Atlantic A Quadruple-bottom line Approach Sahara In early 2009, ecoplan:net was hired by the Agency for the Social and Economic Development of the South of Morocco Sustainable (L’Agence du Sud) to prepare an overall sustainable development strategy for the Tourism this last frontier for tourism development in Morocco. The client was particularly concerned about the impact of tourism Development on both the fragile desert and coastal ecosystems as well as the local nomad Strategy populations and Sufi saints religious sites. All proposed infrastructure development The new model for and programs were based on supporting ‘quadruple bottom-line procedures and sustainable practices’ including: tourism destination environmental protection and enhancement, social enrichment, development in responsible economic growth and carbon Morocco emission reduction . Destination Resources 3 Development Poles Tour Itineraries The region possesses an exceptional Proposed development projects The proposed strategy is based on the variety natural and cultural resources development of 4 unique tourism circuits. including the unique opportunity to focused on 3 distinct Activity Poles; 1. Coastal and Desert Circuit connecting combine an Atlantic Coastal experience Laâyoune, the gateway, major the 3 poles and offering a variety of with the desert ecology of the vast service center and expression of cultural, spiritual and ecological Western Sahara. local culture, Es-Smara, the programs and attractions (8 days) 2. A Spiritual Tourism Itinerary including The region is also known as the center for spiritual tourism and visits to select sacred sites in the Es- birthplace for many renowned Sufi saints desert ecology and Khnifiss Smara area (4 days) which attract thousands of their National Park and the adjacent 3. A Desert Ecology itinerary (5 days) descendants to the region each year. 4. A Coastal Marine Ecotourism coastal community of Tarfaya . Package (5-day ) associated with Khnifiss The coastal community of Tarfaya is National Park and adjacent communities. where ‘The Little Prince, the 4th best selling book in the world, was written. Action Plan Khnifiss National Park also provides A detailed 3 phase, $11 million access to the biodiversity of the coastal development program was outlined lagoons and the Atlantic Ocean. including feasibility analysis, planning + design and investment requirements for: Nevertheless the region is threatened by 1. Infrastructure (e.g. ecolodge, visitor several forces including reduced rainfall, centers, interpretive kiosks, loss of oasis vegetation, urban migration campgrounds and trail construction and advanced desertification. 2. Training Program Design/Delivery 3. Marketing and Community Awareness For more information please contact: James MACGREGOR Temara, Morocco [email protected] .