Environmental challenges in the Rif mountains, northern Morocco

Abstract

The Rif mountains of northern Morocco represent a region of international significance from the standpoint of plant biodiversity with Abies maroccana amongst the endemic species; forest clearance, soil erosion, high rural population density and population growth are serious threats. Legal and illegal exploitation of the remaining natural forest for fuel, timber, forage and cork, produces some loss of forest but land clearance for extensions of the cultivated area, and other changes in the agricultural system such as the use of herbicides and fertilizers, and increased mechanization, are also resulting in loss of natural vegetation cover. Since 1989 cultivation of cannabis has increased in area from 25 000 ha to approximately 75 000 ha and this has greatly exacerbated the threat of degradation. A number of studies and initiatives are currently under way to address the challenges to the region and in particular the cannabis problem. It is suggested that an integrated approach using GIS methodology and carried out within the management framework of the Man and Biosphere Programme could provide a solution to the environmental threats facing the Rif mountains today.

Baseline Mortality Analysis Reveals Legacy of Contrasting Land Use Practices on the Structural Sustainability of Endangered Moroccan and Spanish Mountain Forests

“…In the Rif Mts they occur at the highest elevation in zone 1 at 1800 to 2000 m ASL [14]. The characteristics of this region are similar to that described above for A. pinsapo.…”

“…Common The fir stands of the Rif Mts of northern Morocco were subjected to continued forest harvest, high human population density, and both legal and illegal forest exploitation (e.g., cutting of small trees for firewood, pollarding for forage) that resulted in loss of natural vegetation cover [14].…”

From Traditional Farming in Morocco to Early Urban Agroecology in Northern Mesopotamia: Combining Present-day Arable Weed Surveys and Crop Isotope Analysis to Reconstruct Past Agrosystems in (Semi-)arid Regions

“…The northern zone is located in a 'hot spot' of Mediterranean biodiversity (Médail et Quezel 1997;Moore et al 1998). The northern farming study sites occur within the thermo-mediterranean vegetation zone in and around the Rif mountain chain.…”

Biogeography and contemporary climatic differentiation among Moroccan Salamandra algira

“…This is mirrored by a gradient in vegetation communities (e.g. Sauvage, 1963;Moore et al, 1998). Additionally, viviparous S. a. tingitana are dependent on the karstic limestone formations, which are largely devoid of vegetation, and are therefore most likely identified as part of a lower class (class 72) because of their comparatively lower seasonal biomass with respect to the highest NDVI class 75.…”