Publications
Balancing ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in a fragile territory: The case of Mogador Island
Ecotourism in fragile environments like Mogador Island, part of the Medina of Essaouira, is more a contested arena shaped by differing values and power dynamics than a universally accepted solution for conservation and development. A qualitative study involving 22 stakeholders revealed that while institutions and economic players prioritize regulated access and funding to drive regional diversification, community groups and environmental experts emphasize the risks of habitat damage and the commodification of nature. The research highlights the need for participatory governance, regulated use, and respect for ecological boundaries to balance ecotourism's potential with biodiversity conservation. This study also sheds light on the challenges faced by rare species like Eleonora's falcon, contributing to broader debates on sustainable tourism management in fragile territories.
The Kasbah of Essaouira. A fortified naval base on the Atlantic coast of Morocco (18th century)
Essaouira, originally known as Amogdoul or Mogdoul, emerged as a strategically significant fortified naval base on Morocco's Atlantic coast during the 18th century. Its transformation from a Phoenician and Roman dye production site to a planned port city under Alawite Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah in 1765 reflects a blend of Arab-Moroccan Cherifian and European (Vauban, Manueline) military architectural styles. Designed by French engineer Nicolas Théodore Cornut, Essaouira's quadrilateral layout and fortified structures—including walls with bastions, gates, a kasbah, and two cannon batteries—served as both a commercial hub linking Morocco to Europe and a strategic stronghold to suppress the Souss revolt. This study highlights Essaouira's dual role in international trade and military defense during the 18th–19th centuries.
Valorization of the Geological Heritage of the Western High Atlas Coast (Agadir, Morocco)
The Western Coastal High Atlas in southwest Morocco, including the Medina of Essaouira, harbors significant geological and paleontological heritage spanning from the Triassic to the Plio-Quaternary periods. This study identifies and evaluates key geosites—stratigraphic, tectonic, sedimentological, and paleontological—for their potential to promote conservation, education, and sustainable tourism. Using a multi-criteria approach (e.g., site integrity, accessibility, representativeness), researchers assessed 38 geosites between Agadir and the Haha–Essaouira Plateau, highlighting their scientific value and tourist appeal. The findings underscore the region's untapped potential for geotourism while emphasizing the need for integrated preservation strategies to balance heritage valorization with sustainable development.
Palynostratigraphic study (dinoflagellate cysts) of the Callovian–Oxfordian in Essaouira-Agadir Basin, Morocco
A palynostratigraphic study of the Essaouira-Agadir Basin, Morocco, reveals high-resolution stratigraphic markers based on dinoflagellate cysts, enabling precise dating of the Callovian–Oxfordian stages. The research identifies distinct dinoflagellate assemblages that mark the upper Callovian and Upper Oxfordian, including key species such as Ctenidodinium ornatum, Systematophora areolata, and Endoscrinium galeritum. This study contributes to a refined stratigraphic scale for the Tethyan and Atlantic realms, bridging correlations with the NW European (subboreal) realm. The findings are based on a 75-meter-thick section from Iggi N’Tarhzout, north of Agadir, where well-preserved dinoflagellate cysts provide critical insights into the geological history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dimensões da castelologia portuguesa no Norte de África entre Quatrocentos e meados de Quinhentos
Portuguese castles in North Africa, built between the 15th and mid-16th centuries, served as key tools for territorial appropriation. This study reveals that, except for Azamor, all Portuguese settlements on Muslim medinas involved at least one independent castle. The research analyzes these structures as integral parts of new urban landscapes or autonomous entities, examining their evolution across three phases: medieval, early modernization, and Manueline maturity. By revisiting sites like Alcácer Ceguer, Arzila, Tânger, Safim, and Mogador (Essaouira), the study highlights how these castles adapted to emerging pyrotechnic challenges, marking a turning point in North African fortification history by mid-16th century. The approach combines historical analysis with architectural investigation, focusing on visible vestiges and their significance.
Systematic Review of Air Pollution in Morocco: Status, Impacts, and Future Directions
Road traffic and industrial activities are the primary contributors to air pollution in Morocco, with significant variations in pollutant levels across cities. Casablanca, Kenitra, and Essaouira face higher pollution due to transportation and industrial emissions, while altitude influences air quality, generally leading to lower concentrations at higher elevations. This systematic review of 64 original studies highlights adverse health impacts such as mortality, respiratory disorders, and cardiovascular diseases linked to exposure. It also underscores the need for broader research on pollution's economic effects, improved modeling, and a more comprehensive focus on pollutants beyond regulated ones.
