Morocco: Impact of tourism
Water is a scarce resource in Morocco, and tourists use a lot of it when they stay in hotels and swim in pools--and especially when they go golfing. A single 18-hole golf course requires 3500 m/day of water, which is 3.5 times as much as the average Moroccan consumes in a whole year. While traveling, we've seen several fancy golf courses in locations not far removed from houses without running water.
There's been a big increase recently in use of 4 x 4 vehicles for recreation and travel in the desert. These vehicles break the fragile crust which normally reduces soil erosion in sandy areas. During dry periods, scientists have measured a 4000 % increase in airborne particulates in areas where 4 x 4s regularly operate in the desert. Near Merzouga, we raced across sand dunes and black rock desert in 4 x 4s. It was a great way to come into contact with people living or working in remote locations, and some people are using this kind of transportation to support new "nomad schools". (I'm very interested in learning more about those schools.) But destabilized dunes often destroy important sources of water. Travel by camel doesn't have the same impact. We rode camels one day too, and I can't say I like that form of transportation any more than I like automobiles; in both situations, I am a terrible back-seat driver without much interest in taking the "wheel". But camels don't damage the desert in the same way that 4 x 4s do.
Morocco has done a better job than many countries with development of local tourist operations (hotels, guide agencies, transportation). But a lot of tourist dollars still "escape" the Moroccan economy because they are pumped into chain hotels owned by multinational corporations.
A Moroccan NGO recently released a study calling for better protection of coastal, mountain and desert areas that are attractive to tourists, with simultaneous consideration of the aspirations of local people. This study is consistent with UNESCO's definition of "sustainability"", which addresses environmental, cultural, economic and political issues framed by high standards for social justice.
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Morocco's Climate - There is a season for everyone
Morocco's Climate - There is a season for everyone
A friendly country like Morocco must have friendly weather conditions too. Whether you love the sunshine or singing in the rain, Morocco has a season to suit everyone.
Morocco is situated in the northeastern part of Africa. It is a very magnificent and diverse country with its own identity even though it is situated so close to Europe. There are not just various languages, cultures and customs but there are diverse landscapes also. It is home to exotic cities like Fez, Marrakech, as well as coastal villages. The country of Morocco has such a wide range of landscape that you have the snow peaked parts of the Atlas mountains, the arid land of Western Sahara as well as the beautiful Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches.
Morocco fairly has a moderate, subtropical climate with cool sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea. In the interior parts of the country the temperatures are more extreme. The summers are known to be extremely hot and the winters fairly cold. The average winter temperatures are 21º C (70 º F). In summers the temperature peaks up to 38ºC 100º F. It is mostly sunny the entire year. The summers are pleasantly warm. The time around April and May can be the best time to visit the country. If you visit the coastal region during July and August you may find it very pleasurable. However, inland and in the desert region it can become very hot during this time of the year and more so at Midday.
The temperature and climate vary with the terrain. In the desert region in the south and south eastern part of Morocco the temperature are high while in the mountain ranges it can be freezing during night time. You can find a very beautiful range of flora and fauna that can withstand log hot period of drought condition as well as the evergreen trees like cork oak, cedar and cypress. In some parts of Morocco you can also find olive and argan trees.
In the Atlas Mountains the temperature can go below zero degrees and you will find the mountain peaks snow capped throughout the year. While the winters are cold and rough, you will find the summers moderately warm. On the western slopes of Central and High Atlas the rainfall and snow are in significant amounts from November to April. During December to March you can even enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding.
In cities like Marrakech it is bright and sunny the whole year round. The summers feel pleasant and the hottest months are generally July, August and September with temperatures above36º C. There is no humidity at all and that makes these high temperatures bearable. In winters there can be a heavy downpour that leaves the night extremely cold.
In cities like Fez which has a continental climate the temperatures are extreme. The summers can be very hot with mercury rising to 45º C. similarly the winters are very cold with minimum temperatures going eve below 10º C. The best time of the year to visit Fez would be surely the spring and autumn when the weather is warm as well as dry. The average temperatures of cities are Marakkech and Rabat 71º F, Casablanca 69º F, Fez 66º F, Meknes 68º F and Tangier 66º F.
Though you can find sunshine the whole year through you can time your visits during early summers which can surely be pleasant with warm days and cool nights without any rains to disrupt your plans.
