#b7arblaplastic
Coastal Preservation
Marchica Lagoon
The Marchica lagoon clean-up program, initiated by the Foundation in 2009, has helped save a remarkable area of biological, ecological, economic and landscape interest. The Foundation now conducts educational and awareness-raising activities there.
Swimming in the Marchica lagoon
The Sebkha Lagoon of Bou Areg, known as the Marchica Lagoon, is one of the most important lagoons of the Mediterranean by virtue of its size (14,000 ha). This ecosystem was made fragile by the development of human activities: urban, industrial, agricultural and economic waste generated by a rapidly growing population.
The French Global Environment Fund and the French Development Agency, within the framework of funding the Greater Nador sanitation project, called on the Foundation to implement a global plan for the decontamination, protection and development of the Marchica Lagoon.
Ultimately, the aim is to attain Lagoon water quality levels allowing the long-term possibility of bathing and producing edible shellfish. To achieve these environmental quality thresholds, the management plan implemented a comprehensive and sustainable clean-up program, focusing on the back-country whose discharges converge on the lagoon.
This goal is practically met. The Foundation is now focusing on raising awareness and educating people on the environment through the Eco-Schools, YRE, Green Key and Blue Flag programs. It also collects and disseminates knowledge about the lagoon.
The Goals
- Introduction
- Implementation
- Achievements
The objectives of the Marchica Lagoon Pollution Control Program are to:
Clean up the lagoon
Raise awareness among local populations
Educate by spreading knowledge about the lagoon
Implement a global clean-up plan
Set up permanent structures to protect the lagoon
Identify, protect and regenerate biodiversity
Educate local residents about proper behaviors to protect the lagoon
Implementation
The Foundation mobilized and coordinated all stakeholders needed for the success of this key clean-up project. It pushed for the implementation of necessary awareness-raising and educational actions.
Setting up a national steering committee and a local monitoring committee
Definition of a global action plan and mobilization of resources required
Implementation of instruments necessary for the preservation of the lagoon (MarchicaMed Agency, Observatory...)
Awareness-raising and educational activities through Foundation programs.
