By Yossef Ben-Meir, Ph.D
President of the High Atlas Foundation

We are in the midst of a wrenching drought in Morocco.  There is ultimately no greater relief than rain.   There are though actions we can take together to help safeguard drinking water and the survival of the organic fruit trees we planted.

Water conservation basically comes down to containment and efficiency, and empowered local community management.  In arid places, we also need to deepen wells.  Basins and pipes conserve water by eliminating seepage and enabling us to irrigate with better precision.  They also help to purify the water and reduce water born diseases and infant mortality.  Deepening wells by even five meters we can significantly reduce the economic shock of the drought, and stem food insecurity.

The High Atlas Foundation and community partners achieve these water conservation and supply initiatives, and we must do much more.  If we can provide only the materials to build efficient water delivery systems, the people will take it from there and contribute all the needed work for installation.  Can we meet them halfway?

From struggle can come opportunity, and unity.  In Morocco, we are all wishing for the same thing – rain and rain and more.  Until then, and as we prepare for the future, we are also unified in our need for water infrastructure in order to best utilize the resources that we do have.  Join our shared purpose, and help us implement the common priority of the Moroccan people.