Morocco's water crisis

This study assesses how changes in climate will affect the water supply-demand relationship in Morocco and how hotels can better adapt to future water scarcity issues. Since a lot of studies have already focused on the Mediterranean, it is important to look at Morocco as an emerging tourism destination and additional water consumer. Due to climate change and socioeconomic development including tourism development, increasing pressure is put upon already scarce water resources in Morocco. By the end of the century, temperature is projected to have risen by 2-3°C and precipitation decreased by 40-60%, which enhances water stress significantly. Through literature review and desk research, a reduction target for the overall water demand has been determined to be around 40% of which 10% is attributed to the hotel industry. A field trip to Morocco, which included informal interviews and questionnaires, helped to compile data on hotels’ water consumption and water source. Eleven hotels participated in the study. On average, hotels are consuming 310 litres of water per guest night, which is mostly sourced from the public network/municipality or from wells. The gathered information has been used to develop adaptation strategies. Direct water saving options in hotels, the use of renewable water resources and desalination plants have been identified as viable options to reduce water consumption and to boost water supply. Changes in the water management and stewardship are pivotal for long-term sustainable development in Morocco.

Author: W. Homes (2017)