OTED Announces Inclusion of Historical Reservoirs in Marrakech Heritage Days
The Organization for Empowerment and Development of Territorial Areas (OTED) has officially announced the inclusion of the Sidi Bouathmane Reservoirs into the Marrakech Heritage Days, scheduled for April 18. This initiative is part of the thematic path titled "Water: A Rich Historical Heritage," highlighting the growing interest in valuing historical sites connected to Morocco's water memory.
According to a press release from OTED, in collaboration with the Regional Council of El Rhmane, this integration signifies a substantial acknowledgment of the value of this site, which dates back to the 12th century. The reservoirs serve as a unique testament to the advancements in hydraulic engineering during the Almohad period. This recognition is also seen as a culmination of years of fieldwork and institutional efforts aimed at restoring the significance of this historical legacy and embedding it within national cultural dynamics.
The statement, which was received by Hespress, noted that the site had been added to the national heritage list in January 2024, marking a pivotal step that facilitated this recognition and secured its place on the official heritage map.
Furthermore, the document elaborated that this progress was made possible through a participatory approach focused on building multi-faceted alliances, led by OTED in partnership with El Rhmane Province. This initiative received support from various academic and national institutions, including Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Cadi Ayyad University, the National Agency for Water and Forests, and the Office of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion, alongside the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, as well as the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and the involvement of numerous institutional and academic stakeholders.
OTED emphasized that this dynamic relied on ongoing mobilization of the local population, facilitated by multiple consultations that contributed to the development of a shared vision for enhancing the site and ensuring its sustainability.
Moreover, the source indicated that these efforts culminated in July 2024 with the creation of a participatory roadmap for the site’s enhancement, focusing on three main pillars: preserving and maintaining the site, raising awareness of its significance through education and knowledge transfer, and supporting local economic valuation. This approach emphasizes the involvement of the local community at various stages of the project, showcasing that "this vision has not remained confined to planning but has translated into practical actions, including the development of educational guides for students in the El Rhmane region and organizing awareness workshops for youth and children in surrounding areas."
OTED also noted that the project adopted a civic dimension, exemplified by a cleanup campaign organized in 2025, involving around a hundred volunteers. This reflects the ability of this initiative to rally different stakeholders around a common goal of protecting and maintaining cultural heritage.
Lastly, the organization stated that the inclusion of the Sidi Bouathmane Reservoirs in the Heritage Days marks a new milestone in a broader pathway related to the Geopark Project of El Rhmane, which aims to enhance a network of geological sites of scientific, educational, and touristic value, in line with UNESCO's criteria for global geoparks.
As reported by hespress.com.
