The Ksar Jdid lake in Errachidia certainly presents an undeniable natural and ecological wealth. It does, however, need valorisation to establish it as an ecotourism site. The occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity (set for 22 May each year, since its creation in 2000 by the United Nations) was seized by the members of the Association for the Preservation of Biodiversity and Protection of Birds in South-East Morocco (APBOSEM) to remedy this state of affairs.

An awareness campaign on the importance of preserving natural resources and respecting the ecological balance of ecosystems in oasis regions was launched. And in this context, the members of APBOSEM carried out a prospecting trip to Ksar Jdid lake on 20 May, in the company of ornithology enthusiasts. It was thus possible to observe several species of birds: about ten Eurasian coots (Fulica atra), four pairs of ruddy shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea), two pairs of grey herons (Ardea cinerea), and several other species not yet identified. Four pairs of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) were observed in winter at this site. Little known, even by the population of Errachidia, Ksar Jdid lake is located near the village of the same name, falling under the El Kheng commune.

It covers an area of approximately 60 hectares, with a depth of the lake that can exceed 4 metres during agricultural years. In fact, the volume of water in this lake is dependent on the rainfall recorded in the region, but also on the filling rate of the Hassan Eddakhil dam, located about 2 kilometres, as the crow flies, to the north of this body of water.

This lake, which could be described as artificial, came into being at the time of the construction of the Hassan Eddakhil dam, inaugurated in 1971. The location of the lake had been the subject of digging, sinking, and transport of earth necessary to fill and raise the embankment of the Hassan Eddakhil dam. It currently constitutes a vast reservoir of biological diversity that we are only just beginning to inventory.

This ecosystem, containing a rich and diversified biocenosis, is unfortunately the subject of several aggressions by populations not aware of the importance that must be given to the preservation of biodiversity. Indeed, we are currently witnessing very strong pressure on this lake from poachers who cast their lines daily in search of the "black bass", a magnificent sport fish that attracts dozens of fishermen from Errachidia, without any respect for the breeding season.

Water birds are also hunted by children and disturbed by vehicles that do not stop passing near their habitats. The flora, very rich in species specific to this oasis region and dominated by a fairly dense reed bed, has experienced fires on several occasions due to smokers.

"The site hosts a variety of indigenous and migratory birds. We should plan for ecotourism valorisation, which would favour the protection of biodiversity and in particular local bird species," emphasises Hrou Aboucharif, president of APBOSEM, before adding that the implementation of developments for this site will require the contribution of the High Commission for Water and Forests and the Fight against Desertification, local associations, the rural commune of Elkheng, the inhabitants of the Ksar Jdid village, bird protection organisations, and the various actors working in the fight against the degradation of biodiversity. A synergy is therefore essential to preserve this natural site. The city of Errachidia will only be the winner.