Morocco’s proposed 1,000 MW offshore wind project near Essaouira promises climate leadership and renewable energy for this Magreb country, but along this stretch of Atlantic coast, wind is more than energy. The coastline is culture, economy, and identity. Essaouira is a historic, windy port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast known for its UNESCO-listed 18th-century Medina, white-and-blue architecture, and the backdrop used in Game of Thrones.

The Essaouira wind project represents a major step for renewable energy in Africa. Scheduled to begin construction in 2029, this project on the Atlantic coast leverages strong, consistent winds of roughly 11 m/s to support the country’s goal of over 52% renewable energy by 2030.

While specific financiers have not yet been fully announced, the project is expected to attract a blend of public and private capital, drawing on several common sources used for large-scale renewable infrastructure in North Africa and Europe.

Essaouira is Morocco’s wind capital. Surfers and kitesurfers rely on its steady trade winds; local schools, rentals, and guesthouses depend on them. Offshore turbines are typically placed several kilometers out at sea, beyond surf breaks, meaning wave formation itself is unlikely to be directly affected. However, construction phases from vessel traffic, cable laying, temporary exclusion zones, all these could disrupt access during key seasons.

Then there is the view: Essaouira’s wide Atlantic horizon is part of its aesthetic appeal, especially during the internationally known Gnaoua World Music Festival, when thousands gather along the seafront. Studies from Europe suggest that visual impact can influence tourism perception, particularly in heritage or festival cities. Developers often mitigate this by pushing turbines farther offshore, reducing skyline dominance.

Coastal ecosystems present a more complex issue. Offshore wind foundations can alter seabed habitats but may also create artificial reef effects that increase marine biodiversity over time. The greater concern often involves bird migration and collision risks.

Scotland offers useful lessons. In projects such as Hywind Scotland, environmental monitoring has shown that careful siting by avoiding major migratory corridors does significantly reduces bird mortality. Developers there use radar tracking, seasonal curtailment (temporarily slowing turbines during peak migration), and pre-construction avian studies to protect seabirds and raptors.

Morocco sits along critical migratory flyways between Europe and West Africa. Baseline ornithological data will be essential before construction begins. Noise during pile-driving can also disturb marine mammals; mitigation measures used in the North Sea, such as bubble curtains to dampen underwater sound, could be adapted.

Related: travel with teens to the Kasbah in Morocco

The question is not whether offshore wind and coastal culture can coexist. In Scotland, Denmark, and Portugal, surfers now share horizons with turbines. The question is whether Morocco designs this project with local identity at the table. If done thoughtfully, Essaouira could become a symbol of how renewable energy integrates with living coastlines rather than erasing them.

International best practice increasingly requires community consultation and free, prior, and informed consent processes, particularly when projects affect cultural landscapes. While Morocco does not have the same legal frameworks as some countries with formally recognized Indigenous status regimes, global lenders and European partners often require social impact assessments that include cultural stakeholders.

If the offshore wind project proceeds, inclusive consultation will be critical:

• Festival organizers and cultural leaders

• Local fishermen’s cooperatives

• Tourism operators and surf communities

• Environmental NGOs and bird conservation groups

In Canada, energy projects also pay restitution to indigenous people. In Essaouira, the Amazigh (Berber), especially the Chiadma and Haha tribes, are the original inhabitants of the Essaouira region, with Tamazight language and traditions still rooted in the surrounding countryside.

The Gnaoua, descendants of West Africans brought through historic trans-Saharan trade, are not indigenous in origin but are a deeply embedded spiritual and cultural community whose music defines the city’s global identity. Essaouira also once hosted one of Morocco’s most significant Jewish communities, whose legacy remains visible in the historic Mellah despite large-scale emigration in the 20th century after they were persecuted.

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The Purim holiday is coming up next week: this year, 2026, it occurs from the evening of March 2nd until the evening of March 3rd. (In Jerusalem, where Shushan Purim is celebrated, the festival takes place on the following day, from March 3rd to March 4th.) Read about Purim and building a good society here.

There’s feasting at home on the night and the next day, and to make sure everyone gets good things to eat, families send out packages of treats to friends and neighbors. Traditional goodies are hamentaschen, and other treats like our chocolate nut clusters .

Now here’s another treat for sending around: a delicate nut-filled Moroccan pastry called Haman’s Fingers. It’s a sweet take on savory Moroccan cigars.