Entreprendre dans le tourisme en contexte de mobilité Nord-Sud : une étude des stratégies des Français à partir des médinas d'Essaouira et de Fès (Maroc)
French entrepreneurs are reshaping Morocco’s medinas—particularly the UNESCO-listed Medina of Essaouira—as hubs for transnational tourism and lifestyle migration. This study reveals how these 'privileged migrants' leverage homes, riads, and hospitality ventures to embed themselves in local economies while maintaining global mobility, creating a distinct socio-economic ecosystem. Unlike traditional migration patterns, their strategies blend professional opportunity with cultural immersion, challenging conventional North-South dynamics. The research employs immersive qualitative methods, focusing on two medinas—Essaouira (known for its cosmopolitan vibe) and Fès—to uncover the material and social dimensions of this entrepreneurial phenomenon. Findings highlight how these ventures contribute to a 'bottom-up' reconfiguration of urban spaces, blending economic activity with cultural exchange.
Evaluation of the Geothermal Potential of the Essaouira Basin in the Western High Atlas, Morocco
Areas of high geothermal potential are primarily located in the southern part of the Essaouira basin, as revealed by a comprehensive study combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, hydrogeochemical data analysis, and geophysics. This research identifies elevated heat sources and assesses subsurface lithological variations, providing valuable insights for future geothermal energy development in the region. The study employed advanced techniques such as lineament extraction, surface temperature calculations, and hydrothermal alteration assessments to pinpoint prospective zones for geothermal exploration.
Flood Susceptibility Assessment through Statistical Models and HEC-RAS Analysis for Sustainable Management in Essaouira Province, Morocco
A flood susceptibility assessment of the Essaouira Province, Morocco, identified the village of Diabat along the Oued Ksob as highly vulnerable to flooding. This finding was derived from three robust statistical models—Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Frequency Ratio (FR), and Weights of Evidence (WoE)—each validated with a high Area Under the Curve (AUC) score of 90. The study analyzed ten flood-influencing factors, including slope, elevation, and land use patterns, to create a detailed susceptibility map. Hydraulic modeling using HEC-RAS further confirmed Diabat's exposure, providing critical insights for sustainable flood management in Essaouira. These results empower decision-makers with data-driven strategies to mitigate flood risks and minimize potential damages.
How Moroccan Film Destination Attracts More Tourists
Film tourism significantly enhances destination appeal and sustainability, particularly for Essaouira, Morocco. Research demonstrates that film-inspired travel motivates tourists, boosting local reputation and economic benefits when paired with sustainable initiatives. The study employed mixed-methods approaches, including offline and online questionnaires targeting both tourists and locals, to assess perspectives on film-driven tourism. Findings highlight the transformative potential of integrating film narratives into destination marketing strategies, offering a replicable model for other regions seeking to leverage cinematic storytelling for sustainable growth.
Health risks, governance and changes in ecotourism paradigms during Covid19 pandemic, case study of Essaouira Province in Morocco
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted ecotourism, particularly in natural and rural spaces like the Medina of Essaouira (Morocco), where tourism plays a vital role in economic dynamics, local development, and biodiversity conservation. The study highlights that the rebound of ecotourism will require profound changes in travel design and service delivery, emphasizing sustainability, health, and regulatory measures to manage future risks. A key finding is the increased sensitivity to epidemiological risks and vector-borne diseases, with tourists potentially acting as pathogen transmission factors due to their mobility. New procedures are needed to control traveler behavior and interactions with wildlife, while the slowdown in demand may hinder ecotourism development. The research underscores the need for health-friendly tourism paradigms to mitigate these challenges.
The Valanginian Weissert Event on the south Tethyan margin: A dynamic paleoceanographic evolution based on the study of calcareous nannofossils
A first paleoceanographic reconstruction of the Valanginian Weissert Event on the central Moroccan margin reveals dynamic changes in nannofossil communities linked to sea-level fluctuations and nutrient availability. The study, based on quantitative analysis of calcareous nannofossils from onshore and offshore successions, shows that a major sea-level fall triggered a collapse of nannofossil diversity at the event's onset, while subsequent recovery coincided with high surface-water fertility and stable carbon-isotope shifts. Nannoconid decline and recovery patterns further indicate sensitivity to sea-level changes. This work integrates local findings into a broader global paleoceanographic context.
Changes in the Population Size of Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis at Essaouira and Mogador Island, West-central Morocco
A significant increase in the Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) population has been observed in the Essaouira–Mogador Island area of West-central Morocco, with an annual growth rate of 3.58% since 1985. The study, conducted in 2019 using point-transect sampling, estimated a population size of nearly 30,000 birds, with the highest density recorded on Mogador Island at 217.2 ± 28.3 birds/ha—markedly higher than previous records. The average reproductive rate was 1.04 chicks per pair annually, suggesting stable reproduction despite population growth. Researchers attribute this boom primarily to increased food availability from open landfill sites, though further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of food abundance on colony dynamics.
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