Connecting Visions for a Collaborative Development of El Oulfa Pond (Casablanca, Morocco): Involvement of Civil Society and Scientists

Abstract

In urban context, wetlands play a proven role in retaining pollution, alleviating the impacts of climate change, and enhancing the well-being of citizens. Managing these ecosystems requires formulating an integrated development policy reconciling protection, enhancement, and the satisfaction of economic and social needs. Achieving this goal requires the establishment of a holistic and collaborative vision that engages all stakeholders. This paper focuses on rehabilitating the El Oulfa Pond located in Casablanca, outlining the role of civil society and scientists in producing quantitative and qualitative data. This work aims to facilitate an informed decision-making process concerning the pond's development. The quantitative analysis enabled us to characterize the water quality and identify the biodiversity of El Oulfa pond. The outcomes underscore that 60% of the bird species whose presence around the pond is confirmed require a habitat in a wetland. Some species identified are classified as rare, or endangered. 23% of the recorded plants are indicative of a natural area of ecological Interest. These characteristics are important to take into consideration when developing the site. The biodiversity in El Oulfa pond could be jeopardized by significant water pollution. Indeed, the parameters of surface water monitored between 2015 and 2021 show concentrations that exceed the Moroccan thresholds relating to fish water quality. This suggests that for these parameters, the ecosystem does not provide conditions conducive to the maintenance of biodiversity. This pollution also poses challenges for residents who have expressed, during the open forum and interviews conducted in this study, the critical need for depollution and securing the pond before initiating any development. Building upon the study's findings, development strategies have been proposed to enhance the site and promote collective stewardship.