Protecting Biodiversity by Supporting People

Six people outside standing around a map, pointing to various parts. — Discussing a zoning system to re-instore traditional grazing practices.

© Zaid Salmad, AFMI

Conserving the Biodiversity of Morocco's Ifrane National Park Through Revitalization and Adaptation of Traditional Grazing Practices

Grantee Name: Association Forêt Modèle Ifrane

Hotspot: Mediterranean Basin
Location: Morocco
Amount: $139,293
Dates: May 2020 – Jul 2022
Keywords: Buffer zones, Community-based conservation, Land use planning, Livestock, Medicinal plants, Protected Areas, Restoration

Revitalize the traditional sheep farming systems of Ait Mhamed and Ait Ben Hcine communities in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Support the communities to set up a sustainable grazing system based on traditional rights, preventing over-grazing in the biodiversity-rich mountains of Ifrane National Park. Establish cooperatives for traditional medicinal plants, with regulations for sustainable harvesting.

Strategic Direction : 3 Promote the maintenance of traditional land-use practices necessary for the conservation of Mediterranean biodiversity in priority corridors of high cultural and biodiversity value