Objectives
- 2004: Disseminating knowledge about the conservation of Aït-Ben-Haddou's earthen architectural heritage
- 2006: Draw up a management plan shared by all to better channel conservation efforts at Ksar Aït-Ben-Haddou and ensure better sharing of tourism benefits
- 2008: Safeguarding the Ksar's upper enclosure and granary
The community village of Aït Ben Haddou is located 30 km northwest of Ouarzazate. It is part of the Aït Zineb rural Commune, in the Amrezgane Cercle. It lies in the western part of the Ouarzazate basin and is crossed by the Oued El Maleh. This style of architecture, although widespread in the landscape of the southern valleys, is virtually no longer built. Few Ksour are inhabited today, and most have fallen into ruin, abandoned by their owners. Ksar Aït Ben Haddou has not escaped this decline, but still retains a proud appearance, thanks in part to the large, well-preserved and richly decorated Kasbahs along the surrounding wall. Aït Ben Haddou is the most famous and widely used of the ksour in terms of image. This architectural form is the result of the technical prowess of its earthen builders, on the steep slopes of the hill. The origin of the adobe technique has yet to be clearly determined by archaeologists, but etymological studies of the various names given to this technique around the Mediterranean basin suggest that it was invented by the Berbers. The quality of this ensemble fascinates earthenware specialists the world over, and reflects the exceptional skills of the Berbers. At the Ksar, you'll find not only adobe, but also adobes and a whole range of decorations, obtained by skilfully matching bricks or by shaping them directly into the wall. The site is used extensively by tour operators and airlines, as well as souvenir traders from Marrakech, who make substantial profits from their activities. The site is always busy, and the number of souvenir vendors continues to grow, proving the vitality of this activity. Curiously, the economic value is under-exploited at local level, where only a few innkeepers welcoming tourists profit from the financial windfall. This plundering is unacceptable to the local population, who wish to rebalance the sharing of the benefits of tourism, in order to improve the quality of life in this village. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
CRAterre works closely with CERKAS in Ouarzazate (Centre de Conservation et de Réhabilitation du Patrimoine Architectural des zones atlasiques et sub-atlasiques) on the conservation of the Aït-Ben-Haddou World Heritage Site, thanks to support from UNESCO. The first action carried out with CERKAS was the publication in 2004 of a conservation manual, which reviewed the conservation techniques used by CERKAS, and presented those that gave the best results in a richly illustrated 72-page book, available in Arabic, French and English. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
In 2006-2007, a broadly participatory process involving over 70 people led to the development of a management plan for the Ksar d'Aït-Ben-Haddou. The management plan is the result of numerous workshops involving all those concerned by the site's future, whether for personal or professional reasons. The participatory approach has been a constant preoccupation, to ensure the development of a plan recognized by all as the most realistic way to revitalize this irreplaceable heritage, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, but also nurtures great inequalities in the sharing of benefits. These meetings enabled everyone to gain a better understanding of the current situation, and to draw up a common vision for 2012, reconciling the main interests at stake. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
To achieve this vision, a large number of actions were proposed by the working groups, grouped together in the document under 4 objectives:
- Revitalize the site
- Preserving architectural values
- Ensure better distribution of profits generated by the site
- Enhance your visit
The launch of the management plan was quickly followed by concrete actions in the field, such as repairing the roads and installing garbage cans and standpipes. CERKAS also supervised the restoration of several walls and houses in the Ksar.
In 2008, a study carried out jointly by CRAterre and CERKAS, with UNESCO support, resulted in a conservation project for the Ksar's upper enclosure, which was fully implemented by CERKAS in 2008.
Results
- A conservation manual available in English, French and Arabic
- 2007-2012 Management Plan available in Arabic and French
- A large amount of funding has been obtained, enabling the implementation of several activities
- A better preserved and maintained site
- Several conservation and restoration projects carried out by CERKAS
- Stakeholders more involved in site management
Partners
CERKAS (Centre de Conservation et de Réhabilitation du Patrimoine Architectural des zones atlasiques et sub-atlasiques), Ministry of Culture, Kingdom of Morocco, UNESCO - World Heritage Centre, UNESCO Regional Office in Rabat, Commune rurale Aït Zineb, Caïd Amerzgane, Agence urbaine de Ouarzazate/Zagora, Association Aït Aïssa, Bureau d'études, Center régional d'investissement, JICA, Délégation de la Culture, Délégation de la Santé, Délégation de l'Habitat et de l'Urbanisme, Délégation de l'Artisanat, Délégation du ministère de l'Education nationale, Délégation du Tourisme, Direction de l'Equipement, Division de la Programmation et de l'Equipement, Province de Ouarzazate, Division de l'Urbanisme et de l'Environnement (DUE), Division Economique et Sociale, Province de Ouarzazate, Inspection régionale de l'Aménagement du Territoire et de l'Environnement, Khalifat du caïd d'Amerzgane, Maroc telecom, Nidarat des habous, Conseil provincial du Tourisme, Office National de l'Eau Potable (Onep), Office National d'Electricité, Office Régional de la Mise en Valeur Agricole de Ouarzazate (ORMVAO), Province de Ouarzazate, Service régional des Eaux et Forêts, Division des Collectivités locales / DPAT, Ministère de l'Intérieur, Ministère délégué chargé de l'Habitat et de l'Urbanisme, Ministère des Finances, Direction du Budget, Ministère du Tourisme, Rabat.
