Multicultural Partners Planting Trees in Africa

Today, April 15, the High Atlas Foundation hosted Her Excellency Patricia Llombart Cussac, EU Ambassador to Morocco, in Achbarou village (Al Haouz), a shining example of how EU-funded initiatives are transforming rural lives!

The visit highlighted the success of the EU-funded project: Family Literacy in Marrakech-Safi, which has empowered over 800 rural women and girls through education, personal development, and the creation of income-generating cooperatives.

In Achbarou, the ambassador met with the women of the Carpet-Making Cooperative and was warmly welcomed with organic, handmade local products. The cooperative members, who benefited from the Family Literacy Program, created the cooperative as a result of it.

They have now launched a new project making eco-friendly sacks for tree planting, with support from HAF. The ambassador was further inspired by the women’s vision of growing their own food to live 100 percent naturally.

“This collaboration is making a real difference,” the ambassador shared, expressing strong support for the project’s impact on education, sustainability, and women’s empowerment.

At the end, the ambassador planted a pomegranate tree with the women of the cooperative to mark the occasion—a symbol of growth, partnership, and hope—sparking a memory for her of when she had done so as a child with her grandfather.

As the women look to the future, they plan for greater autonomy, including transportation to expand their cooperative’s reach. This visit marks a milestone in the ongoing relationship between the EU, HAF, and these Moroccan communities.

Nestled in the breathtaking Aït Mizane Valley of the High Atlas Mountains, the village of Aroumd stands as a testament to resilience and sustainable development.

Located approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Marrakech, Aroumd is home to around 3,100 individuals across 340 households.

Agriculture and tourism drive the local economy, benefiting from the village's proximity to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.

This picturesque village is also renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, notably housing one of the region’s oldest walnut trees, estimated to be around 1,300 years old.

During our recent visit, we visited an essential water infrastructure project initiated by the High Atlas Foundation (HAF).

This initiative includes an irrigation water basin with a total capacity of approximately 80 kiloliters (kL), along with an extensive irrigation canal system (Saquia).

Additionally, the project features the construction of 160 meters of new canals and the installation of 1,900 meters of potable water pipes.

These enhancements play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable water supply for the village, directly supporting the community’s agricultural needs.

Our journey also took us to the Aswik Cooperative, a community-driven project dedicated to walnut production.

True to its name—‘Aswik,’ meaning ‘walnut tree’—this cooperative embodies the region’s deep-rooted connection to walnut cultivation.

The cooperative comprises 21 members, including 12 women and 9 men, working together to produce high-quality walnut fruit, oil, and cosmetic oils.

Certified by the National Office of Agricultural Council, Aswik upholds rigorous agricultural standards while promoting economic empowerment and sustainable farming.

Following our enriching experience in Aroumd, we traveled to the village of Tadmamt, where we had the opportunity to visit a thriving plant nursery.

Mr. Abdellatif, the nursery caretaker, warmly welcomed us and provided an insightful tour of the site. He elaborated on the various tree species cultivated and the crucial role this nursery plays in environmental sustainability.

By supplying farmers with diverse plant species suited to the region’s climate, the nursery contributes significantly to local reforestation efforts and agricultural sustainability.

This visit offered invaluable insights into the tangible impact of High Atlas Foundation’s projects on local communities.

It also opened doors for potential collaborations to further strengthen these initiatives.

As we continue to support sustainable development in the High Atlas region, we remain committed to fostering partnerships that empower communities and protect the environment for future generations.