Paper short abstract:

I would like to discuss the environmental and social dimensions of Morocco's ancient hydraulic techniques, in order to present a local vision. i will therefor focus on the social dimension (strengthening solidarity and cooperation ..) and the environmental aspect (preserving the ecosystem,...)

Paper long abstract:

By exploring the foundations and transformations of indigenous hydraulic techniques in Morocco, either to mobilise or to divide and distribute water, I intend to present the main values ignored by colonialism. Identifying their ecological and social dimensions is also an important way of recovering an important part of Morocco's indigenous technical memory, which has been underestimated by the engineers and technicians of the Protectorate, whose visions were based on numerical reasoning and economic logic. In addition, the ethnographic studies in the Protectorate period and the research of modern scholars focus on the analysis of ideals and beliefs related to water, such as myths, rituals, customs, charms and magic. The technical aspect of Moroccan water management is therefore too limited compared to their creativity and effectiveness in this field.

The researcher Mohamed El Faiz, an economic historian, has analyzed a famous "khettaras" and irrigation canals in the context of a natural landscape and a harmonious water heritage. Despite their simple form and widespread presence in many areas of the country's daily life, these techniques of sharing and distribution reveal the genius and intelligence of the Moroccans in mobilizing, sharing and transferring water.

We will therefore first discuss the environmental and social dimensions of Morocco's ancient hydraulic techniques. Secondly, we will focus on the social dimension (strengthening solidarity and cooperation - preserving the existing social order...) and the environmental aspect (preserving the ecosystem, providing water for birds and plants in an ecological way...).