High Atlas
Earthquake Recovery
In the wake of the devastating 6.8 earthquake that shook the El Haouz region in the High Atlas near Marrakech, Morocco in September 2023, our team has been dedicated to supporting the affected communities. We have long been committed to the region through our High Atlas Cultural Landscapes (HACL) Programme, and in this time of crisis, our dedication has only deepened.
Within two days of the earthquake, our team swiftly transitioned from our usual focus on biodiversity and conservation to becoming a vital part of the disaster relief effort. Leveraging our decade-long relationship with the communities of the High Atlas, we were able to quickly mobilise to address the most pressing needs being reported on the ground.
Initially, our efforts were concentrated on three critical fronts: providing essential material aid such as food and clothing, ensuring temporary shelter through tents and other necessities, and providing medical and hygiene support to safeguard the health of those affected. In the long term, we are committed to long-term recovery, community well-being, and sustainable development.
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- Needs assessment trip by MBLA and Mercy Malaysia
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- Supplies distribution in Commune Ait Tamlil, Douar Taslent N’Ait Mgoun and Douar Imziln
- Coordinating supplies and support, mobilising resources, and collaborating with other organisations for effective interventions.
- Evolving interventions, including providing essentials, building toilets and temporary homes, and restoring normalcy in communities.
- The long-term strategy includes focusing on gender and mental health, reducing waste, and restoring traditional livelihoods.
Partners:
Donors:
Immediate Essentials:
We provided blankets, tents, mattresses, hygiene products, sanitary napkins, baby formula, food, water and water storage tanks, medicines, first aid, shoes, clothes, electric cables, lights and batteries, toys, heaters, winter clothes and animal feed to many communities which had received little aid.
Partnerships and Collaborations
We forged a plethora of partnerships with other organisations to maximise our impact and reach. We not only mobilised our own resources but also organised donations, volunteers and visits with other organisations to combine efforts. We used an efficient system of skill and resource-based allocation to get the communities the help they need.
We lent our expert knowledge and field team in the High Atlas to medical organisations like Aerial Recovery and Association de Amis du CHU, animal aid organisations like SPANA, international organisations like Hope Aid and Mercy Malaysia and many others to deliver effective interventions.
Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Phase
We are now reorienting our High Atlas Cultural Landscapes Program to focus on helping communities find their feet again, whilst upholding core programme values of maintaining cultural practices, local biodiversity and sustainable ways of living.
Simultaneously, we have developed a three-phase long-term strategy that focuses on 5 main types of relief interventions: livelihoods, shelter, livestock, education and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). This Earthquake Relief program is being conducted with various partners and focuses on 3 main High Atlas regions: Imegdal, Ijoukak-Talat N’Yaaqoub and Ighil, the epicentre of the earthquake. Working closely with our partners, we have implemented a range of initiatives tailored to the specific needs of the affected communities.
LIVELIHOODS
Seed Distributions to Restore Agriculture
The Al Haouz earthquake had multifaceted impacts on the lives of its affected population. Among these effects, farmers found themselves severely hampered by the loss of direct and indirect access to seeds necessary for resuming their agricultural activities. To alleviate this hardship, GDF spearheaded seed distribution efforts in the four heavily impacted communes within the Al Haouz region: Imgdal, Ijoukak, Talat N’yaaqoub and Ighil where the epicentre is. The distributed seeds were of locally cultivated crops, tailored to the high demand within the communities. These distributions occurred across two distinct seasons, each aligning with the specific crops suited for that time of year. In November, farmers received barley, peas, fava beans, onions, carrots, and turnips, while the March distribution included Corn, Courgette, Red Ball and Long Green Pumpkin.
During the first seed distribution in November 2023, a total of 60 tonnes of barley, 2 tonnes of fava beans, 800 kilograms of peas, 90 kilograms of carrots, and 90 kilograms of turnips, were provided in close collaboration with local associations. This initiative supported over 2,650 farmers across approximately 100 villages in the four communes.
In the second seed distribution in March 2024, 24,100 kilograms of corn, 77 kilograms of courgette, and a variety of red ball and long green pumpkin seeds were delivered, once again in close collaboration with local associations. This effort reached over 2,731 farmers in nearly 100 villages within the same four communes.
