc- tures weighs heavily on the degradation of water and soil quality and the worsening of living conditions. This shor- tage is exacerbated by insufficient standards and legal fra- mework, lack of supervision, etc.

22 APPENDIXES

23 REGIONAL STAKEHOLDERS

■■ Local authorities • Wilaya of the Oriental Region • The Province of Nador • The Province of Figuig • The Province of Jerrada • The Province of Taourirt • The Province of Driouch • The Province of Berkane ■■ Regional institutions by sector • Regional Environmental Unit • Regional office for Energy and Mining • Regional Delegation of Industry, Trade and New Technologies of Oujda • Regional Delegation of Industry, Trade and New Technologies of Nador • Regional Office of Health • Regional Tourist Office of Oujda • Regional Tourist Office of Nador • Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Planning • Hydraulic Basin Agency of Moulouya • Regional Office of National Water and Electric Power - Electric Power Division • Regional Office of National Water and Electric Power - Water Division • Regional Office for Agriculture of Oujda • Regional Craft Office • Maritime Fisheries Office of Nador • Regional Culture Office • Regional Academy of National Education • Regional Office of Equipment and Transport • Autonomous Water and Electric Power Distribution Utility of Oujda • Regional Meteorological Office - North • Regional Office for Waters, Forests and Combating Desertification • Nador Urban Agency • Oujda Urban Agency • Regional Inspection of Habitat, Urbanism, and Urban Policy

24 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

BOD5 : Biochemical Oxygen Demand for 5 days CO : Carbon Monoxide

CO2 : Carbon Dioxide COD : Chemical Oxygen Demand CPCI : Chemical and Para-Chemical Industry DPSIR : Drivers – Pressures – State – Impacts – Responses EAP : Environmental Actions Plan EHFC : Expenditure of Household Final Consumption ERPP : Earthquakes Risks Prevention Plan FC : Fecal Coliforms FRPP : Flood Risks Prevention Plan GDP : Gross Domestic Growth HBA : Hydraulic Basin Agency HCP : High Commissioner for Planning HMTR : Hazardous Materials Transportation Risk EIA : Environmental Integrated Assessment IWST : Institute of Water Science and Technologies LRPP : Landslides Risks Prevention Plan MAD : Moroccan Dirham MPIWR : Master Plan of Integrated Water Resources NCESD : National Charter for Environment and Sustainable Development NDM : National Directorate of Meteorology

NH4 : Ammonium NHWMP : National Household Waste Management Program

NO2 : Nitrogen Dioxide NOx : Nitrous Oxide NRPP : Natural Risks Prevention Plan NSBM : National School of Business and Management NSWP : National Solid Wastes Program

O3 : Ozone ONSAS : Oujda National School of Applied Sciences OSST : Oujda Superior School of Technology PRMU : Prevention and Risk Management Unit ROESD : Regional Observatory of the Environment and Sustainable Development RHD : Regional Health Directorate RTMP : Regional Territory Master Plan SBEI : Site of Biological and Ecological Interest SBR : Seismic Building Regulation SMH : Small and Medium Hydraulics SO2 : Sulfur Dioxide TP : Total Phosphate WTP : Wastewater Treatment Plant

25 BIBLIOGRAPHY

• AEFCS-MAMVA., 1992-1996-Plan Directeur des Aires Protégées du Maroc • AGENCE DE L’ORIENTAL/ PNUD, Avril 2008, Développement Local Intégré de l’Oriental (DéLIO) Oasis de Figuig. • HCEFLCD, 1997-1998 - Aménagements des forêts du Maroc Oriental. • INRH, 2001 - La Mar Chica ou lagune de Nador : Etat des connaissances sur les problèmes de pollution : CRRH- Nador. • MADREF, 2001 - Programme d’action nationale de lutte contre la désertification. • MAMVA-FIDA-CIHEAM, 1995-1997- Projet de développement de l’élevage et des parcours de l’Oriental. • MATEE / SEE, 2002 - Monographie régionale de l’environnement. Région de l’Oriental. • MATEE / SEE, 2004 - Stratégie nationale pour la conservation et l’utilisation durable de la diversité biologique. • QUEZEL P. et al., 1992 - Contribution à l’étude des groupements forestiers et préforestiers du Maroc Oriental. Stud. Bot. 10. • RABIA O., 1993 - La dégradation des nappes alfatières des Hauts Plateaux de l’Oriental marocain. Thèse, 190p. • Conseil Régional de l’oriental, Plan de développement stratégique de la Région de l’Oriental, Avril 2011 • HCP, Statistiques Environnementales au Maroc, 2006 • HCP, Monographie régionale, 2012 • MATEE, Observatoire National de l’environnement du Maroc, Monographie régionale de l’environnement Région de l’oriental, Profil environnemental, 2002 • PNUE, PAM & Plan Bleu, Les menaces sur les sols dans les pays méditerranéens Etude bibliographique, Les cahiers du Plan Bleu 2, Mai 2003 • Projet SMAP III Plan d’action pour la côte de Nador, Analyse de la situation actuelle de la zone côtière de Nador : Milieu biophysique, Juin 2007 • Région de l’Oriental, L’Oriental une région en marche, Mai 2004 • Région de l’Oriental, SRAT de la région de l’Oriental

26 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 1 : Average Structure of the regionalized GDP between 2000 and 2007 10 FIGURE 2 : Ranking of the branches in terms of percentage of overall regional Business Sales 11 FIGURE 3 : Evolution of the urban and rural pollutions in the Region 16 FIGURE 4 : Evolution of the elimination rate of pollution 16 FIGURE 5 : Importance of the forest domain by type of trees in the region 18

LIST OF TABLES 19 TABLE 1: Flood sites listing at region level

27 Kingdom of Morocco

Ministry of Energy, Mines, Ministry of Interior Water and Environment Region of Oriental Department of Environment Regional Observatory of Environment and Sustainable Development

STATE AND FUTURE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE ORIENTAL REGION

Ministry of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment Department of Environment

National Environmental Observatory of Morocco Adress : 9, Al Araar street, Sector 16, Hay Riyad, Rabat Phone : +212 (0) 5 37 57 66 41 Fax : +212 (0) 5 37 57 66 42 www.environnement.gov.ma

Regional Observatory of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Oriental Region Adress : Siège du Conseil Régional, Bd, le Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan , Oujda Phone : +212 (0) 5 36 52 48 70 SYNTHESIS REPORT FOR DECISION MAKERS Fax28 : +212 (0) 5 36 52 48 64 2013