Haman’s Fingers
Yield: 20 rolled pastries

Pastry Ingredients
2 cups whole walnuts
2 cups whole almonds
½ cup sugar syrup (recipe below)
1 tsp orange blossom water (optional)
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cardamom
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp kosher salt
15 sheets of frozen phyllo pastry, thawed overnight in the refrigerator
1 stick (½ cup) melted butter

Syrup Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 tsp orange blossom water or 1 tbsp lemon juice
Zest of 1 orange

Directions

Remove the phyllo dough from the freezer to the fridge the night before starting. 2 hours before starting, remove the package from the fridge to room temperature. When ready to start, open the package and cover the phyllo with a damp towel or plastic wrap, to prevent drying out.

Make the syrup:
Bring water and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat to a steady simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until syrup has reduced to about ⅔ cup. Add orange blossom water or lemon juice and orange zest. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the filling:
Place the walnuts and almonds in a food processor. Pulse until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, with some chunks.
Add ½ cup of the sugar syrup and the cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, salt, and optional orange blossom water. Pulse another couple of times until mixture comes together. Don’t overwork the filling; you don’t want a smooth paste, bu a mixture with some texture.

Roll the pastry:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place a sheet of baking parchment on your work surface. Melt the butter (30 seconds in the microwave should do it) and set it aside to cool.
Place 1 sheet of phyllo on the baking parchment. Brush with melted butter. Place a second sheet over it, brush with butter. Do the same with a third sheet, finishing with brushed butter.
Roll the filling into a tube shape on a clean surface. Place it half an inch from the edge of the phyllo layers, on the long side. Carefully roll up the dough. Slice it into 4 pieces.
Transfer the cigars to the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling.

Glaze the fingers:
Brush the finished cigars with more butter and then brush generously with syrup. There will be some syrup left for a final glazing.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden. Remove from oven and while still hot, brush with additional syrup to glaze.
Trim any filling that oozed out of the “fingers” off with a knife.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Recipe and photo via Chabad.org

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As our twins enter their last year of high school, we are acutely aware of the passage of time. We feel a strong pull to linger and savour our moments together. So at the end of the summer, with our national airline in Canada on the verge of a strike, we booked a 10-day trip to Morocco.  Looking to slow down our experience of time, we wanted to learn from people with different stories and life paths.

We focused on doing and learning.  We crafted with master artisans – carving wood, etching plaster and stamping copper. We cooked tagines and couscous with a local family, baked bread in the community oven, and walked the winding pathways of medina streets in Marrakesh and Fez. We travelled by train and car while delighting in raw landscapes, beautifully spiced food, colourful architecture, and connecting deeply with the people we met.

Between Marrakesh and Fez, we booked 2 nights in the small mountain village of Imlil, in the High Atlas Mountains, to experience nature and life outside Morocco’s more urban centres. Despite its proximity to and easy travel from Marrakesh, Imlil felt dramatically different. We stayed at the Kasbah du Toubkal which is much more than a boutique hotel.

The Kasbah du Toubkal

The Kasbah du Toubkal is set high on a hilltop overlooking the village of Imlil with North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, behind it. Unique in its approach to tourism, the Kasbah was founded upon and reflects an intentional set of ethical principles that aims to promote Berber values of hospitality, community connection, environmental preservation and cultural harmony.

The Kasbah is grounded in a story of true partnership and friendship between two people, British and Berber, which is infused into every aspect. Mike McHugo and Hajj Maurice met in 1978 and the Kasbah opened in 1995, with the shared belief that the Kasbah be built in collaboration and connection with the local Berber community.

Hajj Maurice and his wife Hajja Arkia (who welcomed us with a hug) along with their team from the local community, manage the day to day operations. A core value of the Kasbah is to share the beauty of Toubkal National Park with anyone who respects it, thereby offering a range of accommodation and pricing to ensure it is widely accessible to a diverse group of guests.

The arrival

Only 1.5 hours from Marrakesh, up winding pink mountainous roads, we arrived at the Berber village of Imlil in anticipation of the mystery that awaited us. After a warm greeting, we began our walk up a steep rugged trail to the Kasbah, passing by families from the local communities and towering gnarled walnut trees, grateful to the mule accompanying us, our bags strapped to her back. After 15 minutes, we reached the dark etched wooden doors of the Kasbah eager to experience what lay beyond them.

The Kasbah’s doors opened into a mystical realm of intricate stone pathways, arched doorways and hidden alleyways. Nature surrounds, with mature fruit trees, colourful flowers, looming mountains, villages and waterfalls dotting the landscape. Large sitting areas with colourful traditional decor and fireplaces, interspersed throughout, offer panoramic views and facilitate connection among guests.