Distribution of locally adapted seed crops is important after disasters to restore lost diversity, revive the local seed system and safeguard local crop biodiversity for future generations. Our emergency relief of seed distribution saved the agriculture seasons, helped mitigate the sudden migration of farmers after the disaster and attracted rural farm households towards other alternative income-generating options.
The main outcome of this agrobiodiversity conservation measure of seed distribution is the rebuilding of the local seed system by promoting seed saving for future agriculture seasons in the affected villages. The process will help farmers store part of seed crops to rebuild the local seed system and help to safeguard native crop biodiversity for future generations to adapt to more extreme and changing climatic conditions. It will also help build local capacity and resilience to cope with future disasters and lay a foundation for community seed exchange within the local farming communities.
Rebuilding Water Infrastructure
The earthquake left a trail of devastation across various facets of infrastructure, impacting critical components such as water basins and canals. These water sources serve as lifelines for local communities, facilitating both irrigation for agriculture and domestic water usage. Recognising the urgency of restoring these vital resources, GDF has taken the helm in assessing the condition of water infrastructure within the four communes hardest hit by the earthquake in Al Haouz. The primary goal is to identify the most severely damaged structures in order to prioritise repair efforts effectively. By focusing on repairing and rehabilitating these essential water systems, the aim is to alleviate the hardships faced by communities and lay the foundation for long-term recovery and resilience in the region.
Our actions in assessing and repairing the water infrastructure (water canals, water reservoirs for drinking water and irrigation of agriculture parcels) include environmental remediation and ecological construction. Our action aims to increase the immediate and long-term water availability and security in earthquake-affected communities of Imegdal, Ijoukak, Talat N’Yaaqoub and Ighil.
Assessing the loss and damage to the local water infrastructure will establish a baseline for restoration, rebuilding and strengthening local infrastructure. The outcome of repairs and restoration in a participative way with local communities will help enhance the local agrobiodiversity, increase knowledge and skills in the restoration of local community-based small-holder farmer essential infrastructure and build the capacity of communities in the affected area in the High Atlas communes.
Livestock
In collaboration with organisations focusing on animal care, we have facilitated the distribution of animal fodder and veterinary caravans for working animals, along with constructing animal shelters in severely affected villages.
Veterinary Caravans for Livestock and Working Animals
With the Support & Collaboration of SPANA, COSPE, ONSSA and many in-kind Donations
Since the initial critical period following the disaster, we have worked on veterinary care for livestock and working animals despite logistical challenges, including adverse weather conditions, aftershocks and difficult terrain. Our focus on animal health and welfare included treating injured animals encountered during our missions or reported to us.
One of the immediate challenges encountered was managing dead animal carcasses to prevent health hazards, in areas where animals were trapped under rubble. Collaborating with local health authorities, we planned a disinfection protocol instead of attempting removal, considering the risks involved with moving rubble and potential hazards from falling rocks.
Throughout our relief efforts, several injured animals, including donkeys, dogs, and cows, were encountered and treated on the spot or referred to organisations like SPANA, Ordre National des Veterinaires or others for specialised care. Donkeys and mules emerged as critical lifelines for delivering aid in remote regions, which is why we initiated our collaboration with SPANA to provide regular treatments, including injury care and nutritional support. These initiatives have been valuable in maintaining the well-being of these indispensable animals.
To expand our veterinary outreach, we launched programs targeting cattle, sheep, and goats, responding to reported cases of abortions and malnutrition. With the support of ONSSA, we implemented vaccinations against pasteurellosis and administered deworming and vitamin supplements to address nutritional deficiencies exacerbated by the earthquake’s impact.
We have conducted 3 major caravans, 1 in Imegdal and 2 in Ighil. Through these interventions, we were able to treat over 1000 injured working animals. In March, a vaccination and veterinary treatment caravan was organised and benefited over 1600 livestock animals.
Conversations with local herders revealed complex challenges, such as drought and vegetation scarcity, leading us to prioritise long-term recovery strategies for pastoralists in the High Atlas region.
