From December 12 to 17, 2025, Medenine hosted a hands-on training course on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) led by Dr. El Hachmi El Houssine. This six-day program included theoretical lessons, fieldwork, and local engagement, aiming to highlight the importance of community knowledge in adapting to climate change.
The training kicked off with a session called “Medenine Brings Us Together.” This intro not only covered the program’s goals but also offered insights into Medenine’s rich history and geography. Participants took a walking tour of local ksour, emphasizing that understanding nature is tied to understanding people and their stories.
Harnessing Rainwater for Resilience
The first training focused on rainwater harvesting. Participants looked at local methods, like using majels (traditional cisterns), to tackle the region’s scarce surface water. They shared ideas about sustainable practices passed down through generations. An interesting point made was how the unique geology of the area supports effective water management.
Turning Rocks into Green Spaces
Next, the conversation shifted to vegetation conservation. They discussed how jessour, or stone terraces, help channel water and support agriculture, transforming arid landscapes into fertile fields. Participants reflected on how these practices have shaped the cultural identity of the Dhahar region, lending insight into the link between the environment and local heritage.
Nature as a Classroom
A full day of fieldwork in the Dhahar Mountains allowed for practical learning. Participants visited areas like Wadi Ennaqb and Zammour, engaging with local communities. They met women involved in herbal distillation and food preservation, enriching the dialogue about sustainable practices. This experience highlighted how environmental protection can spur community initiatives.
Food Preservation as Survival
The third session examined traditional food preservation, known as “Oula.” Participants discussed the significance of women’s roles in sustaining local ecosystems and the importance of cooperative efforts like Twiiza (mutual aid). They explored how organic food processing can connect agriculture with tourism, creating inclusive community projects.
Understanding Seasonal Ecology
The final training session centered around the bio-ecological system of the Dhahar Mountains, particularly through the lens of Tghammit, which organizes seasonal production and rituals. Participants brainstormed ideas for cultural tourism, looking at how local geology, biodiversity, and traditions could attract visitors.
Sharing Experiences Through Storytelling
The program concluded with participants sharing their experiences through video presentations called “My Eyes Have Seen, My Heart Is Full.” Not only did this showcase their learning, but it also marked the start of new conversations about nature-based solutions grounded in local wisdom.
This training program illustrated that nature-based solutions are not just modern ideas but practices deeply woven into local culture. When these methods are acknowledged and integrated into environmental policies, they provide sustainable ways to tackle climate challenges.
Recent studies highlight the growing recognition of local knowledge systems in climate adaptation. A report from the United Nations Environmental Programme suggests that communities harnessing their traditions and practices can significantly improve resilience to climate change. This event in Medenine is a step towards celebrating and integrating such valuable insights into broader environmental strategies.