We were welcomed with fresh mint tea and nuts which we enjoyed while sinking into colourful pillows, the imposing mountains ablaze with the bright afternoon sun. We could hear the soulful call to prayer being sung from the village mosques further grounding us in this spiritual moment. Our kids sat at the edge of the newly built infinity pool looking out on the multi-coloured rock, still processing the previous days’ experiences in Marrakesh.

We ate dinner on the upper terrace as the sun set across the valley, the sun illuminating the towering peaks surrounding us. Dinner, prepared in house, included warm fresh bread with butter, black and green olives, potato soup eaten with long wooden ladles, fresh dates, and chicken tagine with preserved lemons, potatoes rice and carrots – beautifully presented on clay dishes.

That night we went to sleep in our family suite to the cacophony of sounds from the surrounding villages echoing across the valley, of children playing, and animals bellowing, making the mountains feel alive and comforting in the darkness of the night.

The Kasbah offers many types of accommodation from en-suite rooms, to full private self-contained houses. We stayed in a two-level family suite with colourful decor, hand-woven carpets and carved wooden doors. Upstairs there was a full kitchen, living room, dining room, indoor fireplace, and an outdoor terrace overlooking fruit-laden fig trees. The Kasbah also offers its guests the opportunity to sleep under the stars on carpets and under blankets which we hope to experience someday.

Mount Toubkal and Trekking

The next morning, we woke up early for a guided hike arranged by the Kasbah. We fueled up with breakfast from a display of wooden bowls filled with nuts, dried fruits (prunes, figs, apricots), cereal, and yogurt. The warm bread and crepes were served with butter, cheese, honey, hardboiled eggs, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

We set off with our guide, Abdul, on a half day rigorous hike. Following a stream, we eased in with a tour of local villages, then up a steep climb through the Toubkal National Park. Mountain trails took us through turquoise, red, orange and purple boulders where we spotted elusive squirrels darting in and out of the rocky cracks. We passed bee hives, apple orchards, and snacked on wild blackberries. We descended steep stairs built into the rocks to waterfalls, where families splashed in swimming holes and enjoyed tagines cooked on open coals.

Our guide told us stories of village life and explained the nature all around us. He told us his father used to ski between villages in winter until global warming took away most of the snow and that before electricity arrived in 1997, people used to communicate by yelling across the valley. These few hours only gave us a taste of the potential to explore this rugged region. The Kasbah offers multi-day treks including the ascent of Mount Toubkal.

That afternoon, we swam in the Kasbah’s new infinity pool, that holds a 270-degree vista of the surrounding mountains, villages and valleys. This pool was added during a major rebuild after an earthquake in September 2023 devastated the area and destroyed parts of the Kasbah. It is a beautiful addition that can be enjoyed by families. We met other guests from England and Wales who were resting up by the pool before commencing their multi-day trek up Mount Toubkal.

After our swim, we visited the traditional Hammam on the grounds of the Kasbah. Wooden doors enclose a room full of hot steam heated by wood fire. We covered ourselves with black soap and an exfoliating glove softened our skin. We felt even more alive after the cold plunge in the marbled mosaic tile bath under the high arches and windows to the sky.

Connection to the local community

A core principle of the Kasbah is to ensure that it operates in harmony with and of benefit to the surrounding communities recognizing that it is itself a guest of the local Berbers and seeking to learn. A 5% levy is charged on the Kasbah’s services which is then directed to the Imlil Village Association to fund community projects including: building the first community hammam (bath house), creating a garbage disposal system, initiating the first two ambulances to serve the area, improving water safety in surrounding villages, and the creation of the organization Education For All to promote access to secondary education for girls from the High Atlas mountains including the building of a home for girls to board while attending school away from their families.

The founders’ longstanding commitment to education emanated from when they began leading educational tours in Morocco for school and college students long before the Kasbah was built.

Sustainability

The Kasbah was created in accordance with the principles of responsible tourism and sustainability. Highly conscious of the risk of greenwashing, the founders have intentionally sought to ensure the Kasbah benefits the community and also protects cultural traditions. Built before there was electricity in the region, workers from the surrounding villages used traditional building techniques (without electrical tools) and local materials, carried in by hand or with the assistance of mules. The fresh spring water is safe for drinking, and the Kasbah encourages the use of re-usable water bottles rather than plastic ones. The fruits, vegetables and meat are all locally sourced.

Standing on the terrace staring out at the mesmerizing landscape as the sun set behind High Atlas mountains, I reflect upon the passage of time in our parenting journey. Words cannot capture the mystery of the Kasbah du Toubkal – the magic of which must be experienced.

