Inspiration from the South: Oases as exemplary ecosystems

Learning adaptation from Oases

Climate change is increasingly visible and is already affecting regions in the south, regions that already experience the extremes of our climate. In regions such as Ghardaia or Laghouat in the south of Algeria summer temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees centigrade. How to manage agriculture, water resources and even community life then becomes a daily challenge.

Oases cultures, however, have survived, adapted and thrived in harsh conditions for many millennia. According to the regional network of oases associations, RADDO,

Oases shelter approximately 150 million people, in environments defying the existence of all other living systems… and are living, time tested sustainable development models, as well as unique reservoirs of expertise

Those who are less used to such harsh climates have much to learn from the adaptation mechanisms and techniques employed by local populations and local experts in these regions. Rational use and management of natural resources and the value of the traditional cultural heritage and practices of these beautiful “exemplary ecosystems” hold powerful lessons for all of us, way beyond the gates of the Sahara, as the M’Zab region of Ghardaia is known.

Youth and their environment

As part of our Youth Futures project, we have been interviewing associations and youth engaged in environmental projects across Algeria. At the end of June, I spoke with Mohamed Ider, president, and Prof Adel Moulai, project manager at APEB, the Association for the Protection of the Environment of Beni Isguen based in Ghardaia. Adel Moulai is a Professor at the University of Laghouat, specialised in natural resource management and agro-economy. He told me about the work APEB has been doing as part of the RADDO network which includes oases NGOs from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.

APEB has been active for many years in the Algerian south and is increasingly targeting its membership to be younger. Initially mainly retired people, APEB now has around 20% of its membership under 30. Acutely aware of the need to engage with youth and provide hope and opportunities to ensure the sustainability of these precious ecoystems, APEB is running an ambitious training programme. From their Arkaz Centre in Ben Isguen they focus on how to protect the palm groves and oases traditions and practices, they run agro-ecology projects, water systems restoration, awareness raising, training on water management  and practical regeneration of numerous oases in the South of Algeria.

APEB has also been actively engaged in restoring oases in neighbouring regions such as Naama where young people had abandoned their ancestral lands to work in construction. With the crises in construction, compounded by the pandemic, the youth wanted to return. With support from APEB to reconstruct the traditional water systems and wells, twenty are now successfully working their agricultural plots again.

In the neighbouring region of Laghouat, their partner the association Argoub is helping young people in invest in agriculture in a sustainable way and passing on knowledge to the next generation.

The historical role of women in oases

Women and girls are a key focus for the association. Professor Moulai insisted on the vital role women have always played in the oases. Women hold the techniques and knowledge around food preservation for example without which life would not have been possible. Today women face numerous barriers, as do youth, who are particularly affected by unemployment. As such they are training women and targeting funds to support their projects.  These include community composting of date palm vegetation waste. This is resold to local farmers promoting agro ecology over chemical pesticides and representing the perfect form of a circular economy.

Other projects they have supported, working alongside the local authorities and the AFD, have targeted transformation of date palm products, such as transforming unripe dates into vinegar.

Transformation of products, adding value, is opportunity for women and for youth. This has included the production and marketing of saffron, date paste, and chocolate dates. Interest in herbal medicine and aromatic plants has seen an upsurge since Covid, providing new opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the south.

Climate adaptation

APEB and its partners are also finding novel ways to deal with new diseases caused by climate change. They have developed videos and educational materials to demonstrate this and share this knowledge to other regions.

Youth are particularly “tech savvy” Prof Moulai pointed out. They are able to use social media skilfully to share their products, and to share information and knowledge across the country and the wider Maghreb region to support climate adaptation and mitigation.

Over in Naama, near the border with Morocco, I spoke with Ahmed Bendaho, president of the Association for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment (APAE) . The association has been active for many years, focused on biodiversity and desertification in particular. They are currently working on two temporary lakes that have brought significant biodiversity improvements to the region. Through tree planting, awareness raising around the importance of wetlands and working with the local water authority, the association hopes these lakes can be protected long term. APAE are currently liaising with Wetlands International to explore opportunities for further collaboration.

In terms of desertification, they pointed out that the south is truly a warning sign to the rest of the country. The desert is “not advancing” according to Mr Bendaho:

it is emerging everywhere  – and this will continue unless we look after our soil, plant appropriate species and think more deeply about our local environments.

Ahmed Bendaho, President, Association pour la Protection and Improvement of the Environment

According to local associations, the massive tree planting initiative known as the Green Belt, Barrage Vert, which receives significant national and international support, is important. However, there needs to be much more action and cooperation if we are serious about protecting biodiversity, the land and livelihoods.

Numerous associations across the Algerian south are toiling daily to develop solutions and pass on important messages. Increasing engagement from young people is transforming how this is communicated. Social media is a space that young people manage effectively; within it, information around ecosystems restoration and climate adaptation is shared.  Such precious knowledge, like our climate, is an increasingly important global commons; we can all learn from their efforts.