Skip to main content Skip to journal navigation menu Skip to site footer

Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Development

Sustainable Water Management in Eco-Tourism: Addressing Water Scarcity in Morocco’s Northern Piedmont of the Western High Atlas

  • Hamza Ait Zamzami
    Laboratory of Dynamics of Spaces and Societies (LADES), Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, HASSAN II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia 21100, Morocco
    Author
  • Mohammed Elaanzouli
    Laboratory of Dynamics of Spaces and Societies (LADES), Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, HASSAN II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia 21100, Morocco
    Author
  • Ayoub Zahrani
    Laboratory of Dynamics of Spaces and Societies (LADES), Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, HASSAN II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia 21100, Morocco
    Author
  • Abdelghani Ezzardi
    Laboratory of Dynamics of Spaces and Societies (LADES), Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, HASSAN II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia 21100, Morocco
    Author
  • Jamila Saidi
    Laboratory of Dynamics of Spaces and Societies (LADES), Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, HASSAN II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia 21100, Morocco
    Author
  • Jamal Mounaji
    Department of Architecture, National School of Architecture, Marrakesh 40200, Morocco
    Author
  • Siham Belhaj
    Department of Architecture, National School of Architecture, Marrakesh 40200, Morocco Department of geology, Mohammed V University, Rabat 10000, Morocco
    Author
  • Abdelmalek Ammari
    Department of Architecture, National School of Architecture, Marrakesh 40200, Morocco Team of Modeling and Simulating in Mechanics and Energetic, Department of Physics, Mohamed V University, Rabat 10000, Morocco
    Author
  • Jumadi Jumadi
    Faculty of Geography, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta 57162, Indonesia
    Author
  • Taieb Boumeaza
    Laboratory of Dynamics of Spaces and Societies (LADES), Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, HASSAN II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia 21100, Morocco
    Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63385/etsd.v1i2.174

Keywords:

Ecotourism, Integrated Resource Management, Semi-Arid Zones, Sustainability, Territorial Resilience, Water Stress

Abstract

The northern piedmont of Morocco’s western High Atlas is grappling with significant environmental challenges, particularly regarding the availability of water. The region, characterized by its semi-arid climate, is facing increasing pressure from expanding tourism development, which exacerbates the already strained water resources. While tourism is often seen as a sustainable economic driver, its rapid growth has led to a surge in water demand, further complicating resource management. This study investigates the spatial and temporal tensions between tourism development and water resource preservation in this delicate region. By employing a combination of territorial systems analysis, field surveys, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the research evaluates water consumption across a range of tourism accommodations, including hotels, gîtes, and resorts. The findings reveal significant disparities in water use, with large tourist complexes and villas accounting for over 83% of the total water consumption. In response to these challenges, the study recommends strategies such as the implementation of circular water economies, improving water-use efficiency in tourism facilities, and fostering stronger local governance and regulation. Integrating water conservation measures into tourism planning and management is crucial to balancing economic growth with the environmental limitations of the region. This research provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for managing tourism sustainably in water-scarce areas, offering a framework for balancing development with environmental sustainability.

References


    License

    Copyright (c) 2025 Hamza Ait Zamzami, Mohammed Elaanzouli, Ayoub Zahrani, Abdelghani Ezzardi, Jamila Saidi, Jamal Mounaji, Siham Belhaj, Abdelmalek Ammari, Jumadi Jumadi, Taieb Boumeaza

    Creative Commons License

    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

    Most Viewed

    ×