Walking well-trodden mountain pathways, eating fresh local food, and learning about the transformative work embedded in the Kasbah’s approach to tourism has now been imparted to our children. We hope, in turn, these experiences will serve to inform their contributions in the world as they continue to grow. Don’t wait, Morocco is on everyone’s bucket list. Growth and change are inevitable.

::Kasbah du Toubkal website

Karen Spector lives in Toronto with her husband, three kids, and three cats. She loves to engage in slow travel with her family, explore nature, and learn about local crafting and colourful textiles.

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A new study by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) paints a stark picture of agricultural land degradation, particularly in the Arab region. More than 46 million hectares—nearly two-thirds of all land suffering human-induced damage in the region—are now at risk. The findings, published in Agriculture (MDPI), stress the urgent need to restore degraded land to safeguard food supplies, especially where climate pressures are mounting.

The Arab Spring started because of the price of bread and the lack of water resources to grow food. The civil war in Syria began for the same reasons. As the Arab world gets drier, conflicts in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan will only get more intense.

Globally, an estimated 1.66 billion hectares of land have been degraded by human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, mismanaged irrigation, and heavy chemical use. Over 60 percent of that damage falls on croplands and pastures—the soils that feed 95 percent of the world’s population. If allowed to worsen, degradation could undercut entire agrifood systems and the communities that depend on them.

Related: this greenhouse technology grows food on salty aquifers 

Across the Arab world, croplands face a perfect storm of stressors. Excessive fertilizers and pesticides erode soil ecology. Poor drainage and over-irrigation drive salinization, leaving fields crusted with salt. Rising temperatures, dwindling groundwater, and more frequent sand-and-dust storms—all amplified by climate change—compound the crisis. These are unmistakably human-driven pressures, and they are accelerating. Consider that Morocco lost half its wheat last year from drought. How many more migrants and climate refugees from the Middle East and North Africa can Europe accept? The solution is to help.

Less than 4 percent of degraded land in the Arab region is currently earmarked for restoration. FAO analysts calculate that rehabilitating 26 million hectares of worn-out cropland could trim yield gaps by as much as 50 percent for oil crops and lift cereals, roots, and tubers toward their full potential—a direct boost to local food security and rural incomes.

The study urges governments, farmers, investors, and researchers to adopt integrated soil, water, and land-management strategies designed to stop further degradation and rebuild fertility. Rather than relying on one-off projects, it recommends coordinated regional programs that share data, finance, and know-how—tailored to the diverse ecological zones from Morocco’s Atlantic coast to Iraq’s river valleys. Israel has water technologies from water companies such as Netafim to help rip irrigation deliver more drops per crop.

Momentum is growing. Recent ministerial meetings in Riyadh committed to ambitious restoration targets, and the UN’s FAO-backed NENA Regional Investment Framework for Ecosystem Restoration is lining up “champion countries” to pilot scalable projects. Innovative tools such as the Suitability Crop Platform—an open database of soil profiles, climate metrics, and crop requirements—are making it easier for farmers and planners to match the right crops to recovering lands.

See this museum of Middle East soil in the UAE

Healthy soils do more than grow food. They store carbon, regulate water, and support biodiversity—services that underpin every other climate-adaptation effort. By restoring degraded fields, countries in the Arab region can build jobs, reduce rural poverty, and bolster resilience against heat and drought. The lesson is clear: investing in the ground beneath our feet is the fastest way to secure food sovereignty in a hotter, drier future.

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A prolonged drought in Morocco is causing serious problems for the agricultural sector. Local Authorities predict that the 2024 wheat harvest will be reduced by almost 50 per cent. The Arab Spring happened during a drought and raising wheat prices. Can we expect upheaval in the Magreb connected to this prolonged drought?

This image above, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 3 August 2024, shows the province of Sidi Kacem, once the heart of cereal production in Morocco, but largely uncultivated this year due to a lack of water to irrigate crops.

According to the UN unit to combat desertification, Morocco is facing a severe crisis that threatens its agriculture and food security. A six-year drought, exacerbated by climate change, has deeply impacted the country’s cereal farmers, whose fields of wheat, maize, and barley once sustained both human and livestock consumption.

The drought has not only reduced crop yields but has also transformed Morocco’s agricultural landscape, leading to significant economic and social challenges. As Morocco grapples with these difficulties, the government and agricultural sector are employing innovative strategies to combat the water crisis and safeguard the nation’s food supply.

Moroccan agricultural production consists of wheat, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, olives, and olive oil. They also grow argan seeds for Moroccan oil.