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A friendly country like Morocco must have friendly weather conditions too. Whether you love the sunshine or singing in the rain, Morocco has a season to suit everyone.
Morocco is situated in the northeastern part of Africa. It is a very magnificent and diverse country with its own identity even though it is situated so close to Europe. There are not just various languages, cultures and customs but there are diverse landscapes also. It is home to exotic cities like Fez, Marrakech, as well as coastal villages. The country of Morocco has such a wide range of landscape that you have the snow peaked parts of the Atlas mountains, the arid land of Western Sahara as well as the beautiful Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches.
Morocco fairly has a moderate, subtropical climate with cool sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea. In the interior parts of the country the temperatures are more extreme. The summers are known to be extremely hot and the winters fairly cold. The average winter temperatures are 21º C (70 º F). In summers the temperature peaks up to 38ºC 100º F. It is mostly sunny the entire year. The summers are pleasantly warm. The time around April and May can be the best time to visit the country. If you visit the coastal region during July and August you may find it very pleasurable. However, inland and in the desert region it can become very hot during this time of the year and more so at Midday.
The temperature and climate vary with the terrain. In the desert region in the south and south eastern part of Morocco the temperature are high while in the mountain ranges it can be freezing during night time. You can find a very beautiful range of flora and fauna that can withstand log hot period of drought condition as well as the evergreen trees like cork oak, cedar and cypress. In some parts of Morocco you can also find olive and argan trees.
In the Atlas Mountains the temperature can go below zero degrees and you will find the mountain peaks snow capped throughout the year. While the winters are cold and rough, you will find the summers moderately warm. On the western slopes of Central and High Atlas the rainfall and snow are in significant amounts from November to April. During December to March you can even enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding.
In cities like Marrakech it is bright and sunny the whole year round. The summers feel pleasant and the hottest months are generally July, August and September with temperatures above36º C. There is no humidity at all and that makes these high temperatures bearable. In winters there can be a heavy downpour that leaves the night extremely cold.
In cities like Fez which has a continental climate the temperatures are extreme. The summers can be very hot with mercury rising to 45º C. similarly the winters are very cold with minimum temperatures going eve below 10º C. The best time of the year to visit Fez would be surely the spring and autumn when the weather is warm as well as dry. The average temperatures of cities are Marakkech and Rabat 71º F, Casablanca 69º F, Fez 66º F, Meknes 68º F and Tangier 66º F.
Though you can find sunshine the whole year through you can time your visits during early summers which can surely be pleasant with warm days and cool nights without any rains to disrupt your plans.
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Vegetation And Animals Of Morocco
Vegetation And Animals Of Morocco
Morocco's vegetation and animals are the most important part of the country's ecosystem. Home to world's largest desert, the Sahara, Morocco has some of the most interesting flora and fauna that is a must for every visitor.
The country of Morocco has a huge variety not just in the landscape but eventually its climate and even its vegetation. The climate in the north is Mediterranean, Atlantic to the west and dry Saharian to the south. The winters are nice and cold though a bit humid, while the summers are hot and arid. There is ample sunshine through out the years and more than 8 hours per day which helps a variety of vegetation to grow. You can also find a wide variety of animal life though not as rich as the flora.
Vegetation or the Flora of Morocco
The kingdom of Morocco is extremely rich in unique species of plants. The Mediterranean coastal climate is very good and favorable for the healthy growth of great vegetation. You would find Cork Oak is large numbers is northern parts of this country. The costal vegetation is prominently a large exotic collection of Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Citrus, Loquat, Acacia and many others. In the wetter places there are vast meadows and orchards with plants such as fennel commonly found.
There is a substantial part of the Middle Atlas which is mere remnant of the Cedar forest that existed in this region though it covers an impressive amount of area. Generally in the mountainous steppe regions you will find unique species of shrubs, jujube trees, mastics, poplars, tamarisks and willows. The overall vegetation is Mediterranean in the mountains with thuya, holm oak, juniper etc. the plains mostly have cork oaks, olive trees and the argan trees. In the interior region it is mostly the esparto plants and the artemisia plants that are found. The Alpine zone is typically above the 2500m and mostly supports Vicia canescens in huge quantity. The hundred odd species of plants found here are exclusive and found nowhere else. The Vicia canescens are not palatable to goats which has saved them from being grazed unlike other plants.
