What motivates me the most is seeing our community thrive here in the village. By looking after our farmland and living in harmony with nature, we set a good example for everyone in the region.
Initiative
Preserving biodiversity and opening up new future opportunities for the people of the Atlas Mountains through the holistic promotion of women-led cooperatives
Impact 2023
Creating sustainable livelihoods for 3890 people in the Atlas Mountains; 90,000 seedlings of 40 endangered or endemic plant species have been grown
Touda understands the challenges of her community firsthand. Since 2014, she has been dedicated to supporting her region in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. She has been building close relationships between the people of Azilal, local authorities, public institutions, and partner organizations such as the Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (MBLA) and the Global Diversity Foundation.
As an MBLA “Community Researcher,” she diligently manages the distribution of plants, as well as the management of local nurseries and seed banks. This enables her community members to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
Her leadership qualities extend beyond her professional role – she is an active member of her village cooperative, Nissae Asseka. Touda’s optimism, cheerfulness, and eagerness to learn inspire those around her, whom she represents with pride and dedication. In her role as a Community Researcher, she tirelessly works to improve the quality of life for her neighbors and community, initiate positive changes, and strengthen local cohesion.
The Initiative
Together with the Global Diversity Foundation and the Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association, we enable indigenous groups in Morocco to create sustainable livelihoods through the innovative production, processing, and marketing of local products. At the same time, this revitalizes the biodiversity and cultural landscape of the High Atlas.
Vision
A world where regenerative solutions flourish and connect, overcoming the destructive status quo and enabling new, sustainable relationships between people and nature.
Program & Activities
Together with local enablers like Touda, we support local cooperatives in developing innovative value-added products and services, implementing regenerative practices, and acquiring solid entrepreneurial skills.
In addition, the cooperatives receive training in digital marketing and receive support in the certification and distribution of their products through the creation of their own “High Atlas Harvest” label.
An example of this is the “Aswik” cooperative, which grows walnuts and offers various product varations – from whole nuts in the shell to walnut oil. Walnut pieces – a byproduct of processing – have not been optimally utilized so far. Aswik is therefore experimenting with the production and marketing of energy bars made from these pieces.
The “Taghia” cooperative is planning an ecotourism project for visitors who want to explore the beautiful surroundings of Zaouiat Ahansal and learn more about saffron cultivation. They can plant saffron bulbs, witness the processing and packaging of saffron, and enjoy local Taghia products such as saffron tea.
The partnership with the ChanceMaker Foundation enables the program to expand to 200 cooperatives between Imilchil and Agadir, a 30,000 km² area. Through the sustainable production and innovative marketing of products and services, fair incomes are generated for up to 5,000 households, and the biodiverse landscape of the Atlas Mountains is preserved.
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