The Impact of Drought on Morocco’s Agriculture

Morocco’s agriculture sector is highly vulnerable to changing climate patterns, especially the delayed and inconsistent rainfall that has plagued the country for years. Cereals, which occupy the majority of Morocco’s farmland, have seen a dramatic decline in both yield and acreage.

Visit a Moroccan farm:

In 2023, Morocco’s wheat harvest is projected to yield only 3.4 million tons, compared to the 6.1 million tons harvested the previous year. This decline has forced many farmers to leave their fields fallow, reducing both productivity and income.

The ongoing drought has also led to a reliance on wheat imports to meet domestic demand. Between January and June 2023, Morocco imported nearly 2.5 million tons of wheat, primarily from France.

However, this solution may not be sustainable, as France itself faces declining harvests due to similar climate challenges. The Food and Agriculture Organization ranked Morocco as the sixth-largest wheat importer in the world in 2023, highlighting the growing dependence on external sources for staple foods.

Recognizing the severity of the drought, the Moroccan government has intensified its efforts to address the country’s water scarcity. One key initiative is the implementation of a national water management strategy, aligned with guidelines set out by King Mohammed VI. This comprehensive strategy aims to mitigate the impact of the drought through water conservation measures and the diversification of water sources.

Seawater desalination has emerged as a cornerstone of Morocco’s water management efforts. Currently, the country operates 12 desalination plants with a total capacity of 179.3 million cubic meters of water per year. Morocco is also building desalination plants with France.

Plans are in place to construct seven additional desalination plants by 2027, which will increase capacity by another 143 million cubic meters. This ambitious plan reflects Morocco’s commitment to addressing its annual water demand, which exceeds 16 billion cubic meters—87% of which is used for agriculture. Yet, over the past five years, available water resources have not surpassed 5 million cubic meters annually, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Early studies suggest that better water management practices such as water metering can help stop the quick decline of aquifers.

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The king of Morocco has decided to pardon 5,000 farmers convicted of illegal cannabis cultivation, the justice ministry said in a statement on Monday.

Morocco is now a major cannabis producer and has legislated the cultivation, export and use of the drug for medicine or in industry since 2021, but it does not allow it to be used for recreational purposes. Cannabis extracts such as CBD has been found to be helpful to treat autism and epilepsy.

The latest pardon by King Mohammed VI would encourage farmers “to engage in the legal process of cannabis cultivation to improve their revenue and living conditions,” Mohammed El Guerrouj, the head of Moroccan cannabis regulator ANRAC, told Reuters.

Morocco’s first legal cannabis harvest weighed 294 metric tons back in 2023, according to officials.

This year it is expected to be higher as the number of farming permits increases officials allow farmers to cultivate a local strain called Beldia.

About a million people live in northern Morocco where cannabis is now the main economic activity. People have been growing and smoking it for generations, along with tobacco in long-stemmed pipes.

Legalization was meant to stop trafficking and improve the farmers’ income. It has awarded 54 export permits last year. Here is a great research article on the history and challenges of cannabis and medical marijuana in Morocco from 2017.

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Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm, Saudi Arabia

Standing majestically in the northern deserts of Saudi Arabia, the Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm is a true marvel of engineering. Boasting a capacity of 400 megawatts (MW), it is the largest wind farm in the Middle East. With 99 towering turbines supplied by GE Renewable Energy, this project is set to power around 70,000 homes and significantly reduce carbon emissions in the kingdom. The $500M USD project was commissioned by Saudi Aramco and delivered by the UAE’s Masdar and EDF from France.

Al Rajef Wind Farm, Jordan

The Al Rajef Wind Farm is a testament to Jordan’s commitment to renewable energy. With a capacity of 117 MW, it comprises 34 turbines supplied by Vestas. Since its inauguration in 2019, it has been a vital contributor to Jordan’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy security.

Al Marmoom Wind Farm, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, known for its skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, is also leading the charge towards sustainability with the Al Marmoom Wind Farm. This project, located in the expansive Al Marmoom desert, boasts a capacity of 100 MW. With 30 turbines supplied by Siemens Gamesa, it is a cornerstone of Dubai’s vision to become a global hub for clean energy.

Ma’an Wind Farm, Jordan

The Ma’an Wind Farm, situated in the Ma’an Governorate of southern Jordan, is another shining example of the region’s renewable energy ambitions. Operational since 2018, it has a capacity of 86 MW, comprising 27 turbines supplied by Vestas. This project underscores Jordan’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth.