The Argan forest is the last barrier that stands strong between desertification and Morocco. These forest have the high value Argan trees that are useful in cosmetics and creation of medicines. With some dangers from the fishing and farming communities there are national parks that have been planned to conserve these Argan forests. These trees not only have cosmetic value they also have great resistance to droughts and have capability to adjust to the environmental changes. These have to be saved with assistance of locals to ensure that further desertification is stopped.
Even the Sahara desert is home to some herbs and small shrubs. Where the moisture levels are higher you may find larger shrubs. You would often find the bushes widely spaced. Generally in the steppe areas the scrub vegetation is mostly climax vegetation like Ephemerals in north and halophytes in sandy areas. Overall the sandy desert does not support much vegetation.
The vegetation is precious and efforts are being taken to ensure that it is saved from extinction as it will help slow down desertification.
The Animal Kingdom Of Morocco
Morocco has plenty of wildlife and has a government that is equally conscious about wildlife conservation. Lets take a look at some of Morocco's wildlife and the efforts involved in their conservation.
The animal kingdom of Morocco is not as rich as the flora. The Lions and a form of red deer that inhabited the country have gradually become extinct. But you would surely find other species like panthers, jackals, foxes and gazelles in most parts of the country. You may also find the North African Cheetah in some parts in small numbers. Though scientists haven’t been able to spot many cheetahs, local nomads confirm their existence in the country but surely in lesser numbers.
The fauna is an interesting mix of the species from the Palaearctische Region and African region. There are some species of small Dorcas Gazelles that can survive on water it gets from plants it eats. The only monkey found in Morocco is the Magot, which is rare as deforestation is taking a toll on it. The smallest foxes, the fennec fox are also found near the Sahara desert that survive on insects, lizards and fruits. Another one from the canine family is the Sloughi called also as Arabian sighthound, which comes from the same family as greyhounds and salukis.
There is a wind range of lizards and skinks found in the deserts of the Sahara. You may find lizards like the Atlas Dwarf Lizard, which are endemic to Morocco, as they have a natural habitat with temperate shrub lands and rocky areas. Manuel’s skinks, Ebner’s skinks are some of the species that have been largely endangered by some agricultural practices. There are some species of newts like the Iberian Ribbed Newt that can be found here.
You would also be able to catch a glimpse of different species of birds like Flamingos, Pelicants, Falcons, Buttonquails, storm-petrels, sandpipers, small species of bats, mapies, larks, swallows, martins etc. There are three species of Divers – the red throated, black throated and the great northern diver found in Morocco. Grebes, which are the fresh water diving birds can also be found. The lammergeyer, dark chanting goshawk and tawny eagle are also nearly extinct from Morocco.
The Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea are home to some rich ocean wildlife. Though affected by the fish poaching as well as due to over fishing and contamination of waters there has been a reduction in number of fishes like mullets, sea beams, marlin, sea perch, grouper, tuna, barracudas and swordfish. You may also find fish in the tranquil lakes and rivers. These are home to fish like carp, perch, black bass, trouts, barbell, eel and roach. However, with the number of fishes on a lower side there are many restrictions that are being implemented. If you have the required permit you may hire fishing vessels to go deep sea fishing from the ports of Mohammedia and Saharan.
The kingdom of Morocco provides animal and adventure lovers great opportunities to explore the flora and fauna in all landscapes of the country and catch a glimpse of some exotic varieties more than any place else.
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Morocco's vegetation and animals are the most important part of the country's ecosystem. Home to world's largest desert, the Sahara, Morocco has some of the most interesting flora and fauna that is a must for every visitor.
The country of Morocco has a huge variety not just in the landscape but eventually its climate and even its vegetation. The climate in the north is Mediterranean, Atlantic to the west and dry Saharian to the south. The winters are nice and cold though a bit humid, while the summers are hot and arid. There is ample sunshine through out the years and more than 8 hours per day which helps a variety of vegetation to grow. You can also find a wide variety of animal life though not as rich as the flora.
Vegetation or the Flora of Morocco
The kingdom of Morocco is extremely rich in unique species of plants. The Mediterranean coastal climate is very good and favorable for the healthy growth of great vegetation. You would find Cork Oak is large numbers is northern parts of this country. The costal vegetation is prominently a large exotic collection of Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Citrus, Loquat, Acacia and many others. In the wetter places there are vast meadows and orchards with plants such as fennel commonly found.
