Ecosia’s Role in the Recovery of Morocco’s High Atlas Region After the Earthquake

In the wake of the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco, Ecosia pledged profits to the High Atlas Foundation, leading to the planting of 80,000 trees, repair of irrigation systems, and installation of solar panels in affected villages, thus aiding recovery and promoting sustainable practices in the region.

In September 2023, a significant earthquake struck Morocco, particularly affecting the High Atlas region, which resulted in the destruction of farms and livelihoods for many residents. In the aftermath, the search engine Ecosia took decisive action by committing all profits from a specific day of searching to the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) to facilitate infrastructure restoration and the planting of 200,000 trees as conditions permitted. A year later, the collaborative efforts of Ecosia and HAF have yielded successful results. Approximately 80,000 trees have been planted, multiple irrigation systems have been reinstated, and 60 solar panels have been installed in local villages. HAF President Yossef Ben-Meir highlighted that around 50,000 families were impacted by the earthquake, with some losing their homes and many still lacking adequate shelter. In a poignant statement, he remarked, “A village of 300 people lost half its people. Many villages were completely devastated, but in other areas the damage was centred around a very small space.” Ecosia’s Chief Tree Planting Officer, Pieter van Midwoud, expressed his conviction regarding the initiative, stating that dedicating a day’s profits was a “no brainer” for the organization. He elaborated, stating, “We are involved with close to 6,000 farmers in Morocco, and many of the people we know live in those villages. It is a moment where you put everything aside and say ‘we have to do this.’” Ecosia has been collaborating with the High Atlas Foundation and local farmers for eight years, undertaking various projects including the establishment of new nurseries to provide seedlings for the affected communities. The role of trees in the agricultural practices within the High Atlas region cannot be overstated. They are integral for preserving soil quality and enhancing resilience against erosion and climate change. In light of the earthquake’s impact, Ecosia has focused its efforts on aiding the most affected villages by restoring critical infrastructure, which includes terracing and solar panel installations. Ben-Meir emphasized the necessity of reviving water infrastructure systems to assist communities in rebuilding. Reflecting on their broader goals, Ben-Meir stated, “We are a community development organization. Many of these communities want to plant trees as they transition from barley and corn.” He also pointed out the compounded challenges brought by a six-year drought affecting the region’s residents and their rewilding initiatives. Furthermore, the partnership with Ecosia aims to create sustainable sources of income for local communities through initiatives such as tree planting. Van Midwoud mentioned that the nurseries, supported by Ecosia, are producing trees that meet farmers’ needs, creating self-sustaining enterprises. He stated, “We have basically created tree planting machines in the High Atlas mountain region, which is a great legacy to leave.”

The article discusses the recovery efforts in the High Atlas region of Morocco following a devastating earthquake that occurred in September 2023. The focus is on the impact of the disaster on local communities, specifically the destruction of farms and resources that many rely on for their livelihoods. The response from Ecosia, a search engine committed to environmental sustainability, demonstrates how corporate responsibility can play a role in disaster recovery and community support. Through their partnership with the High Atlas Foundation, significant strides have been made in restoring the region, particularly through tree planting and the repair of vital infrastructure.

In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of Ecosia and the High Atlas Foundation exemplify the positive impact that thoughtful corporate initiatives can have on community recovery following natural disasters. By dedicating resources to crucial recovery operations, including infrastructure restoration and sustainable agricultural practices, they have provided meaningful support to the people of the High Atlas region. The ongoing commitment to tree planting not only aids in the immediate recovery but establishes a foundation for sustainable development and resilience in the face of future challenges.

Original Source: www.forbes.com