Gilboa Wind Farm, Israel

Israel, known for its innovation and technological prowess, is harnessing the power of the wind with the Gilboa Wind Farm. Located on the picturesque slopes of Mount Gilboa, this project is a beacon of Israel’s renewable energy aspirations. With a capacity of 169 MW, it is one of the largest wind farms in the country, contributing significantly to Israel’s clean energy goals and reducing its carbon footprint.

Tafila Wind Farm, Jordan:

Located in the Tafilah Governorate of Jordan, the Tafila wind farm has been operational since 2015. With a capacity of 117 MW, it consists of 38 turbines supplied by Vestas. The Tafila Wind Farm plays a crucial role in Jordan’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and meet its growing energy demands sustainably.

Alta’ir Wind Farm, Saudi Arabia:

Situated in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, the Alta’ir Wind Farm is one of the kingdom’s pioneering renewable energy projects. With a capacity of 50 MW, it comprises 16 turbines supplied by Vestas. Operational since 2020, the Alta’ir Wind Farm contributes to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals for renewable energy deployment and economic diversification.

Jbel Sendouq Wind Farm, Morocco:

While not geographically part of the Middle East, Morocco’s Jbel Sendouq Wind Farm (the Khalladi wind farm) is worth mentioning for its impact on renewable energy in North Africa. Situated near Tangier, this wind farm has a capacity of 115 MW, making it one of the largest in the region. Operational since 2020, it contributes significantly to Morocco’s renewable energy targets and efforts to mitigate climate change.

The wind farm was developed by ACWA Power in collaboration with ARIF investment fund, is the first private renewable energy project in the country. It has been developed under a renewable energy law that allows private producers to sell electricity directly to clients connected to the high voltage and medium voltage grid, mainly industrial companies.

Wind and the rest of the Middle East?

In recent news the UAE’s Masdar plans on building a wind farm in Bahrain. That soon will be added to the growing list.

Oman is planning the Harweel Wind Farm is a 199.4MW onshore wind power project. It is planned in Dhofar, Oman. According to GlobalData, who tracks and profiles over 170,000 power plants worldwide, the project is currently at the partially active stage.

Kuwait has 5 wind turbines installed: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has developed the innovative Shagaya Renewable Energy Project, which constitutes the first phase (Phase I) of an ambitious Master Plan to generate approximately 3.2GW at the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park.

Iran announced in 2023 that it will build wind farms of 3000MW. New sanctions for its support on terror will likely stall these ambitions. The Iranian regime is currently supporting terror groups such as the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas. New sanctions against them will stall growth in all sectors of its economy including renewables.

Despite being a global supplier of wind turbines, Vestas, the world’s number one wind turbine maker, said it swung to a 75-million-euro ($80-million) loss in the first quarter of this and warned “geopolitical volatility” would continue to cause uncertainty. Revenue fell 5.2 percent to 2.68 billion euros in the first three months of the year, compared to the same period a year earlier. Its net loss followed a net profit of 16 million euros in the first quarter of 2023.

Who are the leading wind turbine manufacturers?

Vestas, Siemens Gamesa, Goldwind, Nordex and Enercon.

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Scientists reveal secrets to Earth’s magnificent desert star dunes, found in Asia, African –– and on Mars

Star dunes, or pyramid dunes, have fascinated historians and captured the imaginations of indigenous people seeking wisdom and meaning. They can be found in Asia, Africa and on Mars and they move around from time to time, rising up to about 1000 feet at their peak. Scientists believe they understand the mechanics of star dunes, by observing a star dune in eastern Morocco called Lala Lallia, meaning ‘highest sacred point’ in local Berber tongue.

The researchers used radar to look inside the dune applying luminescence dating to determine how long Lala Lallia has taken to form, a method that looks at the amount of energy trapped inside the grains of sand. The answer: it started growing about 13,000 years ago, shifted directions and 900 years ago started accumulating roughly 6,400 metric tons of sand annually as wind relentlessly blows sand through the desert.

Read Also: Can you believe the world is running out of sand?

Only about 10% of the world’s sand dunes are star dunes. Driving on sand dunes is a past-time in the Sahara and the Middle East. But Green Prophet’s writer Ajmal bashes dune bashing saying it destroys nature. Trekking by camel or on foot is better, and if you are flexible, watch what you can do on sand dunes below.

“I first encountered star dunes in Namibia 20 years ago, and was instantly amazed at the size of them. I have a vivid memory of the long climb to the top, struggling up very loose sand in the heat of the day,” said geographer Geoff Duller of Aberystwyth University in Wales, co-author of the study published in the journal Scientific Reports.

