Exploring the Role of Douars in Morocco’s Rural Communities
On October 10, 2024, the upcoming “Parlons Territoires” webinar by OTED will delve into a crucial topic for Morocco’s rural and peri-urban areas: the significance of douars (small rural villages) in safeguarding socio-cultural heritage and the obstacles they encounter due to their lack of formal acknowledgment.
Following the September 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, the resilience and organization showcased by many douars in managing crises highlighted the urgent need for their recognition and support, given their pivotal role in preserving natural and cultural heritage without adequate resources or authority.
While serving as integral social and territorial units that foster community values and coherence, douars remain excluded from Morocco’s administrative framework, hindering their access to government aid.
The webinar will feature distinguished scholars discussing the future of douars, addressing topics such as their territorial status, preservation of cultural heritage, integration of local knowledge into education, and sustainable institutional models to tackle challenges like migration and drought.
Moreover, exploring the establishment of participatory structures like jma3a (local community assemblies) aims to formalize douars while upholding their autonomy and unique cultural identity.