Animal Nutrition: Animal Feed and Fodder Distribution
This effort was made possible through our partnerships with SPANA and COSPE.
Donations and collaborations: Animal Aid Association, Alf Tansift, Aksam, SPANA and others
Malnutrition, drought and disruption in animal food supply chains and damage to grazing areas and routes were issues experienced by the livestock in the earthquake-affected areas.
During the critical emergency period, our efforts to provide essential nutrition support to livestock were vital for families coping with loss and trauma. We identified families and villages in need and launched targeted distributions.
A total of 63 tons of nutrients-rich feed and over 1,300 bales of fodder were distributed for milking cows, small ruminants and working animals across 56 villages in 3 rural communes at the epicentre (Ighil, Talat N’Yaacoub and Imegdal).
Our commitment to supporting animal welfare was met with deep appreciation from the beneficiaries.
Animal Shelters
We were able to successfully construct 26 temporary shelters for the livestock in the villages of Alous, Ifourirn and Anbdour for 44 families, providing protection against the weather and supporting local livestock activities.
In June, we planned the construction of 39 additional animal shelters benefiting 27 families across the villages of Ifourirn, Anbdour, Amerzagan, Amskerajn, Tiguerte and Agadir N’Markhssen. This initiative aims to provide better living conditions for livestock, further supporting the resilience and recovery of these communities.
SUPPORT FOR COOPERATIVES
A majority of the rural cooperatives we collaborate with have felt the impact of the earthquake, with some experiencing losses of products or materials, and others facing both. Nonetheless, akin to the resilience demonstrated by villagers affected by the earthquake, the rural cooperatives participating in GDF’s Sustainable Livelihoods Programme emerged as critical pillars of support in the earthquake response programme, channelling aid effectively to affected communities, and showcasing remarkable contributions across various regions.
Key cooperatives who acted as focal points for GDF to support earthquake relief efforts:
- Imiri Cooperative (Ait Tamlil, Demnat): Facilitated aid distribution to those in need.
- Doutmquite Aghbalou Cooperative (Sti Fadma, Ourika): Helped identify vulnerable communities and coordinated relief efforts.
- Aboughlou Cooperative (Ourika): Utilised funds to support their community and identified vulnerable areas.
- Tifawine Anougal Cooperative (Amizmiz): Distributed food packs across communities.
- Oulfa Cooperative (Lalla Takerkoust): Distributed food and emergency material packs.
- Agoundis Cooperative (Ijoukak): Provided solar projectors, tents and food supplies.
- Atlas Tlat N’Yaacoub Cooperative (Tlat N’Yaacoub): Identified villages in need and facilitated outreach.
As part of the efforts to support the High Atlas cooperatives, we organised a special edition of the High Atlas Food Market in Marrakech in January 2024, coinciding with Eid Yennayer, the Amazigh new year. The event was not only a mean of supporting earthquake-impacted cooperatives but also served as a celebration of their unwavering efforts to maintain the production of exceptional goods despite the adversities they encountered.
EDUCATION - CLASSROOM BUILDING AND REPAIR
We have focused mainly on the construction of classrooms, prefabricated and assembled on-site, to enable children to return to school in the areas where the earthquake destroyed existing infrastructure.
Through ongoing needs assessment in the communes of Imegdale, Talat N’Yaacoub, Ijoukak, and Ighil, we identify communities where learning space is needed and community and education leaders are interested in collaboration.
Each temporary school provided meets the government’s required space of 54 m2, to meet the needs of primary school students
for the next years. Once the government builds new, seismic resilient schools in these communities, the prefabricated classrooms will be repurposed for community use.
In collaboration with partners, GDF has contributed to 6 schools in the Imegdal commune serving almost 250 students in total (Tizgui n T’Kent, Aguerd, and Imedgale villages). Our goal is to build a total of 10 classrooms in the most affected villages. Through these efforts, we strive to ensure that children can continue their education uninterrupted despite the challenges they face.
As of now, GDF and our local partners have supported earthquake-affected communities with 6 learning spaces.
WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH)
Since Septem
ber 2023, GDF has collaborated closely with international organisations to assess the damage caused by the earthquake and develop strategic, cost-effective solutions for providing temporary structures and essential shelter components. High-quality tents have been distributed to families across multiple villages as a result of this ongoing partnership. In addition, electrical wiring has been installed in several villages, ensuring critical evening lighting for each shelter.
Recognising the harsh winter conditions in the High Atlas, heaters were also supplied, as tents can become extremely cold, particularly on rainy days. To further aid families in the most heavily affected villages, pallet distributions were organised to elevate bedding, clothing, and other belongings, and to keep them dry and warm. This intervention is crucial in maintaining the integrity and comfort of temporary shelters.
SHELTER AND COMFORT
Since September 2023, GDF has collaborated closely with international organisations to assess the damage caused by the earthquake and develop strategic, cost-effective solutions for providing temporary structures and essential shelter components. High-quality tents have been distributed to families across multiple villages as a result of this ongoing partnership. In addition, electrical wiring has been installed in several villages, ensuring critical evening lighting for each shelter.
Recognising the harsh winter conditions in the High Atlas, heaters were also supplied, as tents can become extremely cold, particularly on rainy days. To further aid families in the most heavily affected villages, pallet distributions were organised to elevate bedding, clothing, and other belongings, and to keep them dry and warm. This intervention is crucial in maintaining the integrity and comfort of temporary shelters.
HARVEST FESTIVAL EARTHQUAKE EDITION - AUTUMN 2023
The Autumn 2023 edition of our Harvest Festival took on a new direction in response to the earthquake to focus on the crucial themes of repair, renewal and resilience. Events included a film screening and discussion on rebuilding using traditional earth architecture, a diary of a disaster zine and podcast workshops to give mothers and children affected by the earthquake a place to process their experience. The festival also hosted the official launch of Atlas Recovery Connect, a mapping platform created by GDF in collaboration with the Emerging Business Factory (EBF) to consolidate all information on the earthquake relief efforts led by different organisations, at a Mapathon event during the Autumn 2023 edition of Harvest Festival Marrakech.
The festival aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the affected communities and to inspire collective action towards recovery and rebuilding.
ATLAS RECOVERY CONNECT - DIGITAL MAPPING PROJECT
Atlas Recovery Connect (ARC) is a collaborative digital project working to connect all actors supporting relief and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the Al Haouz earthquake. As a collaborative initiative between the Global Diversity Foundation and Emerging Business Factory (EBF), ARC plays a crucial role in connecting and coordinating the various actors involved in relief and rebuilding efforts.
The Global Diversity Foundation is actively supporting EBF by contributing to the creation of this accessible and secure meta-platform. We are sharing detailed information about our activities, including what we are doing, where, when, and with/for whom, to ensure comprehensive coverage of ongoing efforts. Additionally, we are engaging with representatives from other organisations, encouraging them to participate in this project by contributing their data and maps. This collective approach is essential for optimising the effectiveness of earthquake response initiatives in the region.
In addition to online data from organisations like the IFRC, Human Appeal and Foundation Mohamed V, we gathered valuable information from 10 partner NGOs and other key actors on emergency response and sustainable initiatives focused on rebuilding the High Atlas and supporting affected communities. These initiatives include constructing modular schools, distributing seeds to farmers and cooperatives, providing capacity-building support, and rehabilitating cultural heritage sites, such as agricultural terraces and irrigation systems. Our ARC network is expanding rapidly, with many organisations expressing interest in joining this collaborative effort.
Atlas Recovery Connect in numbers:
Cultural heritage sites mapped :
- Agricultural Terraces: 7
- Granaries: 4
- Irrigation Canals and Basins: 14
- Nomadic Shelters: 42
- Springs : 3
- Watermills: 69
Cooperatives mapped: 86 High Atlas cooperatives
What’s Next?
Our commitment to supporting earthquake-affected communities remains unwavering. We continue to actively engage in a variety of ongoing initiatives, each designed to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.
We are excited to share updates on the progress of these efforts through our Instagram and website. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and interest in our programs. With much more on the horizon, we invite you to stay connected and follow our journey as we work towards rebuilding and revitalising these communities. Stay tuned for further updates.