He told the Deccan Herald:

“I find desert dunes very beautiful,” Duller added. “The sight of the sinuous curves, and the way that the light and shadow changes with the sun mean that they always look different, whether that is in the cool of the morning, the midday sun or near sunset. The different colours of sand in different deserts are also very striking, with yellow, white, red and even black dunes in different parts of the world.”

Earth’s largest star dunes can be found in the the Badain Jaran desert in western China. There are also sand seas in Algeria such as the Grand Erg Oriental and Grand Erg Occidental, and Rub’ al Khali in Saudi Arabia.

Want more on sand? This artist’s work blows back to the sand in Saudi Arabia. 

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Bread holds a special place in Middle Eastern culture, serving not only as a staple food but also as a symbol of hospitality, community, and tradition. The diverse and rich history of the Middle East is reflected in its bread-making techniques, which vary across regions. In this guide, we’ll explore the fascinating world of Middle Eastern bread traditions, from the ingredients used to the methods employed in creating these delectable staples.

1. Varieties of Middle Eastern Bread: Middle Eastern countries boast a wide array of bread varieties, each with its unique flavor, texture, and purpose. Some of the most prominent types include:
   • Pita Bread (Khobz/Arabic Bread): A round, flatbread with a pocket, perfect for stuffing with various ingredients or for eating with olive oil and za’atar.
   • Naan: A leavened, oven-baked flatbread common in Iran, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East.
   • Lavash: A thin, unleavened flatbread with a soft texture, often used for wrapping or dipping. Lavash is one of the most widespread types of bread in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey.
   • Markook: Also known as “Arabian Mountain Bread,” this thin, unleavened bread is commonly enjoyed in Levantine countries. Markook shrak is a type of thin bread. The dough is unleavened and usually made with only flour, water, and salt, and after being rested and divided into round portions, flattened and spread across a round cushion until it is thin then flipped onto the saj. It is often folded and put in bags before being sold.
   • Jump down to the bottom of this article where you will get recipes for breads from Morocco, Yemen, Iraq, The Emirates, Yemen, Israel and Jordan.
2. Traditional Techniques:

   

   • Tandoor Oven: In some regions, bread is baked in a traditional tandoor oven, which imparts a unique smoky flavor and a characteristic texture.
   • Griddle Baking: Flatbreads like pita and lavash are often cooked on a griddle or saj (convex griddle), allowing for quick and even cooking.
   • Sourdough Fermentation: Some traditional breads, such as Persian Barbari, use natural sourdough fermentation for leavening, resulting in a tangy flavor.
3. Ceremonial and Festive Breads:

   

   • Eid Bread: During festive occasions like Eid, special bread varieties are prepared, such as the sweet Iranian Noon-e Sheereen. They resemble the festive bread of the Bukharian Jews.
   • Wedding Bread: In many Middle Eastern cultures, weddings are celebrated with elaborate bread designs and decorations, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. In Spain there is wedding bread dance where the bread goes on the head.
4. Culinary Customs:
   • Bread as a Utensil: In some Middle Eastern countries, bread is used as a utensil for scooping up food, emphasizing communal eating.

     

   • Bread and Dips: Various breads are served alongside an assortment of dips, like hummus, baba ganoush, and tahini.

Middle Eastern bread traditions are deeply rooted in history, reflecting the diverse cultures and culinary practices of the region. Whether it’s the comforting aroma of baking bread in a tandoor or the joy of tearing into a freshly baked pita, the bread culture in the Middle East is a testament to the importance of this humble yet essential food item in daily life. As you delve into the world of Middle Eastern bread, you’ll discover not only delicious flavors but also a rich tapestry of traditions that have stood the test of time.

Get some Middle East bread recipes? 

• Olive and za’atar foccacia
• Traditional Emirati khameer bread
• Simit, Iraqi Bagel
• Moroccan Anise Flatbread
• Yemenite Whole Wheat Pita
• Zalabya, Bread With Black Cumin Seeds

The post A Journey into Middle Eastern Bread Traditions appeared first on Green Prophet.

The Berrechid plain has historically been known as Morocco’s granary for its vast production of cereals and fodder and more recently, it has been an important legume production hub. But farming in Morocco has become difficult over the last decade with climate change.

Over the past two decades, the plain has seen a disorderly intensification of irrigation. Between 2007 and 2017, carrot production, for instance, increased by about 500 percent. Despite the immediate economic gains, this process has been one of the causes of the over-exploitation of the Berrechid aquifer, whose more than 95 percent of pumped water goes to agriculture. The UN and partnering bodies determined in a recent study that by stopping illegal irrigation from farmers, they can slow the destruction of a life-giving aquifer. The answer: water meters.

