Morocco’s burgeoning urban development and tourism growth are displacing local artisans, leading to significant community losses. Redevelopment projects, while boosting tourist numbers, result in inadequate relocations and compensation for affected locals. The disheartening experiences of artisans and failed urban projects underscore the need for more inclusive and sustainable approaches to development that prioritize the needs of local communities and environmental preservation.
Morocco, known for its traditional allure, faces challenges as urban development increasingly displaces local communities. Amid rising tourist interest, post-World Cup 2022, the country saw a surge in tourist numbers, with 17.4 million visitors recorded in 2024. This growth has intensified urban pressures, with significant redevelopment projects aimed at catering to both local and foreign demands, such as luxury resorts and urban upgrades planned around the upcoming World Cup in 2030.
While tourism usually benefits local businesses, many artisans are struggling against the tide of new hotels and development. Oulja, once a vibrant craft hub, has been largely demolished to make way for modern projects. The artisans relocated to a temporary site face fewer opportunities and diminished customer traffic, with many shops now stocking remnants of their former abundance.
Artists like Younes highlight the detrimental impacts of rapid displacement. Having received little time to relocate, many artisans lost materials and machinery during the demolition of their original site. In their new location, artisans lack spaces to produce their goods, leading to decreased profits and concerns about their future viability.
Urban development in Morocco is marked by extensive initiatives, with attention to disaster risk management underlined by expert commentary. However, informal housing challenges and social inequality persist, necessitating community engagement in development processes to reflect true local needs.
The Zenata eco-city project exemplifies the consequences of aggressive redevelopment. Historical communities were uprooted in favor of constructing high-income housing, raising legal and ethical concerns regarding land expropriation. Residents have faced inadequate compensation, leading to protests and emotional distress regarding their lost homes.
Failed projects like Tamesna and Marchica Lake illustrate the pitfalls of economic development devoid of careful planning and execution. Many such initiatives have resulted in ghost towns or polluted environments, raising alarms about their sustainability and the adverse impacts on local ecosystems.
Furthermore, pressures from the global construction industry exacerbate environmental degradation in Morocco. Intensive sand extraction for building materials threatens coastal health, complicating the nation’s balance between development and ecological preservation.
The rising trend of urbanization and tourism in Morocco has come at a significant cost to local communities, particularly artisans. Displacement and inadequate compensation illustrate the challenges of rapid redevelopment. Experiences from projects like Zenata and Marchica highlight the critical need for sustainable practices that genuinely include and benefit local stakeholders, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of community integrity and ecological well-being.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