There is a substantial part of the Middle Atlas which is mere remnant of the Cedar forest that existed in this region though it covers an impressive amount of area. Generally in the mountainous steppe regions you will find unique species of shrubs, jujube trees, mastics, poplars, tamarisks and willows. The overall vegetation is Mediterranean in the mountains with thuya, holm oak, juniper etc. the plains mostly have cork oaks, olive trees and the argan trees. In the interior region it is mostly the esparto plants and the artemisia plants that are found. The Alpine zone is typically above the 2500m and mostly supports Vicia canescens in huge quantity. The hundred odd species of plants found here are exclusive and found nowhere else. The Vicia canescens are not palatable to goats which has saved them from being grazed unlike other plants.
The Argan forest is the last barrier that stands strong between desertification and Morocco. These forest have the high value Argan trees that are useful in cosmetics and creation of medicines. With some dangers from the fishing and farming communities there are national parks that have been planned to conserve these Argan forests. These trees not only have cosmetic value they also have great resistance to droughts and have capability to adjust to the environmental changes. These have to be saved with assistance of locals to ensure that further desertification is stopped.
Even the Sahara desert is home to some herbs and small shrubs. Where the moisture levels are higher you may find larger shrubs. You would often find the bushes widely spaced. Generally in the steppe areas the scrub vegetation is mostly climax vegetation like Ephemerals in north and halophytes in sandy areas. Overall the sandy desert does not support much vegetation.
The vegetation is precious and efforts are being taken to ensure that it is saved from extinction as it will help slow down desertification.
The Animal Kingdom Of Morocco
Morocco has plenty of wildlife and has a government that is equally conscious about wildlife conservation. Lets take a look at some of Morocco's wildlife and the efforts involved in their conservation.
The animal kingdom of Morocco is not as rich as the flora. The Lions and a form of red deer that inhabited the country have gradually become extinct. But you would surely find other species like panthers, jackals, foxes and gazelles in most parts of the country. You may also find the North African Cheetah in some parts in small numbers. Though scientists haven’t been able to spot many cheetahs, local nomads confirm their existence in the country but surely in lesser numbers.
The fauna is an interesting mix of the species from the Palaearctische Region and African region. There are some species of small Dorcas Gazelles that can survive on water it gets from plants it eats. The only monkey found in Morocco is the Magot, which is rare as deforestation is taking a toll on it. The smallest foxes, the fennec fox are also found near the Sahara desert that survive on insects, lizards and fruits. Another one from the canine family is the Sloughi called also as Arabian sighthound, which comes from the same family as greyhounds and salukis.
There is a wind range of lizards and skinks found in the deserts of the Sahara. You may find lizards like the Atlas Dwarf Lizard, which are endemic to Morocco, as they have a natural habitat with temperate shrub lands and rocky areas. Manuel’s skinks, Ebner’s skinks are some of the species that have been largely endangered by some agricultural practices. There are some species of newts like the Iberian Ribbed Newt that can be found here.
You would also be able to catch a glimpse of different species of birds like Flamingos, Pelicants, Falcons, Buttonquails, storm-petrels, sandpipers, small species of bats, mapies, larks, swallows, martins etc. There are three species of Divers – the red throated, black throated and the great northern diver found in Morocco. Grebes, which are the fresh water diving birds can also be found. The lammergeyer, dark chanting goshawk and tawny eagle are also nearly extinct from Morocco.
The Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea are home to some rich ocean wildlife. Though affected by the fish poaching as well as due to over fishing and contamination of waters there has been a reduction in number of fishes like mullets, sea beams, marlin, sea perch, grouper, tuna, barracudas and swordfish. You may also find fish in the tranquil lakes and rivers. These are home to fish like carp, perch, black bass, trouts, barbell, eel and roach. However, with the number of fishes on a lower side there are many restrictions that are being implemented. If you have the required permit you may hire fishing vessels to go deep sea fishing from the ports of Mohammedia and Saharan.
The kingdom of Morocco provides animal and adventure lovers great opportunities to explore the flora and fauna in all landscapes of the country and catch a glimpse of some exotic varieties more than any place else.
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