Today, the Berrechid aquifer is one of the most depleted in Morocco. More water has been taken from the aquifer than its natural capacity to recharge. The reserve has recorded an annual deficit of 32 million cubic metres (the equivalent of 12 800 Olympic-size swimming pools) due to overuse and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns. The aquifer also suffers from increasing levels of pollution from agricultural activities. Drip irrigation, a modern method of farming developed by Israel, has increased in Morocco, making farming less of a back breaking job.

Drip irrigation, a marvel of agricultural technology, has its roots in the arid landscapes of Israel and the ancient ingenuity of desert farming. Simcha Blass, an Israeli engineer, drew inspiration from the ancient qanat system, a remarkable underground aqueduct system used by ancient civilizations, and introduced the concept of drip irrigation in the 1960s, with the pioneering support of companies like Netafim.

Rural communities and farmers in Berrechid rely on this essential aquifer to live and to grow the crops on which their household incomes and food security rely.

Though the country had established legal and institutional systems to regulate groundwater use, for several years, most wells in the area were neither declared nor monitored. Water charges were unpaid and illegal drilling accelerated the aquifer’s depletion.

“Life becomes more difficult with water shortages,” says Said Fikri, a farmer in Berrechid. “We need sustainable agriculture that does not deplete water, so our children can continue our work.”

Mounting pressure

The case in Berrechid sheds light on some of the major concerns about water management in Morocco at large. The country faces “structural water stress” due to population growth combined with climate change and growing urban and industrial demand for water.

Like in Morocco, water is incredibly precious in all of the Near East and North Africa. Freshwater availability in the region is around one-tenth of the global average, having decreased by 78 percent between 1962 and 2018, compared with a global reduction of 59 percent over the same period.

While a few decades ago, wells would pump water from 50 metres beneath the surface, now it is nearly three times deeper, compounding the difficulties in accessing water resources.

A watershed deal in a watershed plain

In 2011, the Hydraulic Basin Agency of Bouregreg and Chaouia (ABH-BC) – a governmental division overseeing the use of water in the Bouregreg and Chaouia areas, which includes the Berrechid aquifer – began negotiating a water governance arrangement to stem the groundwater deficit in Berrechid and ensure the sustainable management of these resources.

In November 2021, this process, facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), resulted in the signing of two contracts between ABH-BC and two associations of water users, as a first step towards a broader contract that will go beyond agriculture and engage all concerned actors in the Berrechid watershed.

The contracts grant authorization and regulate the annual use of groundwater per hectare. Farmers are required to install water metres, pay fees and communicate the volumes consumed on a quarterly basis.

Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, FAO’s Water efficiency, productivity and sustainability in the NENA regions project supported the Moroccan government by providing scientific evidence on water availability and productivity and facilitating dialogue. FAO helped bring the different parties together to sensitize them about the gravity of the aquifer depletion, stress the importance of having a long-term agreement and facilitate their engagement.

The success of the agreement between the government and two private associations, represents a milestone for Morocco and the region at large.

“The governance process that took place over the past decade was a remarkable example of participatory process that culminated in a responsible way of looking at the aquifer, one that is conscious of future generations and reflects how different public and private actors can collaborate when they have the right motivation and conditions for it,” highlights Abdelhak Laiti, Assistant FAO Representative in Morocco.

Common ground

Throughout the years, the decreasing availability of the resource and increasing tensions and competition over groundwater have gradually given way to a spirit of cooperation between farmers and State regulators. The collection and dissemination of data on groundwater overexploitation has demonstrated that there is no time for disagreement.

This process also helped build understanding and trust between the government and the farmers. While previously farmers resisted signing an aquifer contract, today they are the ones who champion it.

To complement the governance process, FAO ran farmer field schools to support farmers in undertaking more sustainable management of natural resources.

“The project provided us with valuable information on irrigation issues and agricultural practices, allowing us to reduce quantities of water used, and therefore reduce production costs and improve our income,” says the owner of a carrot field in Jakma commune, Berrechid.

“Thanks to this, we have saved 50 percent of water compared to gravity irrigation,” exclaims Said.

Strengthening sustainable and inclusive water governance is a living process. Continued dialogue and transparency, as well as investment in accurate data, will be key to preventing any future conflicts that could arise due to lack of information or inequalities in access to water resources.

The post Moroccan farms and aquifer saved by water metering appeared first on Green Prophet.