Satisfaction among tourism professionals in Zagora. And for good reason, their oasis region is preparing to host the second edition of the International Forum of Oases and Local Development. An event that risked disappearing without the efforts of several local stakeholders. Organised by the Forum Association with the support of the provincial council, the Zagora communes, and the Souss-Massa Draâ regional council, the event, which begins this Thursday and will continue until 1 December, aims above all to support and promote the national strategy for the development of oasis zones and initiate new visions in terms of sustainable development.

The organisers thus want to unite all actors around the same roadmap, especially since the sustainable development of oasis zones is in great need of it. "It is time for all local and regional stakeholders to speak one language, in order to unify the vision and overcome the obstacles hindering development in these zones," explained Jawad Nassiri, president of the Forum Association. The debates and discussions of the first edition had already outlined the contours of a programme on the subject. All that remains is the search for implementation mechanisms. Integrated development, harmony of interventions, responsible tourism, preservation of tangible and intangible heritage, unified vision… so many concepts that the 2nd edition of the forum will have to deepen with a view to opening paths to innovation and creation for the various actors.

"We aim through the consecration of this Forum to promote oasis zones (Zagora has five palm groves) and the valorisation of natural and tourist potential, as well as all local products," stressed Ahmed Chahid, president of the Zagora Provincial Tourism Council.

On the programme for this edition, conferences and round tables led by experts, officials, and specialists in oasis issues. We will notably look at sensitive and specific subjects such as women in the Tata province, the oases of Morocco, the potential for innovation and perspectives, as well as accessibility and land use planning.

Spread over an exhibition area of 1600 m², the Fair has nearly twenty stands and expects the visit of more than 40,000 visitors, in addition to national and international experts and institutional officials.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover all aspects of oasis life: accessibility, zone development, rural and oasis tourism, sustainable development, crafts, local products, digital economy, innovation, and solar energy.