Citizen Participation and Ecosystem-Based Territorial Adaptation to Climate Change in Morocco: A Case Study from Settat

Abstract

Climate change poses increasingly severe risks to ecosystems, livelihoods, and the socio-spatial dynamics of both urban and rural areas, particularly in semi-arid regions such as central Morocco. These territories, already marked by ecological fragility and water scarcity, are especially vulnerable to rising temperatures and recurrent droughts. While national strategies and institutional frameworks provide an essential backbone for climate adaptation, they often remain top-down in orientation and insufficiently connected to local realities. In this context, the engagement of citizens emerges as a decisive yet underutilized factor for strengthening community resilience. This study investigates the ecological and participatory dimensions of adaptation in the municipality of Settat, combining conceptual analysis with field surveys and participatory assessments. It explores how local populations perceive ecological transformations, including biodiversity loss, irregular rainfall patterns, and soil degradation, and how they translate these perceptions into practices of adaptation. Although findings reveal a growing awareness of environmental risks, they also point to the limited inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes. The research underlines the importance of nature-based solutions and participatory ecological tools as levers for building both social and ecological resilience. By advocating for the integration of ecosystem-based approaches into local governance and inclusive frameworks that empower communities as co-managers of climate risks, the study contributes to bridging policy with practice. Aligning local strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), it advances the field of applied and participatory ecology in climate-vulnerable contexts.