The Great Palm Debate: Morocco's Urban Greening Dilemma

Monday 29 July 2024 - 16:00

In the sweltering heat of Morocco's summers, an unexpected controversy has taken root in the nation's cities. The proliferation of palm trees, once seen as a symbol of urban beautification, has sparked a heated debate among environmentalists, urban planners, and citizens alike.

At the heart of this green conflict stands "Morocco Environment 2050," an environmental movement that has been campaigning tirelessly against what they term the "random" planting of palm trees in Moroccan urban areas. For the past three years, this organization has been pressuring local authorities to halt the planting of these iconic trees outside their natural oasis habitats.

Salima Belemkaddem, president of "Morocco Environment 2050," minces no words in describing the situation. "This is an environmental crime with all elements in place," she asserts, emphasizing the detrimental impact on Morocco's rich biodiversity. The country, she notes, ranks second in terms of biodiversity in the Mediterranean basin, with each region boasting its unique flora and climate.

Critics argue that this "blind and excessive palmerization" not only misplaces the native date palms (Phoenix dactylifera) but also introduces an "intruder" from across the Atlantic - the American Washingtonia palm. This species, they claim, is incompatible with Moroccan soil, even in areas where local palms naturally thrive.

The environmental concerns extend beyond mere aesthetics. Belemkaddem points out that palm trees, particularly the tall varieties, are a costly burden on municipal budgets. More crucially, these trees fail to perform vital ecological roles outside their native habitats. Unlike other tree species, palms are ineffective at carbon dioxide absorption and soil erosion prevention. They also provide minimal shade unless planted in high density, further escalating costs.

The controversy has even sparked suspicions of commercial motivations. An anonymous former president of a wealthy Casablanca municipality suggested to Maroc Hebdo that influential figures might be profiting from the sale of Washingtonia palms. "A single palm tree can be expensive, and it can represent a lucrative market," the source remarked.

Environmental activists stress the need for a participatory approach in urban planning. El Mehdi Limina, coordinator of the associative coalition for environmental protection, attributes the palm tree proliferation in Casablanca to political actors' "disinterest" in environmental issues. He advocates for public debate and exchange to achieve optimal results, especially in the face of growing climate change challenges.

Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. The municipality of Chichaoua, near Marrakech, has committed to halting palm tree planting and replacing them with more suitable trees. Ain Chock, a district of Casablanca, promised to launch a tree-planting campaign last year. Additionally, a report by the Regional Court of Accounts on the Greater Casablanca Development Project (PDGC) recommended clarifying the relationship between Local Development Corporations and the municipality, particularly regarding project expenditure supervision.

As this green debate continues to unfold, it's clear that a more environmentally conscious and participatory approach to urban landscaping is crucial. The efforts of organizations like "Morocco Environment 2050" have brought this issue to the forefront, sparking necessary conversations about preserving each region's unique ecological identity and the importance of sustainable urban greening practices.

With growing awareness and pressure from environmental activists, there's hope that local authorities will increasingly prioritize planting tree species that respect the territorial and climatic characteristics of each area. By doing so, Morocco can safeguard its biodiversity, create more environmentally friendly urban spaces, and pave the way for a greener future for generations to come.